India is charting a bold course toward energy independence, with geothermal energy emerging as a key player. Harnessing Earth's heat promises to drive sustainable growth and reduce fossil fuel reliance
India, a rapidly developing country, is increasingly focusing on geothermal energy as a key component in its quest for energy independence. The government is seeking clean, reliable, and sustainable energy sources to meet its growing needs. With significant untapped geothermal potential, India is eyeing this resource as a crucial factor in its energy strategy for a greener future.
Geothermal energy involves tapping into the Earth's natural heat by drilling wells into underground pools of steam and hot water. This thermal energy is then used to drive turbines connected to generators, which produce electricity.
There are three primary methods of geothermal energy production, each designed to suit different geological conditions and resource characteristics.
The first method is dry steam power plants, which are the simplest of the three. These plants extract steam directly from underground reservoirs and channel it to turbines, making them highly efficient. They are best suited for locations where natural steam reservoirs are available.
The second method is flash steam power plants, which are used in geothermal reservoirs where water temperatures exceed 182°C. As this superheated water rises, its pressure decreases, causing some of it to convert into steam. This steam is then separated to power turbines, while the remaining water can either be flashed again to extract more energy or reinjected into the reservoir.
The third method involves binary cycle power plants, which are appropriate for regions with lower temperature geothermal resources, ranging from 107-182°C. These plants use geothermal heat to vaporise a secondary working fluid with a low boiling point. The vaporised fluid drives turbines and the geothermal water is reinjected into the ground, creating a sustainable cycle.
Beyond electricity generation, geothermal energy has practical applications in heating and cooling through geothermal heat pumps. These systems use a network of underground pipes to regulate building temperatures by absorbing the Earth’s stable temperature. In winter, the relatively warmer ground heats a circulating fluid to warm buildings, while in summer, the process is reversed to cool the buildings.
Geothermal energy offers several advantages. It is an immaculate energy source, releasing minimal greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, and is highly sustainable due to the constant replenishment of the Earth’s heat. Unlike solar or wind power, which rely on weather conditions, geothermal plants provide a consistent and reliable electricity supply around the clock.
They also have a smaller land footprint compared to wind farms or solar arrays and blend better into landscapes, which is particularly relevant for densely populated countries like India.
The shift towards geothermal energy could significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, thereby enhancing its energy security.
Examining global successes, Kenya serves as a notable example of geothermal energy’s transformative potential. Once struggling with an energy deficit, Kenya has harnessed its geothermal resources from the Great Rift Valley. By 2023, Kenya had installed a geothermal capacity of approximately 891.8 MW, accounting for about 29 Percent of its total power generation. The Olkaria complex is a central feature of Kenya’s geothermal efforts, demonstrating the benefits of increased power generation and improved economic activities.
This shift has also led to reduced air pollution and better public health outcomes.
Kenya’s Vision 2030 aims to further expand its geothermal capacity to 5,530 MW, with the goal of making it the largest source of clean energy in the country, surpassing even hydropower. The Great Rift Valley holds an estimated geothermal potential of 7,000 MW to 10,000 MW, positioning Kenya for continued success in this sector.
For India, with its identified 10 GW of geothermal power capacity and 350 potential sites, the development of geothermal resources is still in its nascent stages. Challenges such as high initial costs, limited technical expertise, and regulatory hurdles have slowed progress.
However, the potential benefits, including reduced reliance on fossil fuels and enhanced energy security, make overcoming these obstacles a worthwhile pursuit.
To unlock its geothermal potential, India can take several strategic steps.
Prioritising exploration and investment in geothermal hotspots and creating favourable policies for investment are crucial. Developing a skilled workforce through specialised engineering programmes and international collaboration will also be essential. Streamlining regulatory frameworks to facilitate project development while ensuring environmental protections will help expedite progress. Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens and encourage private sector involvement. Collaborating with international partners to develop cost-effective technologies and implementing successful pilot projects will further advance geothermal energy use. Additionally, exploring smaller-scale applications, such as heating buildings and greenhouses, can complement large-scale power generation efforts.
India’s path to harnessing geothermal energy may be challenging, but the rewards are significant. By learning from Kenya’s experience and adopting strategic measures, India can transform its geothermal potential into a reality, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As the nation stands on the brink of a geothermal revolution, the opportunity to secure a greener and more independent energy future is within reach.