India looks at technology collaborations with US, Norway others in geothermal space: MNRE Secy

India is actively seeking technological collaborations with countries such as Norway and Iceland to enhance its geothermal energy capabilities. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), announced that these nations have expressed interest in providing technical support for pilot projects across various regions in India. Sarangi highlighted that the country is also looking to partner with additional nations, including the United States and Indonesia, to fully realize India's geothermal energy potential, currently estimated at around 10 GW. During a media briefing focused on the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025), he emphasized the need for thorough assessments of both technical and commercial viability before determining the affordability of this energy source. Initial projections suggest that geothermal energy could cost approximately ₹10 per unit, but costs may decrease as projects scale up. Sarangi noted that the government might need to offer viability gap funding, similar to the support initially provided for solar and wind energy projects. Regarding project costs, he mentioned an estimate of ₹36 crore per megawatt. The MNRE has recently introduced policies aimed at promoting geothermal energy as a crucial component in achieving India's renewable energy and net-zero targets. Interest from Norwegian and Icelandic research firms has been particularly strong in regions such as the Gulf of Cambay, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with some teams already conducting pilot studies. Countries like Iceland, Norway, and Finland have successfully tapped into their geothermal resources, and India aims to learn from their experiences. The Geological Survey of India has identified ten geothermal provinces, including the Himalayan Geothermal Province and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. As part of its initial exploration efforts, the ministry has sanctioned five projects focused on both pilot initiatives and resource assessments to evaluate the feasibility of geothermal energy in India. One notable project involves a 450 kW geothermal energy initiative utilizing abandoned oil wells in Rajasthan, owned by Vedanta. The government is committed to exploring fiscal measures to stimulate investment in geothermal energy, which harnesses the heat stored beneath the Earth's crust, particularly in volcanic areas and regions with geysers and hot springs. The overarching aim of this new policy is to enhance research and development in geothermal energy technologies, improve drilling techniques, and promote effective power generation methods while also collaborating with international geothermal development organizations and national research institutes. This collaborative approach seeks to integrate global best practices in exploration and technology deployment, ultimately paving the way for large-scale geothermal energy generation in India.