Zero-Carbon Dreams: ONGC Reignites Ladakh's Geothermal Hopes

Kargil, July 29: Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has restarted drilling operations for India's pioneering geothermal project in Puga Valley of Ladakh Union Territory, following a two-year setback. If successful, this initiative could unlock a source of emission-free electricity, space heating, and irrigation in Ladakh's challenging terrain.

The zero-carbon renewable energy project, managed by ONGC, is situated in the geothermally active Puga Valley, approximately 190 km from Leh city, at an altitude exceeding 14,000 feet. ONGC is receiving guidance from Icelandic consultants, leveraging expertise from a country where geothermal energy accounts for two-thirds of primary energy consumption.

Geothermal energy, derived from heat generated deep within the Earth's core, offers a clean, renewable source that can be harnessed continuously for various applications. The project aims to tap into this resource by drilling wells to extract hot water or steam, which will power turbines for electricity generation.

Puga and Chumathang areas in Ladakh were identified as promising geothermal prospects in the 1970s, with initial explorations conducted by the Geological Survey of India in the 1980s.

The project gained momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a carbon-neutral vision for Ladakh on August 15, 2020.

Sunil Kumar, Project Associate at ONGC Energy Centre, provided an update on the project's progress: "We have initiated the foundation work and expect to commence drilling within a week or by the end of this month. Initially, our target is to generate one megawatt (MW) of power." Kumar also highlighted the potential for geothermal energy to support aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism in the region.

The pilot phase involves drilling two wells, each reaching a depth of 1,000 meters, with an expected temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. Drilling work is anticipated to be completed within the current working season, with pilot phase operations for the thermal power plant set to begin in the next working season.

This venture is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ONGC, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh.

Previous drilling attempts in August 2022 yielded promising results, with high-pressure steam at 100 degrees Celsius encountered after just a week of drilling. However, the project faced a setback due to unexpectedly high pressures and flow rates that exceeded the capacity of the prepared equipment.

For this renewed attempt, ONGC has mobilised the latest equipment to address previous challenges and ensure the project's success. The geothermal initiative holds significant potential for providing sustainable energy solutions in Ladakh's harsh climate while contributing to India's renewable energy goals.