India has approved its first geothermal power project in Ladakh’s Puga Valley, where Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will establish a 1 MW pilot plant at over 14,000 feet altitude.
This pioneering initiative will harness underground heat and steam, making it one of the world’s highest geothermal energy projects and a milestone in India’s clean energy journey.
The Puga Valley in eastern Ladakh has long been recognised as India’s most promising geothermal site. Located within the Himalayan geothermal belt, the valley is rich in hot springs, sulphur deposits, and high underground heat flow. Scientists have studied the area for decades, but commercial progress was delayed due to extreme terrain, remoteness, and high development costs.
ONGC has now overcome these challenges, successfully drilling India’s deepest geothermal well at 1,000 metres despite harsh weather and subsurface conditions.
The project is being developed under a five-year extension of the memorandum of understanding between ONGC, the Ladakh administration, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The pilot plant will generate 1 MW of electricity, with testing and commissioning expected during the 2026–27 financial year. Subsurface studies have revealed reservoir temperatures exceeding 240 degrees Celsius, suitable for power generation.
The turbine inlet temperature is expected to be around 200 degrees Celsius, ensuring reliable electricity output.
Geothermal energy offers unique advantages compared to solar and wind power. It is available round the clock, independent of weather conditions, and can serve as a dependable baseload renewable energy source.
The Puga Valley project will not only provide clean electricity to Ladakh but also demonstrate the feasibility of geothermal power in India, which has an estimated potential of 10 GW or more. This initiative aligns with India’s broader energy diversification strategy, complementing solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen.
The pilot project will also pave the way for larger-scale exploitation of geothermal resources. ONGC plans to deepen existing wells and drill additional ones in subsequent phases. Surveys are also planned in the Chumathang region, another geothermal-rich area in Ladakh. If successful, these efforts could lead to commercial-scale geothermal plants, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening India’s energy security.
The strategic importance of the project is underscored by its location at high altitude, where conventional energy infrastructure is difficult to establish. By harnessing geothermal heat, Ladakh can achieve sustainable energy independence while reducing reliance on diesel generators that currently power many remote areas. This will also contribute to India’s net zero emissions target by 2070.
The project has drawn international attention as one of the highest geothermal energy developments globally. It highlights India’s determination to explore unconventional renewable sources and establish leadership in clean energy innovation. ONGC’s success in drilling and preparing the pilot plant demonstrates the technical capability to overcome extreme environmental challenges.
Agencies
