PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The State has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to develop clean and sustainable energy sources. To initiate the scientific exploration of the Tapovan Geothermal Energy Field in Chamoli district, geothermal consulting firm based in Iceland, Verkís Consulting Engineers, through its Indian associate firm, has been appointed as the consultant by UJVN Limited. Principal secretary, Energy and Alternative Energy, R Meenakshi Sundaram informed that the consultant will prepare a Initial Project Report (IPR), which will form the basis for drilling, geological investigations and other technical exploration activities. He further stated that last year, the Government of Uttarakhand and Verkís Consulting Engineers, Iceland, had signed a memorandum of understanding for mapping geothermal energy potential and assessing the feasibility of geothermal development in the state.
In addition, under the Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy–2025 notified by the State Government, the Tapovan geothermal project was allocated to UJVNL for exploration in June 2026. UJVNL managing director Ajay Kumar Singh informed that studies conducted jointly by UJVNL and Verkís Consulting Engineers have identified the Tapovan region as suitable for developing a 1 MW pilot geothermal power project and a 10 MW commercial geothermal power project. UJVNL has also constituted a high-level technical committee for the planning, development, and implementation of the project.
Officials said that geothermal energy contributes nearly 30 per cent to Iceland’s economy. By effectively harnessing its natural volcanic and geothermal resources, Iceland meets a substantial portion of its energy requirements through clean and renewable sources. This has significantly reduced the cost of electricity generation and residential heating, decreased dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthened the country’s energy security. Additionally, lower carbon emissions have contributed to environmental protection and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Sundaram added that the commencement of exploration work for the Tapovan geothermal project marks a historic achievement for Uttarakhand. This initiative reflects the State’s visionary approach towards clean, sustainable and self-reliant energy and will serve as a significant milestone in establishing Uttarakhand as a national leader in renewable energy. Singh said that UJVNL is fully committed to implementing this ambitious initiative in a time-bound manner, based on scientific principles and in accordance with international standards.
He expressed confidence that the project will strengthen the State’s energy security while promoting green energy generation, reducing carbon emissions, creating local employment opportunities, attracting investment and accelerating the overall economic development of the State’s mountainous regions. He further said that this project will become a landmark in Uttarakhand’s energy history and lay a strong foundation for establishing the State as India’s leading center for geothermal energy in the future.
