MNRE unveils RE-RTD programme to drive geothermal tech growth in India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is executing a "Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)" in collaboration with different research institutions and industries to foster the creation of local technologies and production for the broad use of new and renewable energy, such as geothermal energy, efficiently and affordably nationwide, including in Andhra Pradesh.

The government has informed the Lok Sabha that there are no geothermal power projects proposed or in the construction phase in Andhra Pradesh at this time.

In response to a question posed by MP Kesineni Sivanath, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power Shripad Yesso Naik stated that the country has identified a geothermal potential of around 10,600 megawatts (MW).

The minister stated that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has conducted multiple geothermal studies in 381 thermally anomalous areas and released the ‘Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022’. The report contains aggregated data on temperature, discharge, and water quality/chemistry across various geothermal fields.

“There is no geothermal power plant proposed or under construction in Andhra Pradesh,” Naik said.

He also updated the House that the sole active geothermal power initiative in the nation is a 20 kW pilot facility launched by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in the Manuguru area of the Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana.

In response to a question about financial allocations, Naik stated, “No fund has been allocated by Ministry, so far.”

The minister emphasized that the RE-RTD initiative aims to promote the advancement of renewable energy technologies, such as geothermal, across the nation, including in Andhra Pradesh.