Context
Recently Geological Survey of India (GSI) has carried out exploration of geothermal energy in various recognized geothermal fields which includes collection of data on temperature, discharge, and quality/chemistry of water in different geothermal fields.
Key Highlights
- GSI has studied 381 thermally anomalous areas throughout India and has posted a report titled ‘Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022’.
- Potential: A potential of about 10,600 MW of geothermal energy has been estimated within the country.
- Projects: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has commissioned a 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant in Manuguru region of Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is imposing a “Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)” to develop indigenous technology and manufacturing for significant applications of recent and renewable energy in an efficient and cost-effective way.
- MNRE presents up to 100% financial aid to Government/non-profit studies organizations and upto 70% to Industry, start-ups, private Institutes, entrepreneur, and production systems under Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme, along with for geothermal power R&D initiatives.
- Collaborations with global companies/international regions to develop geothermal power efforts in India, encompass: –
- Under the aegis of the MoU signed in 2007 between India and Iceland, both the sides have identified Geothermal as an area of cooperation.
- India has signed an MoU with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019, wherein, Geothermal has been identified as an area of cooperation.
- Under the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) launched in 2023 between India and USA, Geothermal has been diagnosed as a focus area.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy is a kind of renewable power that comes from the heat stored in the Earth.
- This heat is produced through the herbal decay of radioactive substances and by the heat that’s left over from the planet’s formation.
Ways to Harness Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal Power Plants: These use steam from heated water reservoirs below the Earth’s surface to drive turbines related to electricity generators. There are three foremost sorts:
- Dry Steam Plants: Directly use steam from a geothermal reservoir to show the turbines.
- Flash Steam Plants: Pull high-stress hot water into lower-stress tanks to create steam.
- Binary Cycle Plants: Transfer heat from geothermal hot water to any other liquid with a lower boiling point, which vaporizes and drives the turbine.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps: These structures use the Earth’s consistent temperature to heat and cool buildings. In iciness, they bring heat from the ground into buildings, and in summer season, they transfer heat from buildings back into the ground.
- Direct Use Applications: Geothermal power can also be used at once for heating buildings, growing plants in greenhouses, drying crops, and even in some industrial techniques.
- Geothermal District Heating: In some regions, geothermal energy is used to provide heating for complete communities or districts through a community of pipes.
- Drawbacks: It may have some environmental effects, inclusive of land subsidence and the ability for precipitated seismicity (earthquakes brought about by means of human activity).
- Geothermal resources are frequently area-specific, this means that they may be best in regions with tremendous geothermal hobby, which includes Iceland, parts of the US (like California and Nevada), and the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Significance
- Renewable and Sustainable: Geothermal power is a renewable useful resource because the heat from the Earth is usually replenished.
- Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, geothermal power can provide a regular and reliable supply of power and heating.
- Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Geothermal energy systems produce very low levels of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.
- This makes it a cleaner alternative that helps mitigate weather trade and lower air pollutants.
- Diverse Applications: Beyond the electricity generation, geothermal energy can be used for direct heating packages, cooling, and in numerous commercial strategies. This versatility complements its fee as a multipurpose power source.
- Low Operating Costs: Once a geothermal energy plant or heat pump system is established, the operational and renovation prices are particularly low as compared to other energy sources. This can result in lower long-term energy cost.
- Reduced Water Usage: Geothermal energy plants normally use less water than traditional power plants, which is particularly good in water-scarce areas.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Examine the perspective of geothermal energy as a renewable and sustainable source in India, highlighting various challenges in its widespread adoption.
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