CSIR-NGRI showcases geothermal energy innovations at Raipur meet

RAIPUR: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) hosted an interaction meet on Geothermal energy at the state-run Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, on Thursday.
The focus of the meet was on the Tatapani Geothermal Province, a region in Chhattisgarh with promising potential for geothermal energy development.The main objective of the meet was to showcase CSIR's promising technologies and knowledge base to stakeholders and academic institutions working in similar areas.
Dr Prakash Kumar, director of CSIR-NGRI, highlighted the significance of geothermal energy and emphasized its clean and sustainable nature, positioning it as a crucial resource for India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He noted that the interaction meet is part of the One Week One Theme (OWOT) celebrations under the Energy and Energy Devices (EED) theme. The inaugural function of OWOT was held in New Delhi on June 24, graced by Dr Jitendra Singh, minister for science and technology, and Dr Kalaiselvi, director general of CSIR.
The event featured insightful technical presentations by leading scientists, covering various aspects of geothermal energy, including:
Research findings from CSIR-NGRI includes Feasibility of geothermal energy development at the Tatapani Geothermal Field, Establishing a geothermal power project in Chhattisgarh, Geothermal exploration initiatives in Peninsular India, ONGC's endeavors in geothermal energy development, Potential for geothermal resources in and around the Tamnar area of Chhattisgarh, and Utilizing magnetotellurics for geothermal resource mapping.
The presentations showcased the results of nearly four decades of dedicated research at the Tatapani Geothermal Province, underscoring the need for further subsurface geophysical mapping to assess the heat source's sustainability. CSIR-NGRI is currently conducting integrated geophysical surveys to develop a model for deep drilling, which will be instrumental in harnessing geothermal energy for power generation. The ultimate goal is to establish a pilot power plant with a capacity of 100 MW.
The event also featured poster exhibitions and a model display. Over 120 delegates participated, including representatives from central and state government organizations CREDA, DGM, ONGC, GSI, CGWB, RGWTRI and students from various colleges, universities, and institutes. Interactive sessions between scientists and delegates fostered a deeper understanding of geothermal energy research.
A significant outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR-NGRI and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University. This MoU paves the way for collaborative research and training in advanced areas of geophysics and geology. Both institutions will work together on research programs funded by external agencies (SERB/DST, ministry of earth sciences, Department of Space, etc.) and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise through faculty and student visits.
The event was inaugurated by PRSU Vice Chancellor Professor Sachchidanand Shukla. NIT Raipur Director Professor N V Ramana Rao, and Dr P B Sarolkar, retired Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India, graced the occasion as guests of honour.