India is switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources due to rising energy demand. Geothermal energy is one such source of energy that is gradually being explored. In India, geothermal energy is still in its nascent stage. However, at this stage, the Geological Survey of India has discovered around 340 hot springs across the country. The geothermal provinces of India have the potential to generate around 10,600 MW of electricity. This article will explain to you about Geothermal in India which will be helpful in preparing Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Concept of Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy is natural heat derived from the earth's interior that can be used to generate electricity and heat structures.
• A layer of hot, molten rock called magma exists beneath the earth's crust.
• The decay of naturally radioactive materials like uranium and potassium produces heat in this layer on a continuous basis.
• Heat within 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) of the earth's surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all of the world's oil and natural gas reserves combined.
• There are three types of geothermal resources:
  • geopressurized zones
  • hot-rock zones
  • hydrothermal convection zones.
• Only the first of these three is currently being commercially exploited.
• Hot Springs, Geysers, and Lava Fountain are some natural examples of geothermal energy.

How is Power generated from Geothermal Energy?

• Steam is used to generate electricity in geothermal power plants.
• The steam is produced by hot water reservoirs a few miles or more beneath the earth's surface.
• The steam spins a turbine, which turns a generator, which generates electricity.
• Dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle geothermal power plants are the three types of geothermal power plants.

Geothermal Energy in India

• Exploration and study of geothermal fields began in India in 1970.
• Around 350 geothermal energy locations have been discovered in India by the Geological Survey of India.
• The Puga valley in Ladakh is the most promising of these.
• The Himalayas, Sohana, West Coast, Cambay (Gujarat), Godavari, Mahanadi, and Son-Narmada-Tapi (SONATA) geothermal provinces, as well as a number of geothermal springs, make up India's geothermal provinces.
• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, geothermal resources in India have been mapped, and a broad estimate suggests that there could be a 10 gigawatt (GW) geothermal power potential (MNRE).
• The government of Chhattisgarh decided in 2013 to build the country's first geothermal power plant at Tattapani in the Balrampur district.
• An agreement to establish the first geothermal power project in Ladakh was signed in 2021.
• Satellites such as the IRS-1 have helped to locate geothermal areas by taking infrared photographs.

Government Initiatives

• The government has promised to provide a capital subsidy of up to 30% for industrial projects.
• NTPC and the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) have collaborated to bring the first geothermal power plant to Chhattisgarh.
• In India, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) provides significant incentives and subsidies for geothermal energy research, design, development, and demonstration (RDD&D).
• By 2022, the Ministry of Renewable Energy plans to generate up to 1000 MW of geothermal energy.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

• It is thought that enough heat is radiated from the earth's core to meet human energy demand for the foreseeable future.
• People have been using this source of energy for bathing, heating homes, and preparing food since ancient times, and it is now also used for direct heating of homes and offices.
• This lowers the cost of geothermal energy and makes it more accessible.
• One of the primary benefits of geothermal energy is that it produces no pollution and contributes to the creation of a clean environment.
• Geothermal energy, as a renewable source of energy, has aided in the reduction of global warming and pollution.
• As energy demand grows, additional units with modular designs can be quickly installed.
• The cost of producing electricity is nearly comparable to that of conventional energy sources.

Limitations of Geothermal Energy

• Not available in all areas: Geothermal hot spots are dispersed and located in far-flung areas from areas in need of energy.
• Pollution with H2S: Large amounts of H2S, also known as "rotten eggs" gas, can be released, and inhaling too much of it can be fatal.
• The use of geothermal energy results in some water pollution (somewhat similar to mining).

Challenges Associated with Geothermal Energy

Resource and Location

• Although there is geothermal energy beneath the entire surface of the earth, not all of it can be harnessed.
• The possibility of installing geothermal power plants is limited because only a small percentage of land lies above suitable pockets of water and steam that can heat homes or power electrical plants.
• Many of the locations that are ideal for supplying large amounts of geothermal energy that can be converted into electricity are also located in tectonically active areas.
• Corporations are hesitant to build large-scale electricity generating facilities when there is a constant risk of earthquakes or volcanic activity.

Infrastructure

• Aside from a lack of adequate resources, geothermal electricity is not widely used due to a lack of infrastructure.
• By definition, a geothermal energy source could only be used to provide baseline power for an electrical grid, which presents its own set of challenges.
• Drilling wells and setting up power plants require a lot of expensive equipment, and training people to work at a geothermal power plant is time-consuming and expensive.
• There is also a limit to where geothermal energy can be utilized.
• Once energy is extracted from underground wells, it cannot be transported to another facility whose grid is in greater need; it must be used immediately.

High Cost

• Geothermal energy is a costly resource to exploit.
• The upfront costs are high, however, they can be recouped over time as part of a long-term investment.

Renewable Doesn't Mean Endless

• Contrary to popular belief, the amount of water and steam extracted from the earth is limited.
• There is only so much water that can be extracted from each well, and without proper re-injection of used water, there isn't enough pressure to propel the steam and water upwards.
• If the pressure gradient is not properly restored, not only will the energy source dwindle, but there is also the risk of more serious geological consequences, such as the formation of sinkholes.

