New Delhi: In a historic milestone for clean energy in India, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. This groundbreaking achievement, announced on May 6, 2025, marks a significant step toward sustainable energy in the Eastern Himalayas, positioning Dirang as a potential model for geothermal-powered innovation in remote, mountainous regions. The project, a result of international collaboration and two years of rigorous scientific surveys, promises to transform agricultural productivity, improve living conditions, and set a national precedent for renewable energy adoption.
A Pioneering Achievement in Clean Energy
The successful drilling of the geothermal production well in Dirang is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Northeast India, as confirmed by Rupankar Rajkhowa, Head of CESHS’s Geosciences Division. This breakthrough follows two years of intensive geochemical and structural surveys conducted across hot spring zones in western Arunachal Pradesh. These surveys, which began in March 2024, identified Dirang as a prime location due to its medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal potential, with reservoir temperatures estimated at approximately 115°C—ideal for direct-use geothermal applications.
Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth’s internal heat (geo meaning earth, thermal meaning heat), is a clean, renewable energy source generated through radioactive decay and residual heat from the planet’s formation. Unlike solar or wind energy, geothermal energy can operate year-round, offering a reliable solution for regions like Arunachal Pradesh, where high-altitude terrain and cold climates pose unique challenges. The Dirang well is poised to harness this energy for a range of eco-friendly applications, including drying units for fruits, nuts, and meat, space heating systems, and controlled-atmosphere storage facilities.
International Collaboration Drives Success
The Dirang geothermal project is a testament to the power of global scientific collaboration. CESHS, an autonomous organization under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, partnered with leading international institutions to bring this vision to life. The collaborators include:
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway: Provided expertise in geothermal exploration and structural analysis.
- Geotropy ehf, Iceland: An Icelandic geothermal firm that contributed advanced geochemical analysis and technical know-how.
- Guwahati Boring Service (GBS): The drilling partner responsible for executing precise drilling operations.
This international synergy, combined with CESHS’s local expertise, enabled the team to overcome the complex geological challenges of the Himalayan region. Advanced geochemical analysis confirmed the geothermal reservoir’s suitability, while detailed geological mapping revealed critical tectonic features—quartzite overlying schist at major fault zones near the Main Central Thrust. These insights allowed for precision drilling with minimal environmental disruption, ensuring the project aligns with sustainable development goals.
Transforming Lives in the Himalayas
Once operational, the Dirang geothermal well will power a range of innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude communities. These include:
- Geothermal-powered drying units: Designed for fruits, nuts, and meat, these units will enhance agricultural productivity by extending the shelf life of local produce.
- Space heating systems: Essential for maintaining comfortable living conditions in the region’s cold climate.
- Controlled-atmosphere storage facilities: These will provide advanced storage solutions for perishable goods, supporting local farmers and reducing food waste.
These technologies are expected to significantly improve livelihoods in Dirang and surrounding areas, fostering economic resilience and climate adaptation. By leveraging geothermal energy, CESHS aims to create a sustainable model that can be replicated across other remote, mountainous regions of India.
A Vision for India’s First Geothermal City
With the first production well successfully drilled, CESHS is already planning to scale operations through deeper drilling in Dirang. The long-term vision is ambitious: to transform Dirang into India’s first geothermal-powered city, utilizing clean energy for space heating and other sustainable applications. This goal aligns with CESHS’s broader mission to promote renewable energy in the Himalayas, as articulated by Director Tana Tage. “This pioneering development paves the way for a new era of clean energy in the Himalayas,” Tage said. “It demonstrates the potential of geothermal resources in transforming regional livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability.”
The Dirang project is supported by both the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, reflecting strong governmental commitment to renewable energy innovation. As the geothermal-powered drying and storage facilities become operational in the near future, Dirang is poised to set a national benchmark for energy self-reliance in challenging terrains.
