India Takes Major Step Toward Geothermal Power With Puga Valley Wells
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India has taken an important step toward developing Geothermal Energy India after two deep geothermal wells were commissioned at Puga Valley in Ladakh. Developed by the ONGC Energy Centre, the wells are being used to evaluate underground geothermal resources and support plans for a proposed 1 MW demonstration-scale power project.
The wells were commissioned on July 17, 2026, at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet. Each reaches a depth of 1,000 metres, making the project an important milestone in India’s efforts to explore geothermal energy as part of its renewable energy mix.
However, the project remains at the exploration and demonstration stage. India does not yet have large-scale commercial geothermal power generation, and further testing is required to determine whether the Puga resource can support reliable electricity production.
Puga Valley Wells Support Proposed 1 MW Project
The Puga Valley project is focused on determining whether underground heat can be used for electricity generation.
The two wells are considered important to a proposed 1 MW demonstration-scale geothermal power project. Engineers will use them to evaluate the geothermal reservoir and establish whether conditions are suitable for power generation.
The project also presents significant engineering challenges because of its location. Puga Valley is situated more than 14,000 feet above sea level, where difficult terrain and extreme weather can complicate drilling and construction activities.
| Project Feature | Details |
| Location | Puga Valley, Ladakh |
| Developer | ONGC Energy Centre |
| Wells | Two geothermal wells |
| Well depth | 1,000 metres each |
| Altitude | More than 14,000 feet |
| Proposed power project | 1 MW demonstration-scale plant |
| Current stage | Reservoir evaluation |
What Is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy uses heat from beneath the Earth’s surface. In areas with suitable geological conditions, underground heat can produce hot water or steam that may be used to generate electricity.
One potential advantage of geothermal power is its ability to provide electricity without depending directly on sunlight or wind. This means it could complement renewable sources such as solar and wind where suitable geothermal resources are available.
However, geothermal development depends heavily on local geology. Identifying a hot spring or geothermal resource does not automatically mean that commercial electricity generation is technically or economically viable.
This makes exploration projects such as Puga important for Geothermal Energy India, as they can provide practical information about India’s underground resources.
India Has Significant Theoretical Geothermal Potential
India’s geothermal resources extend beyond Ladakh.
The Geological Survey of India has mapped 381 hot springs across the country and identified 10 geothermal provinces. India’s theoretical geothermal potential has been estimated at approximately 10.6 GW, with 42 promising locations identified for potential development.
The 10.6 GW figure represents theoretical potential, rather than installed or commercially proven generating capacity.
India is still working to determine which resources can be developed economically and technically. The Puga project is therefore part of a wider effort to understand the country’s geothermal opportunities.
National Policy Supports Geothermal Development
The growth of Geothermal Energy India is also supported by a national policy framework.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy notified India’s National Policy on Geothermal Energy in September 2025. The policy provides a framework for exploration and development while encouraging research, investment and collaboration.
The government has also supported geothermal research and pilot projects in different parts of India. These projects are examining potential applications including electricity generation and direct use of geothermal heat.
Why Geothermal Energy Could Matter for India
India’s renewable energy expansion has primarily focused on solar, wind and hydropower. Geothermal energy could provide another option for diversifying the country’s clean-energy mix.
Unlike solar power, geothermal generation does not depend on daylight. Unlike wind power, it does not depend directly on wind conditions. Where suitable resources exist, geothermal energy can potentially provide a more consistent renewable power source.
This could be particularly useful in remote areas where transporting conventional fuels can be challenging.
For Ladakh, the proposed Puga project could therefore have significance beyond its planned 1 MW capacity. If testing demonstrates that the resource can support reliable electricity generation, the experience could help guide future geothermal projects elsewhere in India.
However, larger-scale development will depend on the technical and economic results of these early projects.
Puga Project Remains an Early Step
The progress at Puga Valley should not be interpreted as evidence that India already has a commercial geothermal power industry.
The two wells represent a major exploration milestone, but additional reservoir testing and engineering work are needed before the proposed 1 MW demonstration plant can establish the viability of geothermal electricity generation at the site.
This distinction is important when discussing Geothermal Energy India. While the country has substantial theoretical resources and several promising locations, commercial-scale geothermal development remains at an early stage.
The Puga project could nevertheless provide valuable technical experience and help determine whether geothermal energy can become a larger part of India’s renewable energy strategy.
FAQs
What is the Geothermal Energy India project at Puga Valley?
It is an effort to explore geothermal resources at Puga Valley in Ladakh. Two 1,000-metre wells have been commissioned to evaluate the resource and support a proposed 1 MW demonstration-scale power project.
How deep are the Puga geothermal wells?
Both wells reach a depth of 1,000 metres and were drilled at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet.
Is India already generating commercial geothermal power?
No. India remains at an early exploration and demonstration stage. The Puga project is intended to help determine the feasibility of geothermal power generation.
What is India’s geothermal potential?
India’s theoretical geothermal potential is estimated at around 10.6 GW. This is a theoretical resource estimate and should not be confused with installed generating capacity.
Why is Puga Valley important?
Puga is considered one of India’s promising geothermal locations. The project could provide technical experience that supports future geothermal development in other parts of the country.
Conclusion
The development of Geothermal Energy India has reached an important milestone with the commissioning of two 1,000-metre geothermal wells at Puga Valley in Ladakh.
The wells will help evaluate the area’s underground heat resources and support plans for a proposed 1 MW demonstration-scale geothermal power project. Their completion demonstrates India’s growing interest in geothermal energy as a potential complement to solar and wind power.
India’s estimated 10.6 GW theoretical potential and hundreds of mapped hot springs indicate significant resource possibilities. However, commercial viability still needs to be demonstrated.
The Puga project will therefore be an important test of whether India’s geothermal resources can move from exploration toward practical power generation and what role Geothermal Energy India could play in the country’s long-term clean-energy transition.
