Tapping Geothermal Energy in Himachal
Shimla, February 5:
Taking another step towards its green energy ambitions, the Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Geotropy India Pvt. Ltd. to explore the state’s geothermal energy potential.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Iceland’s Ambassador to India, Benedikt Hoskuldsson.
The agreement was inked by Chief Engineer, Directorate of Energy, D.P. Gupta on behalf of the state government and Tomos Otto Hansson, Chairperson of Iceland-based GEOTROPY ehf.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State, Chief Minister Sukhu said the state was actively pursuing clean and sustainable energy options, with geothermal energy emerging as a promising alternative.
He underlined that Himachal Pradesh has significant geothermal potential which needs to be scientifically explored and harnessed to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
Highlighting the key advantage of geothermal power, the Chief Minister said it is available round the clock, unlike other renewable sources.
He directed the company to begin exploration work immediately so that the state’s geothermal resources could be assessed and utilised at the earliest. Sukhu also made it clear that the exploration exercise would not impose any financial burden on the state government.
Senior officers of the Directorate of Energy were also present during the signing ceremony.
The MoU is expected to pave the way for detailed exploration and future development of geothermal energy projects in the state, aligning with Himachal Pradesh’s long-term sustainability and climate goals.