The heat stored beneath the Earth’s crust is an abundant and inexhaustible resource. Unlike solar or wind, it is unaffected by weather, time of day, or season. Nations such as Iceland and New Zealand have shown how this subterranean energy can be harnessed to generate dependable, round-the-clock electricity. For India, where uninterrupted power is vital for industry, agriculture, and households, geothermal energy holds the promise of combining stability with sustainability.
A Growing Momentum in India
India’s geothermal journey is still in its early stages, but momentum is beginning to build. In Ladakh, construction has started on the country’s first pilot plant, aimed at testing the feasibility of harnessing underground heat in high-altitude conditions. Telangana is also exploring ways to integrate geothermal into its renewable energy mix. Uttarakhand has taken a significant step by introducing a dedicated Geothermal Policy, providing clear guidance for investors and developers.
Meanwhile, ONGC is surveying potential sites in the Cambay Basin and Gujarat to identify areas suitable for larger-scale projects in the future. While these efforts are modest for now, together they signal that geothermal energy is gradually securing a place in India’s long-term energy strategy.
Hurdles on the Road Ahead
Harnessing the Earth’s heat isn’t as simple as it sounds. Geothermal steam is often corrosive and inconsistent, wearing down blades, seals, and rotors faster than expected. Turbines need stronger alloys, special coatings, and constant tweaks to survive these conditions. Add high drilling costs, and it’s clear why geothermal growth has been slow—especially in India’s nascent market. Yet each challenge also offers opportunity: with smart design and innovation, these hurdles can become breakthroughs.
Shaping India’s Geothermal Future
Geothermal power in India is just taking off, but its potential is clear. Unlike wind or solar, it delivers steady, round-the-clock electricity, strengthening the grid where other renewables can’t. With the right policies, committed investors, and innovative engineers, geothermal could shift from the sidelines to become a key pillar of India’s energy future.
At Triveni Turbines, we bring practical solutions to India’s geothermal journey. With steam turbines ranging from 1 MW to 60 MW including Organic Rankine Cycle systems for low-temperature fields, Triveni Turbines is well-positioned to support India’s geothermal initiatives and contribute to their success.
Across the globe, engineering innovation has demonstrated that steam turbines can be redesigned to endure even the toughest geothermal conditions, a space where Triveni Turbines has made a notable impact.
Refurbishment Driving the Way Forward
In New Zealand, for instance, we refurbished a 16 MW turbine that had suffered severe erosion and corrosion. Rather than applying temporary fixes, our team re-engineered the machine with an integral shroud, upgraded rotor materials, protective coatings, and precision shot peening. The result was a turbine that restored efficiency, extended operational life, and delivered consistent, reliable output.
Our experience in refurbishing steam turbines abroad proves that even struggling machines can be made reliable and efficient. By combining this know-how with advanced turbine technology, we help create projects that last longer, cost less, and contribute to a sustainable energy future positioning India to shine on the global geothermal map. TTL’s REFURB, Triveni’s division catering to multi-brand services for rotating equipment, continues to show that existing geothermal assets can be renewed for long-term performance while minimizing downtime and costs.
Through ongoing support and technological innovation, Triveni Turbines continues to be a key player in the geothermal energy sector, supporting both new installations and the efficient operation of existing geothermal power plants.
By S. N. Prasad, Chief Executive Officer, Triveni Turbine Ltd.
