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India commissions first geothermal wells in Puga Valley, Ladakh

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On 17 July 2026, India commissioned its first and deepest geothermal wells in the Puga Valley of Ladakh, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. Two wells, each drilled to 1,000 metres at an altitude over 14,000 feet, are part of a 1 MW pilot geothermal power project led by the ONGC Energy Centre. Temperatures up to 135°C were recorded at 400 metres depth. The project experienced delays due to an expired memorandum of understanding but resumed after renewal in June 2026. This initiative marks a significant step in harnessing geothermal energy in India's Union Territory of Ladakh, known for its geothermal potential and cold desert climate.

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Key Facts

  • Date of commissioning: 17 July 2026
  • Location: Puga Valley, Ladakh
  • Depth of wells: 1,000 metres each
  • Altitude: Over 14,000 feet
  • Maximum temperature recorded: 135°C at 400 metres depth
  • Power capacity: 1 MW pilot geothermal power project
  • Executing agency: ONGC Energy Centre
  • Memorandum of Understanding renewed: June 2026

Background & Context

Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth's internal heat for electricity generation and direct heating applications. India has identified several geothermal resource zones, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Puga Valley in Ladakh is one of India's best-known geothermal fields. The geothermal wells were drilled by the ONGC Energy Centre, the research and development arm of ONGC focusing on geothermal energy projects.

The first well reached the target depth of 1,000 metres on 22 May 2026, and the second well was drilled from 3 June to 8 July 2026. Temperatures recorded in the wells reached up to 135 degrees Celsius at a depth of 400 metres. Further testing is ongoing to evaluate reservoir conditions and explore higher temperatures for power generation.

Earlier delays occurred due to the expiration of a memorandum of understanding between the Ladakh administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh, and ONGC Energy Centre. The memorandum was renewed in June 2026 after intervention by the Lieutenant Governor, allowing the project to continue.

Why This Matters for Exams

This project reflects India’s advances in renewable energy by tapping geothermal resources, a non-conventional and sustainable energy source. It underscores Ladakh’s strategic importance due to its high-altitude cold desert climate, favorable for geothermal energy development. Competitive exams may test candidates on India’s renewable energy initiatives, resource geography, and the role of organizations like ONGC in energy innovation.

Points to Remember

  • India's first geothermal wells commissioned in Puga Valley, Ladakh on 17 July 2026.
  • Wells drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres each at an altitude above 14,000 feet.
  • Maximum recorded temperature of 135°C at 400 metres depth in the wells.
  • The project is part of a 1 MW pilot geothermal power initiative by the ONGC Energy Centre.
  • Previous project delays due to the expiry of the memorandum of understanding, renewed in June 2026.
  • Geothermal energy is classified as a renewable, non-conventional energy source useful for electricity generation and heating.
  • Ladakh's unique climate and terrain make it a significant location for testing geothermal energy.
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