Ladakh: India is on the cusp of a major renewable energy breakthrough as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) nears completion of a geothermal power well in the Puga Valley of Ladakh. Situated at a staggering 14,000 feet above sea level, the project marks the country’s first serious leap into geothermal-based electricity generation.
Led by ONGC Energy Centre, the initiative is being executed using fully indigenous expertise under extremely harsh conditions and unconsolidated Himalayan formations, seasonal accessibility challenges, and the rugged topography of Ladakh’s cold desert.
Milestone in Renewable Energy
The geothermal well, once completed, will represent India’s first geothermal electricity project, placing the nation firmly on the global geothermal energy map. Designed for 24×7 power generation, the project reinforces India’s clean energy ambition under the carbon-neutral roadmap.
The Puga Valley site was identified as a high-potential geothermal hotspot. ONGC’s progress reflects a strategic pivot towards leveraging India’s untapped geothermal resources for round-the-clock, carbon-free electricity.
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A Self-Reliant Energy Push
The project showcases India’s capability to execute complex energy missions in the world’s most demanding terrains without foreign technological support. This aligns with ONGC’s broader mission to develop sustainable energy alternatives through innovation and self-reliance.
With the Puga Valley initiative, ONGC is not only accelerating India’s energy diversification but also laying the foundation for geothermal energy as a reliable and future-ready power source in the country’s renewable portfolio.
About ONGC
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is India’s largest crude oil and natural gas company, under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Through its ONGC Energy Centre, the company is driving strategic energy innovations including geothermal, hydrogen, and solar technologies. ONGC plays a crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security while aligning with national clean energy goals.
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