The first geothermal production drilled at Dirang, in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, by CESHS

The Dirang region is a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone (~115°C), characterized by geological attributes that facilitate effective and environmentally friendly drilling.

The project includes CESHS, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), the Icelandic company Geotropy ehf, and Guwahati Boring Service (GBS). It is backed by the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India.

This represents a significant advancement towards clean, environmentally friendly energy options in the high-altitude area.

What is geothermal energy?

Geothermal energy is heat derived from the earth—geo (earth) + thermal (heat).

Geothermal resources are sources of hot water found naturally or created by humans at different temperatures and depths beneath the earth's surface.

It harnesses the Earth's underground heat for direct heating or power generation, necessitating medium- to high-temperature resources usually located near tectonic activity.

Its main benefits include affordability, dependable operation throughout the year, and the capability to deliver consistent, controllable power—enhancing its worth alongside variable sources such as solar and wind.

Are you aware?

– Geothermal energy is a dependable renewable resource available around the clock, originating from heat within the Earth’s crust, evident as hot springs and geysers.

– It ensures a high level of capacity usage all year round.

Worldwide, the USA, Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, and New Zealand are at the forefront of its utilization.

Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase. In India, the Geological Survey of India projects a capacity of 10 GW.

Uses of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy has various uses, such as warming and cooling buildings via heat pumps, producing electricity in power plants, and providing direct heating for structures through direct-use methods.

Geothermal energy serves for drying fruits, nuts, and meats, providing space heating, and enabling controlled-atmosphere storage—essential for enhancing agriculture and living standards in elevated regions.

Worries

Geothermal energy may induce small earthquakes in regions with seismic activity due to the injection of high-pressure water. Exploration and drilling for resources demand considerable investment, creating a cost barrier.

Feasible geothermal locations are frequently clustered in certain areas with ongoing tectonic activity. If not managed correctly, it can lead to risks like land subsidence, conflicts over water usage, and the release of trace gases.

Recommendations and Future Directions

The successful drilling in Northeast signifies an important achievement in India’s pursuit of sustainable energy. Geothermal energy can significantly contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.

However, ongoing research, technological advancements, and favorable policies are required to realize its complete potential.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial for reducing expenses, enhancing drilling methods, and more extensively incorporating geothermal energy into energy frameworks.