| Abstract |
ABSTRACT The investigation over last two decades for geothermal resources in India, spread over 340 hot spring locations, has set the field ready for utilization. The investigation for geothermal resources in India was carried out mostly to shallow level of 300m to 500m depth. Exploration for geothermal resources at Puga, Leh district, and Tatapani, Chhattisgarh state have yielded free flowing water of 123°C and 112.5°C, respectively. The geothermal resources at West Coast of India, hot springs of Himalayan belt viz. Manikaran and Tapoban yield hot water useful for power generation. The estimated reservoir temperature at Pugaand Tatapani ranges from 180°C to 230°C, while in other geothermal prospects the estimated reservoir temperature is around 150°C. These geothermal resources are useful for power generation by binary cycle method. Besides power generation, direct uses like spa, hot water bath, refrigeration, green house cultivation, skin cure centre can be implemented for effluent water. The development of geothermal resources in India was lagging behind due to non- availability of roper machinery and lack of incentive. The government of India has taken major initiative to boost alternate energy sources and proposed incentives for development of geothermal resources in India. The proposals include scope for foreign direct investment, assistance in processing the papers and incentive for exploration and development of geothermal resources. Besides, the cooperation of National and International agencies responsible for geothermal development is also encouraged. These measures may help in attracting the private entrepreneurs to take up exploration for geothermal resources in India. |