Dehradun: The path of generating electricity from the hot water of the land of Uttarakhand has become easier. After the study of the scientists of Iceland, now the government has approved its policy by giving the status of industries to geothermal energy projects. Currently 40 geothermal energy sites have been identified.
A team from Iceland, which is doing pioneer work in the field of geothermal energy production, had identified geothermal energy sites in Badrinath and Tapovan area of Chamoli district in the state. Now the cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 to identify geothermal resources and their potential, discovery, research, development of sites, power generation, reduction in carbon emissions, greenhouse heating for agricultural businesses, drying of horticultural products, cold storage and promotion of geothermal tourism.
The project will be allotted for 30 years
Under this policy, the geothermal energy project will be allotted for 30 years. The already identified sites will be allotted to central undertakings like ONGC, state undertakings like UJVNL and private developers through tender on nomination basis. If financial assistance is not received from the Centre for the project, the state government will provide financial assistance to the first two projects, to which the Energy Ministry has already agreed.
The state will not get free electricity, but will get other benefits
The developer who identifies new geothermal energy sites in the state will be given 50 percent financial assistance up to Rs 3 crore. If financial assistance is not received from the Centre in exploration and drilling of the project, the state government will provide assistance to the first two projects. This includes 50 percent assistance to the central undertaking and 100 percent assistance to the state. No free royalty electricity will be taken from geothermal energy projects. All permissions will be given through single window system. The category of the project will be determined by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and will also give approval.
