Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Jul: Uttarakhand has initiated scientific exploration work for a geothermal project in Tapovan, Chamoli district, marking a significant initiative in the field of geothermal energy. UJVN Limited has appointed the Indian subsidiary of Verkis Consulting Engineers, a world-leading Icelandic geothermal expert, as the consultant for the project.
Principal Secretary for Energy and Alternative Energy R Meenakshi Sundaram stated that the consultant will prepare a preliminary project report, based on which drilling, geological testing, and other technical studies will be conducted. The state government implemented the Geothermal Energy Policy in 2025, and the Tapovan Project was awarded to UJVN Limited for exploration in June 2026.
Ajay Kumar Singh, Managing Director of UJVN Limited, stated that studies conducted so far have found the Tapovan area suitable for a 1 MW pilot project and a 10 MW commercial geothermal power project. UJVNL has also formed a high-level technical committee to ensure the effective implementation of the project.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the team of UJVNL Limited and the Energy Department on this initiative and said that Uttarakhand is continuously progressing in the field of clean energy through better utilisation of natural resources.
The Chief Minister said that the Tapovan Geothermal Project is an important beginning for the state’s energy sector. It will promote clean energy production in the future, develop new energy sources, and increase local employment and investment opportunities. The government is continuously working to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the field of green energy.
He said that this project, being carried forward with the state government’s policies and scientific approach, will not only strengthen Uttarakhand’s energy security in the future but will also play an important role in establishing a new national identity for the state in the field of geothermal energy.
