"Agneyodgara Urja" – Indian Geothermal Energy Development Policy Submitted by Dr. Ritesh Arya

Suggestions for Improvement of the "Agneyodgara Urja" – Indian Geothermal Energy Development Policy

Submitted by Dr. Ritesh Arya

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Executive Summary

India's geothermal potential, rooted in its unique geological settings, remains largely untapped. The Agneyodgara Urja (Lava Energy) policy seeks to promote sustainable geothermal development through indigenous innovation, community engagement, and strategic regional initiatives. This document outlines key recommendations to enhance the policy's effectiveness while acknowledging India's rich geothermal heritage.

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Historical Context of Geothermal Development in India

India has a long-standing history of geothermal exploration, with notable sites demonstrating the potential for geothermal energy use and tourism:

1. Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh):
   
   

• Known for its hot springs and religious significance, Manikaran has been a key geothermal site used for heating purposes and religious baths since Lord Shivas time.

• Historically Guru Nanak ji used for cooking food and religious rituals, Manikaran highlights geothermal's potential for direct-use applications and tourism development.

2. Vashisht (Himachal Pradesh):
   
   

• Located near Manali, the hot springs of Vashisht are renowned for their medicinal properties, drawing both pilgrims and tourists.

• The area's geothermal springs have long been integrated into local culture, showcasing the potential for balneotherapy centers and wellness tourism.

3. Tattapani ( Shimla and Chhattisgarh):
   
   

• Tattapani, meaning “hot water,” has been a significant geothermal site where natural hot springs have been used for bathing and therapeutic purposes.

• The site demonstrates the feasibility of small-scale geothermal development for heating and community wellness projects.

4. Chumathang (Ladakh):
   
   

• Located in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh, Chumathang's geothermal springs have traditionally been used by locals for heating bathing and treating various diseases  in harsh climatic conditions.

• The region showcases the potential for integrating geothermal energy into greenhouse agriculture and remote heating solutions in extreme environments.

These historical examples demonstrate the practical applications of geothermal resources in India and serve as models for the development of new geothermal projects under the Agneyodgara Urja policy.

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Policy Recommendations (Arranged by Priority)

1. Enhanced Tariff Structure for Early Adoption

• Offer an enhanced tariff of up to ₹10-15 per unit for geothermal plants developed within the first five years to attract serious players, as seen in the initial years in solar energy sector.

• Gradually reduce tariffs over time, creating a path to industry maturity without excessive reliance on subsidies.

2. Revenue or Royalty Sharing Model with Local Communities

• Implement a revenue-sharing or royalty-sharing model to ensure local communities benefit directly from geothermal projects.

• Encourage active participation by making villagers stakeholders in the project’s success.

3. Mandatory GSHP Installations in New Buildings

• Mandate Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) installations in all new government buildings and offer incentives for private builders.

• Provide tax benefits and certification bonuses to encourage widespread adoption of geothermal systems in construction.

4. Focus on Small and Micro Geothermal Projects

• Begin with small and micro geothermal projects such as greenhouse heating, aquaculture, and district heating.

• Use these pilot models to scale up to larger geothermal power plants over time, ensuring sustainable growth.

5. Promoting Indigenous Technology and Human Resources

• Focus on indigenous geothermal technologies by supporting Indian startups, R&D institutions, and universities.

• Reduce dependency on imported equipment by encouraging local innovation in drilling technologies and reservoir management.

6. Establishment of Geothermal and Climate Change Universities

• Establish Geothermal and Climate Change Universities in strategic locations:

• North India: Himachal Pradesh or Chandigarh.

• Central India: Ahmedabad.

• North East India: Arunachal Pradesh.

• Offer specialized programs in geothermal exploration, direct-use applications, and policy development to build a skilled workforce.

7. Development of Geosports, Religious Baths, and Spas

• Promote geosports such as geothermal-heated winter sports to attract tourism in remote regions.

• Develop balneotherapy centers, religious baths, and spas to capitalize on the medicinal properties of geothermal springs and promote wellness tourism.

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Conclusion

By leveraging India's geothermal history, encouraging indigenous innovation, and fostering community participation, the Agneyodgara Urja – Lava Energy Policy can unlock the full potential of geothermal resources. These recommendations aim to ensure energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development, positioning India as a global leader in renewable energy.