Geothermal Energy: 24/7 Low‑Carbon Baseload Power with 10.6 GW Potential Across Ten Provinces
Distilled Policy Brief
- Geothermal energy provides a 24/7, weather-independent, low-carbon power source, with a theoretical potential of 10.6 GW across 10 identified geothermal provinces.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Geothermal energy is a 24/7 baseload power source; GSI has identified 381 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces in India, including Puga Valley (Ladakh) and SONATA zone.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Geothermal energy acts as a critical 'firm' renewable power source to complement intermittent solar and wind energy, aiding India's energy security and Net-Zero transition.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to Geothermal Energy in India, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy provides a continuous, weather-independent source of power. 2. The Ministry of Power is the nodal ministry responsible for the implementation of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy. 3. The Puga Valley in Ladakh has been identified as a key site for India's first demonstration-based geothermal energy project. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct as geothermal energy is a stable, 24/7, weather-independent source. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for the National Policy on Geothermal Energy, not the Ministry of Power. Statement 3 is correct as the Puga Valley in Ladakh is the site where ONGC Energy Centre has commissioned India's first two geothermal wells for a 1 MW demonstration project.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.