Jalgaon all set to become geothermal power hub

The Maharashtra government has identified Jalgaon district as the country's first geothermal power hub.

The state government has identified areas such as Raver, Bhusawal and Savda in the district along the Madhya Pradesh border for the purpose.

Speaking to Business Standard, the minister for non-conventional energy Vinay Kore said, "Analysis of geological data by experts at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, indicated that there is a potential for geothermal power generation in the Jalgaon district, which is adjacent to Madhya Pradesh."

According to preliminary estimates the area may have the potential of generating around 2,000 mega watts of power.

"But before coming to any firm conclusions, we will conduct extensive research and surveys. We have allocated Rs 2 crore for the preliminary research," the minister said.

Geothermal energy can be produced in two ways: by using the steam coming out of hot water springs or by pumping water into the hot earth crust and then using the resulting steam to generate power. The state is looking at the second option for generating power as the area has no hot springs.

"The geothermal power technology is a proven technology and effectively used in countries like Iceland, New Zealand, etc. At Rs 4.5-5 crore per mega watt, it is also cost-efficient, which is similar to the conventional thermal power plants," said Kore.