- Singareni Collieries Company Limited launched a 20 kW geothermal power plant in Manuguru, Telangana, marking India’s first facility using binary Organic Rankine Cycle technology.
- The Ministry of Coal funded the project with INR 2.42 Crores, while SCCL signed a memorandum of understanding with ONGC and TGREDCO to explore the region’s geothermal potential.
- The successful operation of this experimental plant could lead to larger geothermal projects, helping India diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) inaugurated a 20 kW geothermal power plant in Manuguru, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy sector. It represents the first geothermal plant of its kind in the country, utilising binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology.
SCCL began the project in 2021, backed by the Ministry of Coal, which provided INR 2.42 Crores (about USD 288,000) in funding. Workers discovered the geothermal resources during coal drilling activities in the region. Residents have long used these hot springs for agricultural and laundry purposes.
The geothermal water, located 1,000 meters deep, has temperatures high enough to generate electricity. This project aligns with India’s renewable energy goals and receives support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The MNRE promotes initiatives through its Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Program, which encourages collaboration between research institutions and industry to create efficient, cost-effective technologies.
Exploratory work also continues in other regions, including Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier this year, Oil India Limited (OIL) announced studies to assess geothermal potential in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Additionally, ONGC resumed drilling in Ladakh for geothermal projects after a two-year hiatus.
SCCL identifies Manuguru as one of India’s more than 300 geothermal sites. It holds an estimated potential of up to 122 MW. SCCL signed a memorandum of understanding with ONGC and the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd (TGREDCO) to maximise this potential on August 2, 2024. This agreement aims to explore and develop the geothermal field in Manuguru.
The experimental plant’s success could lead to expanded geothermal energy initiatives across India. This expansion would help diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Ongoing efforts to explore geothermal resources in other parts of the country reflect a growing commitment to renewable energy.
India is determined to harness its natural resources to meet energy demands sustainably. Collaboration between government agencies, public companies, and research initiatives is crucial in this effort. Such partnerships are the backbone for developing innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector.
Advancements in geothermal energy could inspire other nations to explore this renewable resource. As more countries seek sustainable energy solutions, India’s initiatives in geothermal power can serve as a model. The potential benefits of geothermal energy include reduced carbon emissions and increased energy security.
The inauguration of the Manuguru geothermal plant represents a crucial step forward. It highlights India’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. With ongoing research and exploration, the country stands poised to become a leader in geothermal energy production.
As this project progresses, the potential for geothermal energy in India continues to grow. The collaboration between SCCL, ONGC, and TGREDCO marks a promising development in the renewable energy landscape. The success of the experimental plant could pave the way for larger geothermal projects in the future.
In conclusion, launching the experimental geothermal power plant in Telangana marks a significant achievement for India. It demonstrates the potential of geothermal energy to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals. With further exploration and development, India could unlock a new frontier in sustainable energy solutions.