India Launches First Geothermal Energy Policy

18 Sep 2025 CW Team

Geothermal energy, which harnesses the Earth’s natural heat, offers 24/7 electricity, grid stability, and energy access for remote areas. The policy places emphasis on research and development, particularly improving exploration and drilling methods, while also encouraging applications like ground source heat pumps for buildings and agriculture. Collaboration with global institutions is expected to bring international best practices to India.

The Geological Survey of India has identified 381 hot springs across the country, with notable geothermal provinces in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. While most sites suit direct applications such as heating, aquaculture, and food drying, high-enthalpy resources in specific regions could enable electricity generation.

Challenges such as high upfront costs and exploration risks will be addressed through concessional loans, viability gap funding, and grants. Incentives like tax holidays and exemptions on import duty and GST for geothermal equipment are also proposed. To ease project development, MNRE will create a single-window clearance system, while states will appoint nodal agencies to facilitate approvals.

The policy further proposes repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal use, reducing costs and leveraging existing infrastructure. It also allows for extracting valuable minerals like silica and lithium from geothermal resources. MNRE will act as the nodal agency, setting up Centres of Excellence for technical support, training, and capacity building.

With this initiative, India aims to complement its progress in solar and wind energy by tapping geothermal as a reliable, clean, and constant source of power.

India has unveiled its first National Policy on Geothermal Energy, marking a major step in its clean energy journey. Announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the policy seeks to integrate geothermal energy into the country’s renewable energy portfolio, supporting its goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.Geothermal energy, which harnesses the Earth’s natural heat, offers 24/7 electricity, grid stability, and energy access for remote areas. The policy places emphasis on research and development, particularly improving exploration and drilling methods, while also encouraging applications like ground source heat pumps for buildings and agriculture. Collaboration with global institutions is expected to bring international best practices to India.The Geological Survey of India has identified 381 hot springs across the country, with notable geothermal provinces in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. While most sites suit direct applications such as heating, aquaculture, and food drying, high-enthalpy resources in specific regions could enable electricity generation.Challenges such as high upfront costs and exploration risks will be addressed through concessional loans, viability gap funding, and grants. Incentives like tax holidays and exemptions on import duty and GST for geothermal equipment are also proposed. To ease project development, MNRE will create a single-window clearance system, while states will appoint nodal agencies to facilitate approvals.The policy further proposes repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal use, reducing costs and leveraging existing infrastructure. It also allows for extracting valuable minerals like silica and lithium from geothermal resources. MNRE will act as the nodal agency, setting up Centres of Excellence for technical support, training, and capacity building.With this initiative, India aims to complement its progress in solar and wind energy by tapping geothermal as a reliable, clean, and constant source of power.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..