Geothermal Power

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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