New Delhi: ONGC Energy Centre has achieved a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy journey by successfully completing the drilling of two geothermal wells—GT#02 and GT#03—at Puga Valley in Ladakh. The achievement marks a major step towards developing India’s first 1 MWe demonstration-scale geothermal power plant, reinforcing the country’s commitment to clean energy and technological self-reliance.
The completion ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Mr. Vinai Kumar Saxena, who unveiled the commemorative plaque celebrating the successful completion of the geothermal wells.
ONGC Successfully Completes GT#02 and GT#03 Geothermal Wells
The two geothermal wells have been drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres each in the high-altitude region of Puga Valley, situated at more than 14,000 feet above sea level.
Despite the challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions, ONGC Energy Centre successfully executed the drilling operations, showcasing India’s growing expertise in indigenous geothermal exploration.
Project Highlights
- Project: Puga Geothermal Project
- Location: Puga Valley, Ladakh
- Number of Wells Completed: GT#02 and GT#03
- Depth of Each Well: 1,000 metres
- Altitude: Over 14,000 feet
- Objective: Development of India’s first 1 MWe geothermal pilot power plant
Milestone Towards India’s First Geothermal Power Plant
The successful completion of the geothermal wells paves the way for the establishment of the 1 MWe pilot geothermal power plant, which is envisioned as India’s first demonstration-scale geothermal energy project.
The project is expected to play a vital role in diversifying India’s renewable energy mix by harnessing geothermal resources for sustainable electricity generation.
Geothermal Energy to Support Multiple Sustainable Applications
According to ONGC, the geothermal resources at Puga Valley have the potential to benefit the region beyond electricity generation.
The project is expected to support:
- Space heating for buildings
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Year-round agriculture
- Food processing
- Geotourism
- Sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities
These applications are expected to contribute significantly to Ladakh’s socio-economic development while supporting its vision of becoming a carbon-neutral region.
Project Strengthens India’s Clean Energy and Net Zero Goals
ONGC stated that the Puga Geothermal Project aligns with India’s long-term clean energy strategy by expanding the country’s renewable energy portfolio and reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
The initiative is expected to:
- Strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem
- Promote indigenous geothermal technology
- Enhance national energy security
- Support India’s Net Zero commitments
- Encourage sustainable development in remote Himalayan regions
Joint Collaboration Between ONGC and Ladakh Administration
The geothermal project is being implemented jointly by:
- ONGC Energy Centre
- Union Territory Administration of Ladakh
- Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh
The project is being carried out under a five-year collaborative agreement, which was renewed in June 2026 to accelerate geothermal development in the region.
Senior Dignitaries Attend Completion Ceremony
The completion ceremony was attended by several senior government officials and ONGC leadership, including:
- Mr. Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh
- Mr. Himanshu Gupta, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department
- Ms Shashanka Ala, IAS, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor
- Mr. Nitish Rajora, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Changthang
- Senior officials from the UT Administration
- Mr. Vikram Saxena, Director (Technology & Field Services), ONGC
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor praised the project’s national and regional significance and appreciated the efforts of the ONGC Energy Centre team.
Representing ONGC, Director (Technology & Field Services) Vikram Saxena stated that the successful completion of the wells reflects the company’s continued commitment to innovation, energy security, and building a sustainable future for both Ladakh and India.
Why the Puga Geothermal Project is Important
The Puga Geothermal Project represents one of India’s most promising renewable energy initiatives. As the country’s first demonstration-scale geothermal power project, it has the potential to establish geothermal energy as a reliable source of clean, round-the-clock electricity.
Successful implementation of the project could pave the way for further geothermal exploration across India while creating new opportunities for sustainable economic development in high-altitude regions.
About ONGC
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is India’s largest oil and natural gas exploration and production company. A Maharatna public sector enterprise, ONGC plays a key role in India’s energy sector by exploring, producing and supplying hydrocarbons while supporting the nation’s energy security goals through strategic investments and infrastructure development.
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