India commissioned its first two geothermal wells at Puga Valley in Ladakh on July 17, 2026. The wells, drilled by ONGC Energy Centre, reached 1,000 meters depth and recorded temperatures of 135°C at just 400 meters. They form the base for a 1 MW demonstration geothermal power plant, which will help evaluate the reservoir for future commercial development. The project supports the national goal of a carbon-neutral Ladakh. Geothermal power provides constant baseload electricity unlike solar or wind. The wells were drilled in extreme high-altitude conditions with a limited working season. A renewed tripartite MoU between the Ladakh administration, LAHDC Leh, and ONGC Energy Centre resolved earlier delays. This pilot project could serve as a blueprint for geothermal exploration across India. It also boosts local grid reliability and clean energy jobs in the Himalayan region. The technical data from reservoir evaluation will guide future commercial-scale geothermal projects.
