National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: News on Air
Context: MNRE launched the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) to accelerate exploration and deployment of geothermal energy resources.
About National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025:
What It Is?
• A comprehensive framework issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to harness India’s 10 GW geothermal potential, integrate it with renewable energy goals, and build a public-private ecosystem for sustainable development.
Launched By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Objectives:
• Research & Innovation: Improve geothermal exploration, drilling, reservoir management, cost-effective power generation, and direct-use tech.
• Collaboration: Work with ministries, research institutes, global geothermal agencies, and oil/gas sector.
• Decarbonization: Promote geothermal for space heating/cooling, industry, agriculture, and tourism.
• Infrastructure Utilization: Repurpose abandoned oil & gas wells for geothermal production.
Key Features:
• Vision & Goals:
• Make geothermal a major pillar of India’s renewable energy mix. Enhance energy security and support Net Zero by 2070.
• Make geothermal a major pillar of India’s renewable energy mix.
• Enhance energy security and support Net Zero by 2070.
• Geothermal Potential:
• 381 hot springs identified by GSI; 10 geothermal provinces including Himalayas, Cambay Graben, Godavari Basin, Aravalli. Puga (Ladakh), Manikaran (HP), Tattapani (Chhattisgarh) highlighted as high-potential zones.
• 381 hot springs identified by GSI; 10 geothermal provinces including Himalayas, Cambay Graben, Godavari Basin, Aravalli.
• Puga (Ladakh), Manikaran (HP), Tattapani (Chhattisgarh) highlighted as high-potential zones.
• Scope of the Policy:
• Covers electricity generation, district heating/cooling, cold storage, greenhouse heating, aquaculture, tourism, desalination. Encourages hybrid systems (geothermal + solar) and mineral extraction (lithium, boron) for economic viability.
• Covers electricity generation, district heating/cooling, cold storage, greenhouse heating, aquaculture, tourism, desalination.
• Encourages hybrid systems (geothermal + solar) and mineral extraction (lithium, boron) for economic viability.
• Development Model:
• 100% FDI permitted in geothermal sector. Promotes risk-sharing mechanisms, joint ventures with oil & gas companies, and single-window clearance by states. Fiscal incentives: GST & import duty exemptions, tax holidays, accelerated depreciation, viability gap funding.
• 100% FDI permitted in geothermal sector.
• Promotes risk-sharing mechanisms, joint ventures with oil & gas companies, and single-window clearance by states.
• Fiscal incentives: GST & import duty exemptions, tax holidays, accelerated depreciation, viability gap funding.
Implementation:
• MNRE as nodal agency with inter-ministerial coordination.
• Establishment of Geothermal Centres of Excellence for R&D and pilot projects.
• Periodic progress reports and SOP-based execution for faster rollout.