ONGC to Commence Construction of India's First Geothermal Project

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) is planning to launch a fresh drilling campaign in June for India's first geothermal project after suffering a setback two years ago. If successful, the project could open a source for emission-free electricity, space heating, and irrigation in the cold and harsh terrains of Ladakh.

The company plans to commence drilling the first well in the second or third week of June and complete two geothermal wells of 1,000 meters depth each by September-end, ONGC energy centre director general Ravi, who is overseeing the project at Puga in Ladakh, told ET.

If all goes well, a power plant of at least 1 MW capacity will be set up by next year, he added. The geothermal wells help pipe hot water or steam to the surface, which then is used to power a turbine to generate electricity.

Water with a temperature of 220 degrees centigrade is expected at Puga. The steam could be first used to produce electricity and then for space heating, aqua farming and herbal spa. ONGC is being advised by consultants from Iceland, a country that depends on geothermal for two-thirds of its primary energy.

In 2022, ONGC had to abandon a well it was trying to drill after encountering a high volume of uncontrolled water. This time the contractor would have advanced equipment, including a blow-out preventer, to mitigate those challenges. Last year, no drilling contractor showed interest in the project due to logistical challenges.

"In Puga, we have a limited window for actual work, between June and September. It's too cold after that. Before April, roads are covered with ice and so not accessible," said Ravi, adding that cold weather, less oxygen in the atmosphere, and logistics have been big challenges. Due to lower oxygen levels, planes can't carry very heavy equipment to the project site, Ravi said. Trucks also have to take a longer route to the site as some bridges can't take heavier loads.

ONGC has already awarded the drilling contract for the project this summer. Third-party inspection of equipment is currently being carried out at the contractor's sites and the mobilisation will start in the first week of May, Ravi said.