Information was provided by Minister of New & Renewable Energy in Lok sabha.
- Geothermal Energy is renewable heat energy generated and stored in earth. Geothermal technology extracts this energy/heat for direct heating and cooling, or convert it into electricity.
- This internal heat/thermal energy is generated from radioactive decay and continual heat loss from earth's formation.
Advantages of Geothermal Energy
- Clean & inexpensive renewable energy
- Ability to operate year-round at high capacity factors
Disadvantages/issues of Geothermal Energy
- Possible land subsidence, high transportation charges of energy (Due to remote plant location).
- Possible release of toxic chemicals e.g. mercury, arsenic, boron, and antimony.
- Other Issues: Higher capital costs, techno-economic viability issue due to remote location
Steps Taken in India:
- Renewable Energy Research & Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)
- 100% financial support by MNRE to government/non-profit research organizations and up to 70% to industry, startups etc.
- Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform under US - India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.
- Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)