India has taken a major step towards clean energy by introducing the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025), notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The policy aims to utilise the country’s untapped geothermal potential, supporting India’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2070.
Key Highlights
- Encourages exploration, development, and use of geothermal energy.
- Promotes research, innovation, and international collaborations.
- Focus on hybrid geothermal-solar projects and retrofitting oil wells.
- MNRE designated as the nodal agency to implement projects and grant leases.
- State governments urged to create single-window clearance systems.
Applications
Geothermal energy will be used for electricity generation, district heating, agriculture, aquaculture, greenhouse farming, space cooling (via Ground Source Heat Pump technology), desalination, and cold storage — reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Geothermal Hotspots in India
India has 10 geothermal provinces with 381 hot springs, including:
- Himalayan Province (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)
- Cambay Graben (Gujarat)
- Aravalli Province (Rajasthan)
- Godavari Basin (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)
- plus regions in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Geothermal energy is reliable and continuous, unlike solar or wind. This policy diversifies India’s renewable energy mix, enhances energy security, reduces emissions, and creates jobs — driving sustainable economic growth.
