Thermax to Establish Geothermal Plant in Ladakh

Thermax, an Indian-based manufacturing company, has announced its plans to establish a geothermal power project in India with the collaboration of Reykjavik Geothermal, an Iceland-based company.

The company is planning to initiate a 3 MW geothermal pilot project at the Puga Valley in Ladakh, a first of its kind project in India. Reykjavik Geothermal will assist Thermax in drilling the geothermal wells and its further geothermal discovery functions. India commenced its geothermal explorations during 1970 through the government owned, Geological Survey of India and has so far identified over 350 locations with potential geothermal energy. Puga Valley has good source of high temperature geothermal systems with geothermal potential in around three square kilometer area.

The effect of the geothermal energy in the Himalayan region, if developed will provide adequate electric power to the rural and far off locations. Even small geothermal plants with 5 kW power production capabilities are expected to change the economic and living conditions of the people considerably.