Syllabus
GS Paper III – Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context
The Minister of New and Renewable Energy has emphasized that the Indian government is actively engaged in extensive exploration of potential geothermal sites across the country and is also focused on developing pilot plants.
Geothermal Energy in India
Introduction
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has carried out exploration of geothermal energy in various recognized geothermal fields which includes collection of data on temperature, discharge, and quality/chemistry of water in different geothermal fields. GSI has studied 381 thermally anomalous areas across India and has published a report titled ‘Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022’. A potential of about 10,600 MW of geothermal power has been estimated in the country.
Geothermal energy
- Geothermal energy is the energy stored in the form of heat beneath the Earth’s surface. The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). It is a renewable energy source because heat is continuously produced inside the Earth.
- Usage: Geothermal energy is used to generate electricity and for other heating applications.
- Source: The energy originates from the formation of the planet and the decay of radioactive isotopes inside the Earth’s core, such as potassium-40 and thorium-232.
- Extraction: Geothermal energy is extracted from underground pools of steam and hot water trapped in hot spot regions in the Earth’s crust. Molten rocks formed in the deeper hot regions of the Earth’s crust are pushed upward and trapped in certain regions called hot spots.
Primary methods of production
- Dry Steam Power Plants: Steam from underground reservoirs is directly used to fuel turbines, generating electricity with remarkable efficiency. This method is ideal for areas with naturally occurring steam reservoirs.
- Flash Steam Power Plants: This method is applied in geothermal reservoirs containing water at higher temperatures, greater than 182°C. As this superheated water flows upward through wells under its own pressure, the decrease in pressure causes some of the water to flash into steam, which is then separated and used to power turbines.
- Binary Cycle Power Plants: This method is used in regions with lower temperature geothermal resources (between 107-182°C). Heat from hot water is used to boil a secondary working fluid, typically an organic compound with a low boiling point, and the vaporized working fluid drives the turbines.
Advantages of geothermal energy
- Environmental Benefits: Geothermal energy is a clean energy source with minimal release of greenhouse gases or air pollutants.
- Renewable Energy: The Earth’s heat is constantly replenished, ensuring a long-term renewable energy source.
- Reliability and Consistency: Geothermal power plants can generate electricity 24/7, 365 days a year, making them an excellent source of baseload power, crucial for maintaining a stable electricity grid.
- Higher Energy Conversion Efficiency: Geothermal energy can produce more electricity with less energy input compared to many other power generation methods, resulting in higher energy conversion efficiency.
- Limited Land Use: Geothermal power plants require a much smaller land area compared to wind farms or solar panel arrays, thus minimizing their impact on the surrounding environment.
- Energy Independence: Developing domestic geothermal resources could significantly reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and independence.
- Reduced Energy Cost: Increased power generation from geothermal energy will make electricity reliable and affordable for households and businesses.
Status of geothermal energy
National
- Geothermal Hot Springs: The Geological Survey of India has identified about 340 geothermal hot springs in the country. Most of them have low surface temperatures ranging from 37°C to 90°C, suitable for direct heat applications.
- Power Generation Potential: The potential for power generation at these sites is about 10,000 MW.
- Geothermal Provinces: The hot springs in India are grouped into seven geothermal provinces: Himalayan, Sahara Valley, Cambay Basin, San-Narmada–Topi Lineament Belt, West Coast, Godavari Basin, and Mahanadi Basin.
- Prominent Locations for Power Plants: Some of the prominent places where a geothermal power plant can be established include:
- Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh
- Jalgaon in Maharashtra
- Tapovan in Uttarakhand
- Bakreshwar in West Bengal
- Tuwa in Gujarat
- Current Plants: There are currently two geothermal plants in India, both run by ONGC:
- Parvati Valley, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh
- Puga – Chumathang geothermal sites in Ladakh
Global
Gigawatt-Size Geothermal Capacities: Several countries have significant geothermal electricity generation capacities:
- The US: Leads the world in geothermal electricity generation.
- Indonesia: The second-largest geothermal electricity producer.
- Philippines
- Turkey
- New Zealand
- Mexico and Italy: Both have capacities exceeding 900 MW.
- Kenya: Has over 800 MW capacity.
- Iceland, Japan, and others also have notable geothermal capacities.
Government Initiatives to boost geothermal energy
- Pilot Project: A 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant has been commissioned by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in the Manuguru area in Telangana. This plant utilizes a closed loop Binary Organic Rankine Cycle Process technology.
- Indigenous Technologies: The development of technologies through the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD) has been successfully demonstrated.
- Financial Support: The government provides up to 100% financial support to government and non-profit research organizations, and up to 70% to industry, start-ups, private institutes, and entrepreneurs.
- International Collaboration: India has signed MoUs with Iceland, Saudi Arabia, and the USA on geothermal energy development.
- Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP): Launched in 2023, this platform between India and the USA has identified geothermal energy as a key area of collaboration.
Challenges in harnessing geothermal energy
- High Upfront Costs: High initial investment is needed for exploration and setting up the plant, thus geothermal energy is yet to reach grid-parity.
- Lesser Investment: The high turnaround time of geothermal projects discourages private sector investments.
- Location Limitation: Geothermal energy power plants can only be set up in limited locations where geothermal energy is available.
- Unviability: Some potential geothermal sites are not considered techno-economically viable due to high altitude, difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions, very short working periods, and difficulty in power evacuation.
- Lack of Technical Expertise: India’s technological expertise in extracting geothermal energy is limited.
- Unintended Consequences: There is an inadequate understanding of the long-term impact of exploiting the Earth’s internal heat.
- Regulatory Hurdles: The lack of a streamlined regulatory process disincentivizes private sector participation.
- Seismic Impact: Geothermal energy extraction could trigger seismic events such as earthquakes.
- Environmental Pollution: The release of hot water and steam can affect local biodiversity.
Way forward
- Exploration of Geothermal Provinces: Develop a detailed exploration of geothermal provinces like the Himalayas and Cambay Basin.
- Attract Investments: Attract investments through favorable policies, such as allowing 100% FDI for geothermal projects and encouraging private participation.
- Build Expertise: Build expertise in geothermal technologies and operations through geothermal engineering programs and collaboration with experienced international players.
- Cost-Effective Technologies: Develop and adapt cost-effective geothermal technologies suitable for India’s geological conditions.
- Regulatory Framework: Create a clear and efficient regulatory framework for geothermal development to expedite project approvals.
- Decentralized Applications: Pursue decentralized smaller-scale applications of geothermal energy, such as heating buildings and greenhouses.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy holds immense potential as a sustainable and reliable energy source for India. By harnessing the Earth’s internal heat, it offers a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to energy security and environmental preservation. With strategic investments, technological advancements, and supportive policies, India can unlock the full potential of its geothermal resources. This will not only diversify the energy mix but also pave the way for a greener and more resilient energy future.
Related PYQ
What do you understand by Run-ofriver hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project? [UPSC CSE – 2014 Mains]
Practice Question
Assess the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable and sustainable source in India, and identify the challenges hindering its widespread adoption. [250 words]