In a significant leap towards clean energy independence for Northeast India, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled the region’s inaugural geothermal production well in Dirang, located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, positions Dirang as a potential frontrunner to become India’s first geothermal-powered town.
This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, positions Dirang as a potential frontrunner to become India’s first geothermal-powered town.
Geothermal energy, a renewable resource derived from the Earth’s core, mantle, and crust, offers a consistent and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. The heat generated from the slow decay of radioactive particles within the Earth can be harnessed for various applications, including electricity generation, heating, and agricultural processes.
Dirang: Pioneering Geothermal Energy in the Himalayas
CESHS’s successful drilling of the first well marks a pivotal moment for the Himalayan region. CESHS Director Tana Tage emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This significant development marks the beginning of a new era for clean energy in the Himalayan region. It showcases the potential of geothermal resources to transform local livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability.” The organization plans to expand its operations with deeper drilling in future phases, aiming to fully unlock Dirang’s geothermal potential.
Rupankar Rajkhowa, Head of the Geology Department at CESHS, highlighted that this success followed two years of meticulous chemical and structural surveys of hot water sources in West Arunachal Pradesh, calling it “a vital step towards stable energy in the region.”
Multifaceted Benefits for Local Communities
Once fully operational, the geothermal system in Dirang is projected to provide a range of eco-friendly solutions tailored to the needs of the high-altitude Himalayan region. These include:
* Drying of agricultural products: Enhancing the preservation of fruits, nuts, and meat.
* Space heating: Providing sustainable and efficient heating solutions for homes and businesses.
* Controlled-environment storage: Creating optimal conditions for preserving agricultural produce.
These applications hold the potential to significantly improve agricultural practices and the overall quality of life for residents in the region.
Collaborative Efforts and Advanced Research
The project has benefited from valuable international scientific collaboration, including expertise and support from Norway’s Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Icelandic firm Geotropy ehf, and the drilling team from Guwahati Boring Service.
Advanced chemical analysis has identified Dirang as a medium to high-temperature geothermal site, with estimated reservoir temperatures around 115°C. This temperature range is ideal for direct-use geothermal technologies. Geological and structural studies pinpointed a key formation between quartzite and schist rock types near a significant fault zone, guiding precise drilling efforts that minimized environmental impact.
Expert Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Binit Das, Programme Manager of the Renewable Energy division at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), lauded the geothermal energy development in Dirang as “a major step towards sustainable energy in the Himalayas.” He emphasized the project’s use of advanced geochemical analyses and precise drilling techniques to access geothermal reservoirs with minimal environmental disruption, noting its potential to improve agriculture and living standards while preserving ecological balance.
However, Das also cautioned about potential environmental risks, drawing lessons from geothermal projects in Ladakh. He stressed the importance of sustainable and responsible development with ongoing environmental monitoring and adherence to best practices to prevent issues like unexpected leaks of geothermal fluids that could affect local water sources and ecosystems.
India’s Broader Geothermal Energy Landscape
India has been actively exploring its geothermal energy potential. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 381 thermally anomalous sites across the country, documented in the “Geothermal Atlas of India” (2022). This report estimates India’s potential to generate approximately 10,600 MW of geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy offers a significant advantage as a “base load” renewable energy source, capable of providing uninterrupted power, unlike the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy.
While India’s first geothermal power project was a 20-kW pilot plant in Telangana’s Manuguru region by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), other projects have faced challenges. A 25 MW plant in Khammam, Telangana, remains non-operational due to tariff disputes. Additionally, ONGC’s 1 MW pilot project in Puga Valley was temporarily halted due to a hot water leak but has since resumed operations.
In Gujarat, Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) and the Amani Group are demonstrating the commercial viability of direct-use geothermal energy for applications like cooking and air conditioning.
India has forged international collaborations to advance its geothermal energy sector, including a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iceland since 2007, an agreement with Saudi Arabia in 2019, and the inclusion of geothermal energy as a focus area under the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) with the United States in 2023.
The successful drilling in Dirang represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards harnessing its geothermal resources for a sustainable and energy-secure future, particularly for the unique needs of the Himalayan region.
The successful drilling of the first geothermal production well in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, signifies a watershed moment for Northeast India’s pursuit of clean energy. This pioneering achievement by CESHS, with support from the state and central governments and international expertise, not only positions Dirang as a potential model for geothermal-powered communities but also injects considerable momentum into India’s broader geothermal ambitions. While the project promises multifaceted benefits for the local Himalayan communities, including enhanced agricultural practices and improved living standards, the cautionary notes regarding sustainable development and environmental monitoring serve as crucial reminders for responsible resource utilization. As India continues to explore its vast geothermal potential, learning from both successes like Dirang and the challenges faced by other projects will be paramount in unlocking this consistent and sustainable energy source for a greener and more energy-secure future. The collaborative spirit, both domestic and international, evident in this breakthrough, emphasising the collective effort required to harness the Earth’s internal heat for a truly sustainable future.