National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025

Initiative to expand India’s clean energy portfolio, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has launched the National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025. This marks India’s first comprehensive policy dedicated to harnessing India’s geothermal energy, a renewable resource derived from the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. The initiative is a crucial step towards achieving net-zero emissions, strengthening energy security, and promoting innovation in the renewable energy sector in India.

For SSC aspirants, understanding this policy is important under topics like environment, energy sector, climate goals, and government initiatives.

What is geothermal energy?

India’s geothermal energy refers to the heat stored within the Earth, which can be harnessed for various applications:

• Electricity is reliable power through geothermal electricity generation in India

• Heating and cooling systems—for homes, offices, and industrial setups

• Greenhouse agriculture—supporting year-round cultivation

• Desalination plants—producing fresh water from seawater

Unlike solar or wind, geothermal power offers continuous availability, making it a stable and sustainable component of clean energy in India.

National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 Highlights

The geothermal energy policy in India aims to consolidate efforts, encourage research and development, and establish a framework for both public and private sector participation in geothermal energy projects in India.

Key Provisions:

Regulatory Role:

• The MNRE will serve as the central authority for geothermal energy capacity regulation and development in India.

Collaboration Focus:

• Emphasis on inter-ministerial coordination, joint ventures, and global partnerships to expand geothermal energy provinces in India initiatives.

Technological Development:

• Support for hybrid systems like geothermal + solar, advanced R&D, and repurposing abandoned oil wells for geothermal energy applications in Indian agriculture and industry.

Public-Private Ecosystem:

• Encouraging participation of startups, research institutions, and industrial players in geothermal energy projects in India.

Local Innovation Incentives:

• Promotion of indigenous technologies, pilot projects, and academic-industry collaborations.

Identified Geothermal Provinces in India

India has identified ten high thermal potential regions for India’s geothermal energy development:

• Himalayas

• Cambay Basin

• Aravalli Range

• Mahanadi Basin

• Godavari Basin

Additional areas: Sohana, West Coast, Son-Narmada-Tapti, and South India Cratons

These regions collectively contribute to India’s estimated geothermal energy potential of around 10 gigawatts (GW).

SSC aspirants should remember these provinces and their significance under energy and environmental topics.

Advantages and Applications of India’s Geothermal Energy

Advantages:

• Continuous, 24×7 energy availability compared to solar and wind

• Low greenhouse gas emissions

• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels

• Potential to support local economies through geothermal energy projects in India

Applications:

• Power generation (geothermal electricity generation in India)

• Direct heating for agriculture, industries, and residential purposes

• Geothermal energy applications in Indian agriculture and industry for greenhouses and fish farming

While the advantages are substantial, SSC aspirants should also note potential geothermal energy advantages and disadvantages in India, such as high upfront costs and localized, site-specific development challenges.

Government Initiatives and Global Collaborations

The Indian government is actively promoting India’s geothermal energy through:

• Policy support via the National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 highlights

• Incentives for private players in geothermal energy projects in India

• Encouraging hybrid renewable energy systems combining geothermal and solar

• Exploring government initiatives for geothermal energy development in India and partnerships with international renewable energy bodies

These measures aim to ensure a sustainable and commercially viable geothermal power ecosystem.

Why SSC Aspirants Must Know About India’s Geothermal Energy

• Important for questions on renewable energy India policies

• Relevant for environment and climate change sections

• Useful for current affairs, government schemes, and energy security discussions

• Helps in understanding India’s roadmap to Net Zero emissions through geothermal electricity generation in India

Static Facts to Remember:

Final Thoughts

India’s geothermal energy is emerging as a key pillar in the country’s push for clean and sustainable power. Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025, India’s first policy dedicated to harnessing the Earth’s internal heat. Geothermal energy offers round-the-clock power, unlike solar or wind, and can be used for electricity generation, heating, greenhouse agriculture, and even desalination.

The policy focuses on creating a strong ecosystem through public-private partnerships, research and development, and incentives for indigenous technologies. India has identified ten high-potential geothermal energy provinces, including the Himalayas, Cambay Basin, and Godavari Basin, with an estimated capacity of around 10 GW.

With technological innovations like hybrid systems (geothermal + solar) and the repurposing of abandoned oil wells, India’s geothermal energy sector is poised to play a critical role in achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing energy security. This initiative highlights India’s commitment to sustainable growth while fostering innovation across industries.