Imagine turning on the lights in your house by using steam from within our planet’s surface. Today this is possible with the help of geothermal energy and geothermal power plants.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what geothermal energy is, its importance in today’s world, as well as types of geothermal power plants and where you can find a geothermal power plant in India.
So, grab a cup of chai as we embark on another adventure of knowledge. This time the world awaits us not in the sky above, but far beneath the ground.
What is a Geothermal Power Plant?
To put it simply, a geothermal power plant transforms or converts to electricity the heat energy derived from magma in any given region within the earth’s crust which can be formed deep.
Geothermal power plants extract steam and hot water from underground reservoirs. They generate electricity by using the steam to turn turbines. Although powerful in practice, it’s simple in theory!
Benefits of Geothermal Energy
Now that we have the basics, let’s go over the factors that make geothermal energy so valuable:
- Endless: Geothermal energy is sustainable because of the earth’s heat. On a human timescale, it’s virtually endless.
- Clean: The process emits very few greenhouse gases.
- Consistent: Unlike wind and solar energy, which depend on the weather, geothermal power plants are 24/7.
- Space-efficient: These plants take up less area than solar farms.
This does seem too good to be true, doesn’t it?
Categories of Geothermal Power Plants
Let’s explore the types of geothermal power plants, because yes, there’s more than one way to harness the Earth’s energy!
- Dry Steam Plants
The most basic and oldest. In this configuration, steam is directly drawn from underground reservoirs and used to spin turbines.
Example: The Larderello field in Italy (among the oldest in the world).
- Flash Steam Plants
Hot water is pumped to the surface from over 180°C. Turbines are powered when steam is created from lower pressure, or “flashes.”
This is the geothermal power plant that is used most frequently across the globe.
- Binary Cycle Plants
These are the new kids on the block. In this system, geothermal water does not directly spin the turbine; rather, it heats another fluid with a lower boiling point. This secondary fluid, now gas, will then proceed to spin the turbine.
Binary plants are ideal for regions with moderate geothermal temperatures.
So, these are the three types of geothermal power plants you need to know about.
Geothermal Power Plant in India
Now the big question – what is the scenario of geothermal power plants in India?
Geothermal energy in India has immense scope, especially in the Himalayan regions, the Western Ghats and parts of Central India. The resources for geothermal energy here primarily take the form of hot water springs.
Let us examine the current status and the future of the project.
You Can Also Read: Geothermal Energy: Harnessing Earth’s Heat for Sustainable Energy Development
Comprehensive Working List of the Geothermal Power Plants in India
Geothermal energy is still in its nascent stage in India, but numerous efforts are underway. Below is a compilation of an operated list of geothermal power plants in India and other considerable importance in India:
- Puga Valley, Ladakh
Remains one of the most studied geothermal regions in India, abundant with high-temperature thermal springs.
Current Status: Propelling Plans for a 5 MW geothermal power station.
Potential: Approximately 20-30 MW.
- Tattapani, Chhattisgarh
An area that has been mentioned as an existing hotspot. This region has been actively surveyed for geothermal resource utilization.
Plans: The Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy development Agency (CREDA) is also keen.
Potential: Exceeding 20 MW.
- Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh
Famous for its hot springs, Manikaran is a significant religious and tourist location which also sustains geothermal energy potential.
Activity: Performed reconnaissance and resource assessment.
Use: Deliberation for developing a pilot project.
- Bakreshwar, West Bengal
Not as well-known, however, it is on the working list of geothermal power plants in India noteworthy for unfaced opportunities.
- Unai, Maharashtra
Identified as a geothermal field with development potential, it serves as an active thermal spring for skin related ailments.
Geothermal power plants in India do not yet have functional large-scale power plants, but the country does have an extensive list of geothermal power plants in India that includes numerous pilot projects alongside active exploration sites.
What’s Holding Us Back?
Renewable energy is on the rise in India, but geothermal energy still requires additional research and development, leaving the question: why is there no geothermal power in every Indian household?
There are several challenges to this energy source:
– High Costs: The infrastructure requires a great amount of funding for drilling wells.
– Lack of Resources: It requires specific types of underground heat, which is not universally available.
– Lack of Promotion: India’s renewable sector has shifted focus towards wind and solar energy.
That said, geothermal energy is gradually gaining popularity due to the nation’s increasing energy needs and the urgent focus on sustainable development.
The Future of Geothermal Power Plants in India
Let’s imagine what would be needed for India to realise its dreams of a technologically advanced geothermal power plant:
– Assisted Policies: Direct investments, subsidies, and supportive policies from the government are vital.
– Public-Private Collaboration: Companies such as ONGC and NTPC are already pursuing initiatives for geothermal energy.
– Profound Understanding: Supporting research and geothermic power plant systems such as evaluating the benefits will inspire future funding.
With foreign collaboration, pilot projects, and research and development underway, the list of geothermal power plants in India can expand tremendously within the upcoming years in India.
Key Takeaways
Let’s recap what we discussed today:
- Geothermal power plants utilize steam from hot reservoirs deep underground to generate electricity.
- The three main kinds of power plants include: dry steam power plants, flash steam power plants, and binary cycle power plants.
- Geothermal power plants in India are still in their infancy, awaiting further development with promising locations such as Puga Valley and Tattapani.
- Due to policy changes, India is starting to see an increasing demand for power and, therefore, the list of geothermal power plants in India is on the rise.
In Conclusion
India shows tremendous potential opportunities with geothermal power plants which can help sustain a greener balance. As the world shifts towards renewable clean energy, exploring the ever-growing fuel that sits beneath our feet becomes crucial.
With the growing demand for energy, India shows increasing possibilities with geothermal power plants as the possibilities are endless, whether it be in your backyard or other places like Puga Valley in Ladakh, India looks to become the future geothermal power hub.
