Arunachal Pradesh Achieves Milestone with Northeast’s First Geothermal Well in Dirang
First Published: 6th May, 2025 21:34 IST
Northeast’s First Geothermal Well: This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in the region’s pursuit of sustainable, clean energy.
In a groundbreaking achievement for the Northeast, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled the region’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in the region’s pursuit of sustainable, clean energy.
Rupankar Rajkhowa, head of CESHS’s geosciences division, revealed to Business Today that this success follows two years of intensive geochemical and structural surveys across the hot springs of western Arunachal Pradesh. “This marks a major milestone in the region’s quest for sustainable energy,” he said.
The geothermal system, once fully operational, is expected to power a range of eco-friendly solutions, including fruit, nut, and meat drying, space heating, and controlled-atmosphere storage systems. These technologies are especially vital in the high-altitude Himalayan region, where agriculture and food preservation face significant challenges due to the harsh climate.
This landmark initiative is backed by global scientific collaboration involving CESHS, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Iceland-based geothermal company Geotropy ehf, and Guwahati Boring Service (GBS). Advanced geochemical analysis identified Dirang as a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone, with reservoir temperatures estimated at 115°C, ideal for direct-use geothermal applications.
“Structural and geological mapping in Dirang revealed quartzite overlying schist near the Main Central Thrust (MCT), consistent with fault systems in the higher Himalayas,” Rajkhowa explained. These geological insights allowed the CESHS team to drill with high precision and minimal environmental disruption.
Supported by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the project aims to scale up operations with deeper drilling. CESHS envisions Dirang evolving into India’s first geothermal-powered city for space heating.
“This pioneering development paves the way for a new era of clean energy in the Himalayas. It showcases the immense potential of geothermal energy in transforming remote communities while safeguarding the environment,” said CESHS director Tana Tage.
The geothermal-powered infrastructure in Dirang is expected to become operational soon, setting a benchmark for renewable energy innovation across India’s mountainous regions.
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