The Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 marks a major milestone in India’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources. Approved recently by the Uttarakhand state government, the policy aims to harness the state’s abundant geothermal resources to generate electricity, provide heating and cooling solutions, purify water, and support local communities. This bold initiative reflects the state’s commitment to environmental conservation, renewable energy innovation, and regional development.
Policy Objectives and Strategic Implementation
The main objective of the Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 is to explore and develop geothermal energy sites across the state in a structured and sustainable manner. It seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the state’s overall energy security. The policy promotes scientific, technical, and commercial research to assess the feasibility and benefits of geothermal energy.
The policy’s implementation will be coordinated by the Energy Department in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL). Projects will be allotted through competitive bidding or other transparent methods for a period of up to 30 years. Both public sector units and private investors are encouraged to participate, making it an inclusive approach that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in clean energy.
Geological Potential and Scientific Basis
Geothermal energy in Uttarakhand stems from hot springs that occur along tectonic fault zones. The Main Central Thrust, where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, hosts many of these thermal anomalies. The underlying geological activity generates immense subterranean heat, which warms groundwater and brings it to the surface as hot springs. Sites such as Gaurikund, Tapovan, and Yamunotri are rich in geothermal activity and are likely candidates for initial development under the new policy.
This geological setting offers significant potential for generating baseload renewable power, which unlike solar or wind energy, is available 24/7 and is not dependent on weather conditions. In a state that suffers from seasonal energy demand spikes, geothermal power provides a reliable and sustainable alternative.
Importance of Geothermal Energy for India
Geothermal energy is globally recognised as a low-carbon, renewable resource that can be used for multiple applications. India has identified 381 thermally anomalous sites with an estimated potential capacity of over 10,600 MW. Although the resource remains underutilised, successful pilot projects in Telangana, Ladakh, and Gujarat are paving the way for broader adoption.
India is also actively collaborating with Iceland, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia to learn from their successful geothermal deployment models. The Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 positions the state as a leader in this underexplored segment and can set an example for other Himalayan and volcanic regions.
Key Geothermal Features in Uttarakhand
The policy will map and assess various geothermal features including geysers, fumaroles, hot springs, and mudpots. These natural phenomena are indicators of geothermal energy activity. For instance:
- Geysers periodically erupt with hot water and steam due to subterranean heating.
- Fumaroles emit volcanic gases and steam, indicating extreme underground heat.
- Mudpots are acidic hot springs with limited water supply, forming bubbling pools of heated mud.
Identifying and preserving these features while responsibly harnessing their energy will be crucial.
Complementary Policy Measures by the Uttarakhand Government
Alongside the geothermal policy, the Uttarakhand cabinet approved additional policies to strengthen governance in resource management. These include new rules for the Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust and District Mineral Foundation Trust, which aim to enhance transparency and community benefit from mineral exploration projects.
Furthermore, the cabinet approved new positions in the vigilance department to strengthen oversight and sanctioned the establishment of a digital forensic lab under the state tax department. These measures signal a broader focus on institutional capacity building and technological integration in governance.
Conclusion
The Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 is a forward-thinking policy that capitalises on the state’s unique geological advantages to build a resilient and clean energy future. By promoting geothermal energy, the state not only reduces its carbon footprint but also creates local employment, supports rural development, and strengthens its position in India’s renewable energy landscape.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader national goals of Net Zero by 2070 and offers a replicable model for sustainable energy development in other Himalayan and high-potential geothermal regions.
