Ladakh’s Energy Breakthrough: Work on India’s first Geothermal Power Project begins in Puga Valley

Yash Khajuria
Leh, July 24: In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy, India is set to harness the power of geothermal energy with the ONGC Foundation resuming drilling for the country’s first geothermal project in Puga Valley, Ladakh. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has launched a new drilling campaign for this pioneering project, promising emission-free electricity, space heating, and irrigation solutions for the harsh terrains of Ladakh.
Located 170 km east of Leh, in the Changthang plains near the China border, Puga Valley is home to natural geysers that present an ideal opportunity for geothermal energy exploitation. Sunil Kumar, Project Associate at ONGC Energy Centre, elaborated on the project’s progress and potential.
“We have initiated the foundation work and expect to commence drilling within a week or by the end of this month,” said Kumar. “Initially, our target is to generate one megawatt (MW) of power. Beyond electricity, this geothermal energy can support aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism, providing much-needed solutions to the region’s severe winter climate.”
The project, currently in its pilot phase, plans to drill two wells, each reaching a depth of 1,000 meters. The expected temperature at this depth is 200 degrees Celsius, which is adequate to meet the project’s initial power generation target. Kumar indicated that the drilling work is likely to be completed within the current working season, with pilot phase operations for the thermal power plant set to commence in the next working season.
This ambitious venture is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ONGC, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh. Both Puga and Chumathang have been identified as geothermally rich areas, making them the most promising geothermal fields in India.
The project is notable for its collaboration with Iceland, a world leader in geothermal expertise. Iceland generates 70% of its total power from geothermal plants and has a population comparable to Ladakh. This partnership aims to leverage Iceland’s experience to boost Ladakh’s tourism economy and sustainable energy capabilities.
Experts believe that the Puga Valley area could support a power generation capacity of 250-300 MW. This geothermal power plant will be crucial in mitigating the intermittency of solar projects planned in the surrounding regions of Morey plains and Hanley-Khaldo.
Discovered in the 1970s and initially explored in the 1980s by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Puga and Chumathang have now become the focus of renewed efforts to tap into this perpetual form of clean energy. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan for a carbon-neutral Ladakh.
Despite its promising potential, the project faces several challenges. These include the risk of groundwater pollution from improper waste disposal, minor earthquakes triggered by geothermal activity, and logistical difficulties posed by Ladakh’s harsh environment. However, ONGC’s meticulous planning and commitment to minimizing environmental impact are crucial to overcoming these hurdles.
Geothermal energy offers a unique advantage over traditional renewable sources like solar and wind due to its consistent power generation capability, making it a reliable baseload power source. This is particularly vital for Ladakh, a region characterized by extreme climatic conditions.
ONGC is dedicated to responsible development, employing specialized drilling contractors and advanced equipment to minimize environmental impact during the drilling process. This geothermal project not only holds promise for generating clean electricity but also offers opportunities to explore geothermal applications across various sectors.
The successful implementation of this project could pave the way for further exploration of India’s geothermal potential, contributing significantly to a sustainable and secure energy future for the country.