Geothermal Power
2022 AUG 23
Preliminary >
Geography > Resource geography > Energy sources' distribution in india
Why in news?
- ONGC stated drilling its first well at Puga (Ladakh) to generate electricity using geothermal power to reduce the dependence of Ladakh on diesel-run generators.
About Puga:
- Puga hot spring area, located at the junction of the Indian and Tibetan plates along the Indus Suture Zone, has the greatest potential for the near-term development of geothermal energy in the Indian subcontinent
What is Geothermal Energy?
- Geothermal energy is heat derived within the sub-surface of the earth.
- Water and/or steam carry the geothermal energy to the Earth's surface.
- Depending on its characteristics, geothermal energy can be used for heating and cooling purposes or be harnessed to generate clean electricity.
Potential of Geothermal Power
- As per the Geological Survey of India, there are around 340 geothermal hot springs in India
- Ex: Chummathang (Ladakh), Cambay (Gujarat), Khammam (Telangana), Tattapani (Chattisgarh), and Ratnagiri (MH)
- Though India has been one of the earliest countries to begin geothermal projects way back in the 1970s, but at present, there are no operational geothermal plants in India.
- The top five countries in terms of geothermal power generation are the US, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico and New Zealand
PRACTICE QUESTION:
Consider the following statements:
1. India’s geothermal energy potential is largely concentrated in northern Indian plains
2. India has the largest number of operational geothermal plants in the world
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
D
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