18th - 24th March 2024
CES&HS, NGI & Geotropy conduct joint investigation to tap geothermal energy.
In a pioneering initiative aimed at unlocking the vast potential of geothermal energy in Arunachal Pradesh, the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) in Itanagar, in collaboration with the Oslo-based Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) and Iceland-based company Geotropy, embarked on a series of investigation studies from March 18 to 24. The trilateral cooperation between India, Norway, and Iceland seeks to identify and quantify the geothermal potential in various regions of Arunachal Pradesh. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate its utilisation across a spectrum of applications, including cold storage, drying agricultural products, heating and cooling of households, hotels, hospitals, water tourism, and future electricity production from green energy sources. Under the guidance of CES&HS Director Tana Tage, the trilateral team conducted geothermal field investigations at potential sites in West Kameng and Tawang districts. These investigations aimed to gather samples for geochemical studies and perform structural geological analyses.
Dr. Vijay Chauhan, CEO of Geotropy, expressed optimism about the significant potential for harnessing geothermal energy in Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Himalayan region. He emphasised that the viability of geothermal energy depends on various factors, including fluid-rock interaction and structural geological conditions. Dr. Rajinder Bhasin, a geotechnical expert from NGI, highlighted a successful pilot geothermal demonstration project in Chumathang village in the Ladakh region. This project effectively harnessed geothermal energy for space heating, benefiting both civilians and military personnel in the area. Former Union Science & Technology Department Head Dr. Bhoop Singh, currently serving as a scientific adviser to CES&HS, underscored the importance of planned pilot geothermal demonstration projects in Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized that these initiatives pave the way for large-scale utilization of untapped renewable energy sources available in various regions of the state.