Stanford Geothermal WorkshopFebruary 9-11, 2026

Geothermal energy has been harnessed for decades in many parts of the world; however, its vast potential remains largely untapped in India. Compared with other renewable resources such as solar and wind, geothermal energy development in the country is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, with India’s rapidly growing energy demand and strong commitment to sustainable energy pathways, geothermal energy is expected to become an increasingly significant component of the nation’s renewable energy scenario. Over the last four decades, surface manifestations of geothermal activity have been systematically investigated through geological, geochemical, and geophysical studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), and several other organizations. These efforts have delineated ten major geothermal provinces across the country. The geothermal prospects are primarily concentrated in hot spring regions that are hydraulically connected to deep-seated geothermal reservoirs through fault and fracture systems. These regions warrant further exploration to evaluate their reservoir characteristics, resource potential, and long-term sustainability. In recent years, the Government of India has initiated focused programs for detailed geothermal exploration, followed by prospective resource development in the most promising regions. Based on current understanding, three major geothermal provinces have been prioritized for intensive exploration and future exploitation: (i) Puga-Chumathang-Panamik in the Ladakh Himalaya, (ii) Tattapani-Bakreshwar in Central India, and (iii) Manuguru in the Godavari Gondwana Basin. The present study undertakes multidisciplinary investigations in the Tattapani Geothermal Province by integrating geological, geochemical, and geophysical methods (including electrical, seismic, gravity, rock mechanics, and thermal studies) to characterize the subsurface geothermal system. These investigations aim to determine reservoir depth, extent, and temperature, as well as to analyze fluid chemistry and identify the source of geothermal water. The key findings reveal that (i) the geothermal water is of Na-Cl type, meteoric in origin, and represents a medium- to low-enthalpy system; (ii) the geothermal system is tectonically active and structurally controlled, characterized by shallow recharge zones, fault and fracture networks, and localized hydrothermal alteration zones that facilitate the upward movement of fluids; and (iii) a higher geothermal gradient within the Gondwana formations, coupled with variations in rock thermal properties and the presence of deep-seated fractures, leads to elevated temperatures at shallower depths. The integrated approach enables the development of a robust subsurface model of the Tattapani geothermal system, providing a reliable assessment of its geothermal potential and long-term sustainability. These findings align with India’s broader objective of expanding renewable energy utilization and advancing toward a low-carbon, sustainable energy future.

Topic: Field Studies