MNRE Implementing RE-RTD Programme to Advance Geothermal Energy Technology: MoS MNRE

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing a ‘Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)’ through various research institutions and industries to develop indigenous technologies and manufacturing for widespread applications of new and renewable energy including geothermal energy in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Geological Survey of India (GSI) has carried out exploration of geothermal energy in various recognised geothermal fields which includes collection of data on temperature, discharge, and quality/chemistry of water in different geothermal fields.

“GSI has studied 381 thermally anomalous areas across India and has published a report titled ‘Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022’. A potential of about 10,600 MW of geothermal power has been estimated in the country,” stated Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power Shripad Yesso Naik in the Lok Sabha.

He further said that Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) has commissioned a 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant in the Manuguru area of Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana. “There are currently no geothermal power plants proposed or under construction in Andhra Pradesh. And, no has been allocated by the Ministry so far for geothermal energy projects,” he said.

One of the biggest barriers to geothermal adoption is its high upfront costs. Unlike solar, which offers plug-and-play solutions, geothermal requires deep drilling, site-specific infrastructure, and significant long-term investment. This makes it a more complex and capital-intensive technology.

Another challenge is the lack of public awareness. Solar and wind energy scaled rapidly because businesses, investors, and the public saw the opportunity and backed it. Geothermal, however, has yet to capture mainstream attention or generate the same level of enthusiasm. Without a strong public narrative, it struggles to gain momentum. Additionally, there are no structured incentives to support geothermal expansion to make projects commercially viable. Without targeted incentives, investors remain hesitant.

India’s aim of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030 must also account for diversification going beyond solar and wind to ensure a healthy mix of energy sources and a reliable grid. And, with a national task force on geothermal energy and the RE-RTD programme, MNRE is pushing for the inclusion of geothermal energy and creating a roadmap for taking it beyond the pilot level.