Harnessing Earth’s Heat: Ladakh’s Puga Valley and India’s Geothermal Energy Roadmap

India has taken a significant stride toward diversifying its renewable energy portfolio with the successful commissioning of two 1,000-metre-deep geothermal wells in the Puga Valley of Ladakh. This development represents a critical transition from experimental exploration to tangible infrastructure, aligning with the objectives of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025). Unlike solar or wind energy, which are intermittent and require storage solutions, geothermal energy offers a consistent, round-the-clock baseload power supply, making it a vital asset for India’s energy security. The Puga Valley, known for its high-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs, provides a unique geological advantage. By tapping into the Earth’s internal heat, the project aims to reduce the region's dependence on diesel-based power generation, which is both environmentally taxing and logistically challenging in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. Beyond energy generation, the project serves as a pilot for broader geological exploration, helping scientists map India’s geothermal potential across the Himalayan belt and other tectonically active regions.