Question : Setting up of Geo-Thermal Power Plants

(a) whether the Union Government has received any proposals to set up power plants using geo-thermal energy during the last three years and the current year;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government thereon state-wise;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study so as to identify the locations in the country where geo-thermal energy can be utilized;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the findings of the study and the follow-up action proposed to be taken thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY & MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. Geothermal projects are yet to reach grid-parity due to higher capital costs. The Government receives proposals to set up power plants using geo-thermal energy from time to time. During the last three years, proposals of Jammu & Kashmir Government (5 MW plant at Puga valley), Maharashtra Government (3 MW project on West Coast) and Chhattisgarh Government (5 MW plant at Tatapani) were received.
(c) to (e): Yes Sir. The Government has conducted Preliminary Geo-logical, Geo-physical and Geo-chemical assessment studies at 340 potential sites in the country through National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). The most promising geo-thermal sites where geothermal energy can be utilized as per findings of the above said study are as follows:-

? Puga Valley in Jammu & Kashmir
? Chummathang in Jammu & Kashmir
? Ratnagiri in Maharashtra
? Tatapani in Chhattisgarh
? Cambay Graben in Gujarat
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