Geothermal Energy: A Clean and Reliable Solution
Geothermal energy offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for regions like Arunachal Pradesh. These include:
- Clean and renewable: Geothermal energy produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Year-round reliability: Unlike solar or wind, geothermal systems can operate continuously, unaffected by weather conditions.
- Cost-effective in the long term: While initial setup costs can be high, geothermal energy is inexpensive to maintain over time.
However, the technology also has challenges, such as the potential for land subsidence, high transportation costs for energy distribution, and the risk of releasing toxic chemicals during drilling. CESHS’s precision drilling approach, guided by detailed geological mapping, mitigates these risks by minimizing environmental impact and ensuring safe operations.
India’s Growing Focus on Geothermal Energy
The Dirang project is part of a broader national push to harness geothermal energy. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) published the Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022, identifying potential geothermal sites across the country. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also launched the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD) to promote indigenous research and development for cost-effective renewable energy solutions, including geothermal.
In another notable development, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) commissioned a 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant in the Manuguru area of Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana. These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A National Model for Remote Regions
The Dirang geothermal well is more than a local success—it represents a scalable model for sustainable energy in India’s remote and mountainous regions. By integrating geothermal energy into agricultural and domestic applications, CESHS is addressing the unique challenges of high-altitude communities while advancing India’s renewable energy goals. The project’s emphasis on minimal environmental impact, achieved through precise drilling and advanced geological analysis, sets a high standard for future geothermal developments.
As reported by knnindia.co.in, CESHS’s leadership in this initiative highlights the organization’s role as a trailblazer in clean energy innovation. Operating under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, CESHS is driving a greener, cleaner future for the Himalayan region.
Looking Ahead: A Greener Himalayas
The successful drilling of Northeast India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang is a landmark achievement that signals the dawn of a new energy era in the Himalayas. With plans to expand drilling and develop Dirang into a geothermal-powered city, CESHS is laying the foundation for sustainable development that prioritizes both people and the planet.
As the project progresses, the operationalization of geothermal-powered drying and storage facilities will provide tangible benefits to local communities, from enhanced agricultural productivity to improved living conditions. By harnessing the Earth’s heat, Arunachal Pradesh is not only tapping into a renewable energy source but also building a resilient, climate-smart future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of the geothermal production well drilled in Dirang?
The geothermal production well in Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, is Northeast India’s first, marking a major milestone in sustainable energy development. Drilled by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), it aims to harness clean, renewable geothermal energy to power eco-friendly solutions like drying units, space heating, and storage facilities, enhancing agricultural productivity and living conditions in the Himalayan region.
2. How was the Dirang site selected for the geothermal well?
The Dirang site was identified after two years of intensive geochemical and structural surveys across hot spring zones in western Arunachal Pradesh, conducted by CESHS. Advanced geochemical analysis confirmed a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone with reservoir temperatures of approximately 115°C, ideal for direct-use applications. Geological mapping near the Main Central Thrust further ensured precise drilling with minimal environmental impact.
3. Who were the key collaborators in the Dirang geothermal project?
The project is a result of international collaboration involving:
Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), India
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway
Geotropy ehf, an Icelandic geothermal firm
Guwahati Boring Service (GBS), the drilling partner These partners contributed expertise in geothermal exploration, analysis, and drilling to ensure the project’s success.
4. What are the planned applications of the geothermal energy from the Dirang well?
Once operational, the geothermal energy will power:
Drying units for fruits, nuts, and meat
Space heating systems for homes and buildings
Controlled-atmosphere storage facilities for perishable goods These applications aim to improve agricultural productivity, support local farmers, and enhance climate resilience in Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude terrain.
5. What is the long-term vision for the Dirang geothermal project?
CESHS plans to scale operations through deeper drilling in Dirang, with the ambitious goal of transforming it into India’s first geothermal-powered city for space heating and sustainable energy use. The project aims to set a national model for clean energy in remote, mountainous regions, promoting energy self-reliance and environmental sustainability in the Himalayas.
