Policy Overview
National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025: The National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025 was notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on September 19, 2025. It provides a framework for exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal resources. The policy directly supports India’s target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
The framework emphasizes research, innovation, and inter-ministerial coordination to integrate geothermal energy into the broader renewable energy strategy. It also encourages partnerships with global geothermal bodies and the private sector.
Static GK fact: India announced its Net Zero target during COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
Applications of Geothermal Energy
The policy highlights that geothermal energy extends beyond power generation. It supports its use in district heating, aquaculture, greenhouse farming, and tourism.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) are promoted for space cooling and heating, while desalination, cold storage, and agro-processing are identified as critical sectors for deployment.
Static GK Tip: The first geothermal power plant in the world was built in Larderello, Italy, in 1904.
Research and Technological Innovation
The policy supports Enhanced and Advanced Geothermal Systems (EGS/AGS) to overcome geological challenges. Retrofitting of abandoned oil wells is promoted for geothermal use.
Hybrid geothermal-solar projects are encouraged to improve energy stability and efficiency. Dedicated funding for R&D and pilot projects is also included.
Implementation and Institutional Support
The MNRE will serve as the nodal agency for project execution. The first phase includes five pilot projects and detailed resource assessment surveys.
Developers are allowed exploration permits and 30-year leases for geothermal projects. State governments have been urged to establish single-window clearance mechanisms to ensure timely approvals.
Collaboration is promoted with oil and gas companies, universities, and international partners for knowledge sharing.
Static GK fact: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) first reported India’s geothermal resources in the early 1970s.
Geothermal Potential in India
India has identified 10 geothermal provinces and mapped 381 hot springs.
Key regions include the Himalayan Province (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand), Cambay Graben (Gujarat), Aravalli Province (Rajasthan), and the Godavari Basin (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana). Other geothermal zones are found in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Significance of the Policy
Geothermal energy is reliable and continuous, unlike solar and wind which are weather-dependent. It helps reduce carbon emissions, supports energy security, and diversifies India’s renewable energy portfolio.
The policy also contributes to job creation, sustainable industries, and regional development, particularly in states with rich geothermal potential.
Static GK Tip: The United States is the world leader in geothermal power production, with California hosting most of its capacity.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Policy notified by | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Policy date | September 19, 2025 |
| Net Zero target year | 2070 |
| Pilot projects sanctioned | 5 |
| Number of geothermal provinces in India | 10 |
| Number of hot springs identified | 381 |
| Key provinces | Himalayan, Cambay Graben, Aravalli, Godavari Basin |
| Exploration lease duration | 30 years |
| Nodal implementing agency | MNRE |
| Global geothermal pioneer | Larderello, Italy (1904) |
