Use of Geothermal Energy for Space Heating in Chumathang, Laddakh (U.T.), India

Abstract

North-Western Himalayas is a promising area for geothermal utilization with more than 400 thermal springs. The Himalayan Geothermal Belt was formed as a result of the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate, about 50 million years ago. It hosts nearly 150 thermal springs with temperature varying from 47 to 87 degrees Celsius. Although hot spots in Ladakh has a potential to produce geothermal energy, but there has been no progress to harness this energy due to political and financial constraints. The Laddakh is situated in the northern part of the Himalayan belt bordering Tibet (China) hence experiences severe cold during the winter season dipping temperature to minus 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. An effort has been made to demonstrate the use of geothermal energy for space heating at Chumathang near a hot spring source. At present, the city of Leh uses diesel to meet its major power demand for electricity and space heating. It is estimated that diesel generators are generating about 28,000 metric tones of CO2 resulting in greater threat to the Himalayan Glaciers. It is reported that over the last 61 years, the Gangotri glacier has receded by a distance of 1,164 meters. Unlike solar and wind energy, Geothermal energy is available 24x7 and 365 days per year. It emits 80% less greenhouse gases compared to coal and oil. Geothermal energy is independent of adverse weather conditions prevailing in Laddakh region. Initial cost may be high (estimated 40 crore per MW) but will drop over a long period. It is estimated with 90% probability that Geothermal field at Puga could sustain 20 MW power plant at current depth of 250 m. The plant of this capacity at Puga could annually save about 3.5 million litres of diesel costing about 4 million USD apart from saving the environment from toxic gases.