Beyond the Surface: Why Geothermal Energy Could Be India's Next Clean Energy Breakthrough

India has demonstrated time and again that ambitious energy goals can translate into tangible progress when backed by the right policy framework and industry participation. Geothermal energy now stands at a similar inflection point. The resource is available, the technology has matured and interest is steadily growing.

July 18, 2026. By News Bureau

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India's clean energy ambitions have never been bolder. As the country works towards strengthening energy security and achieving its net-zero goals, the conversation is expanding beyond simply adding renewable capacity to building a more dependable and resilient energy system. Amid this shift, one resource that has quietly remained on the sidelines deserves a closer look—geothermal energy.

Unlike many renewable energy sources, geothermal energy taps into the Earth's natural heat to generate electricity and provide direct heating and cooling. It is available around the clock, unaffected by weather, seasons or daylight, making it one of the few renewable resources capable of delivering continuous baseload power. As India's energy demand continues to rise, this reliability could prove invaluable.

The need for dependable clean energy has become increasingly important. Rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, digital infrastructure, electric mobility and the growing demand for cooling are all placing greater pressure on the country's electricity network. While renewable energy has transformed India's power sector, maintaining grid stability as demand rises requires energy sources that can operate consistently throughout the day.

This is where geothermal energy offers a compelling advantage. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, geothermal plants can generate electricity 24 hours a day with minimal emissions and a relatively small land footprint. Once operational, they provide a stable source of clean power while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based backup generation.

India's geological landscape offers encouraging opportunities for geothermal development. Regions such as Ladakh, the Cambay Basin, the Godavari Basin and parts of the Himalayan belt possess promising geothermal resources that remain largely untapped. For years, these reserves have been viewed primarily as scientific curiosities rather than strategic energy assets. Today, that perception is beginning to change.

Recent advances in drilling technology, reservoir imaging and subsurface mapping have significantly improved the commercial viability of geothermal projects worldwide. These innovations are helping reduce exploration risks, improve resource assessment and lower development costs—factors that have historically limited investment in the sector.

Geothermal energy also offers benefits that extend well beyond electricity generation. Many industries require continuous heat for manufacturing processes, and geothermal resources can provide a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and chemicals stand to benefit from reliable, low-carbon heat that supports both operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Cooling presents another significant opportunity. As India's cities grow and temperatures continue to rise, demand for energy-intensive cooling is expected to increase sharply. Geothermal cooling systems can reduce electricity consumption while lowering carbon emissions, making them an attractive option for commercial buildings, hospitals, campuses and data centres.

For India's engineering and drilling ecosystem, geothermal represents a natural evolution rather than an entirely new frontier. Expertise developed over decades in drilling, well engineering, subsurface analysis and complex project execution can be effectively applied to geothermal exploration and development. This creates an opportunity to repurpose existing capabilities while supporting the country's clean energy transition.

Of course, scaling geothermal energy will require sustained policy support, greater investment in exploration and stronger collaboration between government, research institutions and industry. Pilot projects, improved geological data and financing mechanisms will be essential to unlocking commercial-scale development.

India has demonstrated time and again that ambitious energy goals can translate into tangible progress when backed by the right policy framework and industry participation. Geothermal energy now stands at a similar inflection point. The resource is available, the technology has matured and interest is steadily growing.

As India prepares for the next chapter of its energy transition, the focus should not only be on generating more renewable electricity but also on creating a reliable energy system that can power economic growth around the clock. Geothermal energy has the potential to become an important pillar of that future. The heat beneath our feet may well become one of the country's most valuable clean energy resources.

- Ashish Agarwal, MD and CEO at Seros