With a 20-kilowatt geothermal pilot plant commissioned in Telangana, India has taken a significant step towards energy independence
India has taken a significant step towards harnessing its geothermal potential with the commissioning of a 20-kilowatt pilot plant in Telangana. State-owned coal miner Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) brought the facility online in the Manuguru area, marking a pioneering achievement for the country.
The plant, utilising binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology, began construction in 2021 with support from the Ministry of Coal. Geothermal resources were discovered during coal exploration in the region, where locals had already been tapping into hot water for agricultural and domestic use. These resources, found at a depth of 1,000 metres, possess sufficient heat for power generation.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been a driving force in advancing geothermal research and development through its Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD). By fostering collaborations with research institutions and industry partners, MNRE is committed to developing cost-effective and efficient indigenous geothermal technologies.
Beyond Telangana, India is exploring geothermal prospects in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Oil India Limited (OIL) has initiated detailed studies in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. At the same time, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has resumed drilling in Ladakh after a two-year hiatus.
Recognising the immense geothermal potential of Manuguru, estimated at a staggering 122 megawatts, SCCL has joined hands with the ONGC and Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited (TGREDCO). The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 2 August 2024, is set to unleash the full potential of the Manuguru Geothermal Field.
This breakthrough project showcases India’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio and tapping into the vast geothermal resources available within its borders.