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Ladakh Taps Earth's Heat: First Geothermal Wells Drilled
18 Jul
Summary
- India's first geothermal wells drilled to 1000 meters in Puga Valley.
- A 1MW pilot geothermal power plant is planned for the region.
- Project recommenced after Lt Governor intervened for MoU renewal.
In a historic development for India's clean energy ambitions, the Ladakh administration has successfully commissioned the country's first geothermal wells in the Puga Valley. Two wells, each drilled to a depth of 1000 meters at an altitude of 14,000 feet, are poised to pave the way for a 1MW geothermal power plant.
The project, inaugurated on July 8, 2026, faced a significant setback due to the expiry of a tripartite MoU, leading to delays. However, following the personal intervention of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the MoU was renewed in June 2026, allowing work to resume. This renewal was critical for evaluating geothermal resources and planning the power plant.
During drilling, a temperature of 135 degrees Celsius was recorded at 400 meters, with engineers optimistic about achieving higher temperatures necessary for the pilot project and future commercial exploration. Lt Governor Saxena hailed the commissioning as a defining moment for Ladakh's carbon-neutral future and a blueprint for India's net-zero journey, underscoring its potential to boost energy security and regional development.
