Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh is exploring geothermal energy as a potential source of clean and locally generated power for remote and strategically located border areas, with an estimated potential of 10–15 MW identified in the Mago-Thingbu belt of Tawang district.
Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul visited the ONGC Geothermal Project at Puga Valley in Ladakh on Saturday to study geothermal exploration, drilling and power generation in high-altitude Himalayan conditions.
Pul was accompanied by Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) director Tana Tage and geologists from the department.
The visit comes as Arunachal Pradesh intensifies efforts to assess its geothermal resources, which have been under scientific investigation for several years.
In March 2024, CESHS, in collaboration with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and Iceland-based Geotropy, carried out field investigations and geological structural mapping at hot-spring sites in Mago, Thingbu and other locations.
The studies are assessing the potential of geothermal resources for electricity generation and other applications, including heating and cooling, as well as drying agricultural produce and other locally suitable uses.
CESHS and Oil India Limited have subsequently moved towards pre-feasibility studies involving surface and subsurface investigations at Mago, Thingbu, Damteng and Tsechu in Tawang district.
Field investigations have also been conducted at five geothermal sites in Tawang-Damteng, Grengkhar, Mago, Thingbu and Tsechu with samples collected for geochemical analysis.
Pul said the experience gained from the Puga geothermal project would help Arunachal Pradesh evaluate and develop its own geothermal resources.
“Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with immense natural resources, and we endeavour to harness this potential responsibly for a sustainable future,” Pul said.
She added that lessons from the Puga project could strengthen the state’s efforts to explore geothermal energy, particularly for remote and strategically located border areas.
Pul also appreciated ONGC and its execution partner SEROS for sharing their technical expertise and field experience during the visit.