Transmission Barrier

• Because it is not practical to transport steam or hot water over distances greater than two miles, geothermal power plants must be located near specific areas near a reservoir.
• As many of the best geothermal resources are found in rural areas, developers' ability to supply electricity to the grid may be limited.
• New power lines are costly to build and difficult to install.

Environmental Side Effects

• Although geothermal energy does not typically emit greenhouse gases, many of these gases are trapped beneath the Earth's surface and released into the atmosphere during excavation.
• Although these gases are naturally released into the atmosphere, they are released at a higher rate near geothermal plants.
• These emissions, however, are still significantly lower than those associated with fossil fuels.

Earthquakes

• Geothermal energy has the potential to cause earthquakes.
• This is due to changes in the structure of the Earth as a result of digging.
• This issue is more common with enhanced geothermal power plants, which force water into the Earth's crust to open fissures and allow for greater resource exploitation.
• However most geothermal plants are located far from population centers, the effects of these earthquakes are minimal.

Sustainability

• To ensure the long-term viability of geothermal energy, the fluid must be pumped back into underground reservoirs at a faster rate than it is depleted.
• This implies that geothermal energy must be properly managed to ensure its long-term viability.
• This implies that geothermal energy must be properly managed to ensure its long-term viability.
• It is critical for the industry to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of geothermal energy in order to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks.

Execution Challenges

• Through the holes drilled by the constructors, harmful radioactive gases can escape from within the earth.
• The plant must be capable of containing any leaking gases and disposing of them safely.

Conclusion

India has massive energy needs, with a goal of obtaining 15% of its energy from clean sources by 2020. All renewable energy sources must be developed.

In comparison to its more attractive cousins, Wind, and Solar energies, geothermal energy is regarded as a poor cousin. However, one feature of geothermal energy distinguishes it from the others. Due to project development and financing issues, geothermal energy in India, like elsewhere in the world, is moving at a snail's pace. India has the capacity to generate 10 GW of geothermal energy, which is equivalent to the entire world's capacity. Through active international collaboration with countries such as the United States, Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand, India plans to harness 10,000 MW (10 GW) of geothermal energy by 2030. However, it will require significant government support and incentives.

FAQs 

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a prominent geothermal site in India?

A. Sunderbans
B. Puga Valley
C. Thar Desert
D. Rann of Kutch

2. What is a key advantage of geothermal energy?

A. It requires large land areas
B. It is weather-dependent
C. It is a continuous energy source
D. It produces high carbon emissions

3. Which Indian region is known for its geothermal activity?

A. Western Ghats
B. Deccan Plateau
C. Himalayan Region
D. All of the above

4. What is one of the main challenges in developing geothermal energy in India?

A. High operational costs
B. Lack of potential sites
C. High initial investment
D. Excessive greenhouse gas emissions

5. Which government body oversees geothermal energy development in India?

A. Ministry of Power
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
D. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable energy source in India. What are the major challenges in its development?

Answer: Geothermal energy is a promising renewable energy source in India due to the country’s tectonic activity in regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. It offers a continuous, eco-friendly energy supply with minimal environmental impact. However, the development of geothermal energy faces challenges such as high initial costs, lack of technological expertise, and limited infrastructure. Addressing these issues through governmental initiatives like the National Geothermal Energy Policy could unlock the potential of geothermal energy in India’s energy mix.

Q2: Analyze the role of the government in promoting geothermal energy in India. What are the key policies and projects initiated to harness this energy?

Answer: The Indian government, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has recognized the importance of geothermal energy and initiated various projects to explore its potential. The National Geothermal Energy Policy aims to streamline the process of geothermal energy development by providing incentives, research funding, and international collaboration. Projects in regions like Puga Valley, Tattapani, and Manikaran have been launched to harness geothermal energy for electricity generation and direct use in industries. Continued policy support and investment are essential for realizing the full potential of geothermal energy in India.

Q3: Evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of geothermal energy in comparison to other renewable energy sources.

Answer: Geothermal energy offers several environmental and economic benefits compared to other renewable sources. It is a continuous energy source, unlike solar and wind energy, which are intermittent. Geothermal energy also produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. Economically, it has lower operational costs once infrastructure is in place, providing a long-term sustainable solution. However, its high initial investment and limited geographical availability pose challenges. Despite this, geothermal energy remains an attractive option for a diversified and clean energy portfolio.

Previous Year Questions on Geothermal Energy

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Which of the following energy sources is considered continuous and independent of weather conditions?
A. Solar Energy
B. Wind Energy
C. Geothermal Energy
D. Hydroelectric Energy

Answer: C

Explanation: Geothermal energy is a continuous source of energy that is independent of external weather conditions, unlike solar or wind energy.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3)

Question: Discuss the scope of renewable energy in India with special reference to geothermal energy. What steps have been taken by the government to harness it?

Explanation: India’s potential for renewable energy is vast, with geothermal energy offering an untapped resource. Regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh show significant geothermal potential. The government has launched initiatives under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to promote the exploration and development of geothermal energy. The National Geothermal Energy Policy is a key step toward making geothermal energy a part of India’s renewable energy mix, focusing on research, development, and international cooperation.