New Delhi, Sep 4: As India works towards its ambitious Net Zero target by 2070, geothermal energy is emerging as a promising addition to the country’s expanding clean-energy portfolio. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal power can provide energy around the clock, offering a potential source of stable renewable power.
India’s geothermal resources could also play a role beyond electricity generation. The heat beneath the Earth’s surface can be used for industrial processes, heating and cooling, agriculture, aquaculture and other applications. This wider use could help industries reduce their dependence on conventional fuels while improving energy efficiency.
The opportunity is significant. A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water and Project InnerSpace estimates that India has around 450 GW of geothermal electricity-generation potential, along with much larger potential for industrial heat and cooling applications. Even partial development of these resources could help diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce pressure on the power system.
India has already begun creating a policy framework to support the sector. The National Policy on Geothermal Energy, notified in 2025, focuses on research, technology development, partnerships, capacity building and pilot projects. The policy also supports applications such as clean power, district heating, agricultural uses and ground-source heat pumps.
The sector could also create opportunities for Indian engineering, drilling and technology companies. India’s existing capabilities in drilling, geoscience and infrastructure development could provide a foundation for building a domestic geothermal ecosystem, while large-scale deployment has the potential to generate significant employment.
At the same time, geothermal development is not without challenges. Exploration can involve high upfront costs, complex geological assessments and difficult terrain, while projects require specialised technology and long-term investment. Developing reliable resource maps and reducing exploration risks will therefore be critical for attracting private investment.
The progress of geothermal projects in regions such as Ladakh is offering an early glimpse of the technology’s potential. Pilot initiatives are expected to help India understand the technical and commercial viability of geothermal resources and build experience for larger projects.
For India, geothermal energy is unlikely to replace solar, wind or other renewable sources. Instead, its importance could lie in complementing them. A broader renewable portfolio that includes reliable sources of clean energy could strengthen energy security, support industries seeking to reduce emissions and help India move steadily towards its 2070 Net Zero ambition.