| Abstract |
ABSTRACT Geothermal exploration in India is continued intermittently since 1980. Preliminary investigation was carried out in major geothermal prospects to collect the basic information including geology, water composition and structural control etc about the geothermal areas. Exploration by drilling was carried out in selected geothermal prospects viz. Puga in Ladakh, Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, Ganeshpuri and Unhavre (Khed) in West Coast area, Bakreshwar in West Bengal, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, Joshimath in Uttarakhand. Surface investigation by geological mapping, geochemical survey, shallow drilling is taken up in Manuguru in Telangana, hot springs of Jalgaon; Dholera and Unai geothermal prospects in Gujarat. Though the geothermal investigation is continued in various part of the country, the first power plant based on geothermal energy is yet to be installed. The assessment of important geothermal fields to deeper levels is still to be completed. The insufficient data on deep level exploration and actual reservoir parameters is restricting the decision making on geothermal power generation. Geothermal power plant installation needs more funds as compared to solar or wind power, which is considered as a factor in slow development of geothermal power in India. The main constrain in geothermal exploration is scarcity of machinery to take up deeper level drilling. Besides, there is need to provide some incentive for exploration activity which is expensive and time consuming with uncertain outcome. The main part of investment is required for exploration by drilling , for which government shall provide necessary funding or subsidy. Further, it is essential to finalise the power policy for sale and transmission of power generated by geothermal energy. The challenges faced by geothermal industry in India and the role of government in boosting the exploration and development of geothermal power generation in India are discussed here. |