May 22, 2001
'28'
NHPC TO EXPLORE TATTAPANI GEOTHERMAL FIELDS IN CHATTISGARH FOR POWER GENERATION
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has been engaged as the nodal agency for exploitation of geothermal energy in the country by Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES). NHPC has been assigned the work of installation of pilot geothermal power plant in Tattapani Geothermal Fields, Chattisgarh followed by Exploration for mega watt size power plant. For the pilot plant MNES are funding to the tune of Rs. 4.6 crore.
"Geothermal Energy" is the vast reservoir of heat energy stored in the earth’s interior. Its surface manifestations are volcanoes, fumaroles, geysers and hot springs. The Geothermal Energy is literally the heat content within the earth and the term generally used for the earth heat’s that can be or could be recovered and exploited by man. It originates from the earth’s molten interior called magma and the decay of radioactive materials. Heat flows out because of the massive temperature gradient between the surface and interior.
In India studies for locating this renewable energy resource were taken up by Geological Survey of India (GSI) for nearly the past three decades. As a result, about 340 hot springs were located in many parts of the country. Some of the major geothermal pockets where these hot springs are located are Himalayan Province, Son-Narmada-Tapi Province, West Coast and Cambay Province, Andaman & Nicobar Province. As per the existing studies, the potential areas for development of geothermal energy for power generation are Puga and Manikaran (Himalayan Province) and Tattapani (Son-Narmada-Tapi Province).
Since technology is not available with NHPC and elsewhere in the country for tapping this renewable source of energy, the NHPC has hired a renowned International Consultant in the field of geothermal power generation – who will help NHPC to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a number of potential sites. Further, to develop in house technology a delegation is being deputed to the United States to acquire technology, where about 2,800 MW power is generated by this energy.
The Chattisgarh Government has granted permission for installation of pilot geothermal power plant at Tattapani. Land is being acquired and field exploratory and preparatory works at Tattapani have been started. NHPC is also interacting with the Oil and Natural Gas Commission and various other organisations to undertake drilling work. The NHPC is endeavouring to start generation with the next one and a half years and thus bringing India on the world map of geothermal power generation