The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified first national policy on Geothermal Energy, laying down a framework for exploration, resource assessment, and deployment of geothermal technologies.
The policy aims to support India’s 2070 net-zero target by positioning geothermal energy as a baseload renewable option with capacity utilisation factors above 80 per cent. As per the policy, project developers will be allowed to obtain exploration permits and long-term leases of up to 30 years. State governments have been advised to establish single-window clearance mechanisms to facilitate timely project approvals. The policy envisions geothermal energy as a key pillar of India’s clean energy strategy and focuses on enhancing research capabilities, adopting cost-effective technologies, promoting direct-use applications such as ground source heat pumps, and encouraging international collaboration for sectoral development.