In an article by Bloomberg, it is reported that India might see a geothermal energy policy as early as March. This might – so the article – spur investment from companies already exploring geothermal options in India and internationally, such as Tata Power Co. (with an involvement in Indonesia and investment in Australian Geodynamics) and Thermax Ltd.
There are currently consultations by the Ministry of New and Renawable Energy with state officials for a draft national policy that are supposed to include how geothermal leases (development blocks) may be awarded.
In India, companies Thermax and Geosyndicate Power have been exploring the option of a development in Puga, Kashmir.
The Indian geothermal potential is estimated at 10,600MW or roughly the total installed geothermal power generation capacity today.
Thermax is also expected to begin exploration in the Ratnagiri region in western Maharashtra state together with Icelandic partner Reykjavik Geothermal.
Geosyndicate Power is “awaiting tariff approval from the state electricity regulator to build a 25 MW US$43m demonstration plant in Adhra Pradesh state.
Source: Bloomberg
