Research Projects

Geothermal energy, a renewable and reliable resource derived from the Earth's natural heat, presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Globally, geothermal energy contributes approximately 16,318 MW, with leading contributions from countries such as the United States, Indonesia, and the Philippines. India, despite having significant geothermal potential with an estimated capacity of 10,600 MW, is still in the early stages of development. Among India's promising geothermal regions, Ladakh's Puga Valley is poised to host the country’s first geothermal power plant. Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tawang region in the Eastern Himalayas, has emerged as another key area for geothermal exploration, boasting over 100 hot springs as identified in a joint survey conducted by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), and Geotropy. Despite its potential, Tawang has not yet been prioritized in India’s draft policy on geothermal energy. The region's geothermal reservoirs offer immense possibilities for energy extraction, but their development requires robust scientific studies to address technical challenges and ensure safe and sustainable operations. This project aims to bridge the knowledge gap by conducting experimental and numerical investigations into the flow and geomechanical properties of geothermal reservoir rocks in Tawang. Key objectives include performing geomechanical and permeability tests on core samples under varied heat treatments, developing thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled numerical models for laboratory-scale and field-scale applications, and evaluating the effects of water/CO₂ injection on fracture networks and induced seismicity. These efforts will provide critical insights into reservoir stability, optimize energy extraction strategies, and establish the feasibility of geothermal energy development in the Tawang region. Ultimately, the proposed study will significantly contribute to harnessing Arunachal Pradesh's geothermal potential, unlocking a vital renewable energy resource for India's sustainable energy future.