Arunachal Pradesh Achieves Milestone with Northeast’s First Geothermal Well in Dirang
First Published: 6th May, 2025 21:34 IST
Northeast’s First Geothermal Well: This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in the region’s pursuit of sustainable, clean energy.
In a groundbreaking achievement for the Northeast, the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled the region’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in the region’s pursuit of sustainable, clean energy.
Rupankar Rajkhowa, head of CESHS’s geosciences division, revealed to Business Today that this success follows two years of intensive geochemical and structural surveys across the hot springs of western Arunachal Pradesh. “This marks a major milestone in the region’s quest for sustainable energy,” he said.
The geothermal system, once fully operational, is expected to power a range of eco-friendly solutions, including fruit, nut, and meat drying, space heating, and controlled-atmosphere storage systems. These technologies are especially vital in the high-altitude Himalayan region, where agriculture and food preservation face significant challenges due to the harsh climate.
This landmark initiative is backed by global scientific collaboration involving CESHS, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Iceland-based geothermal company Geotropy ehf, and Guwahati Boring Service (GBS). Advanced geochemical analysis identified Dirang as a medium-to-high enthalpy geothermal zone, with reservoir temperatures estimated at 115°C, ideal for direct-use geothermal applications.
“Structural and geological mapping in Dirang revealed quartzite overlying schist near the Main Central Thrust (MCT), consistent with fault systems in the higher Himalayas,” Rajkhowa explained. These geological insights allowed the CESHS team to drill with high precision and minimal environmental disruption.
Supported by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the project aims to scale up operations with deeper drilling. CESHS envisions Dirang evolving into India’s first geothermal-powered city for space heating.
“This pioneering development paves the way for a new era of clean energy in the Himalayas. It showcases the immense potential of geothermal energy in transforming remote communities while safeguarding the environment,” said CESHS director Tana Tage.
The geothermal-powered infrastructure in Dirang is expected to become operational soon, setting a benchmark for renewable energy innovation across India’s mountainous regions.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Singhpora: Encounter Between Security Forces and Terrorists Continues for Second Day
23rd May 2025
Live COCOMI’s 48-Hour General Strike Over Removal Of Manipur Signage From Bus Enters Day 2
23rd May 2025
Live Bangladesh’s Interim Govt Chief Muhammad Yunus Threatens to Resign Amid Turmoil. Wasbir Hussain With More
23rd May 2025
Live Hera Pheri 3 Dispute: Paresh Rawal Took Rs 11L Signing Amount, Says Akshay’s Production
23rd May 2025
WE RECOMMEND
FTII Arunachal Students on Indefinite Protest Over Long-Ignored Infrastructure Woes
Despite being a film institute, the campus lacks a proper stage, studio, and functional classroom facilities necessary for film and television education.
22nd May 2025
Is Arunachal’s Science & Tech Department Flouting Hiring Rules? Activist Alleges Over 30 Illegal Appointments
The acitivist said that the Director of the department, Tana Tage appointed many of his relatives
21st May 2025
Mass Cheating Racket Using Electronic Devices Busted in Itanagar, 53 Booked
The incident came to light during the CBSE-conducted recruitment exam for non-teaching posts under Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.
20th May 2025
Bangladesh Continues With NE Dreams; Now, Shadowy Islamist Outfit Talks of Greater Bangladesh With NE India
The maps bear the banner of 'Sultanate-e-Bangla,' a newly formed Islamist radical group reportedly enjoying support from a Turkish NGO.
19th May 2025
Gauhati High Court Pulls Up Yupia Sessions Court for Granting Bail to DSP Accused in Child Prostitution Racket
Marik was arrested on May 14, 2024, in connection with a child trafficking and sexual exploitation racket uncovered in Chimpu, Itanagar
19th May 2025