Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has approved the establishment of India’s largest Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) pilot project in the tourism sector of Andhra Pradesh, covering Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam. The move aligns with the Central Government’s push for clean energy innovation and aims to showcase geothermal-based infrastructure for sustainable tourism.
Key Highlights
| Component | Details |
| Implementing Agency | Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) |
| Project Type & Sector | Geothermal Energy Technology Pilot Project- Tourism Sector |
| Locations | Araku Valley & Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Purpose | Sustainable tourism development, improved tourist amenities, demonstration of low-carbon clean technology |
| Expected Benefits | Up to 50% reduction in energy consumption, reduced GHG emissions, improved comfort, operational savings |
| Technologies Involved | Earth Air Tunnel Systems, Ground Source Heat Pumps |
| Wider Objective | Replicable national model for sustainable tourism infrastructure |
About Geothermal Energy
- Geo = Earth + Thermal = Heat
- Heat stored inside Earth’s crust, mainly due to decay of radioactive isotopes (Uranium, Thorium, Potassium).
- Geothermal gradient: Temperature increases 25–30°C per km below the surface.
- Energy Transfer: Mostly through conduction.
- Types:
- High-Enthalpy Resources: Volcano zones, geysers, hot springs- Electricity generation.
- Low / Medium Enthalpy: Hot rocks, shallow ground- Direct heating, Heat pumps.
- Advantages:
- 80% capacity utilization (baseload energy)
- No fuel cost, low emissions, reliable
- Limitations: High capital cost, site-specific drilling needed.
Global Capacity
- Total global geothermal capacity: ~15.4 GW
- Top countries: USA, Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, New Zealand
Geothermal Potential in India
| Aspect | Details |
| Hot Springs Identified | 381 sites (GSI, since 1973), temp: 35–89°C |
| Indian Heat Zone | Medium–low enthalpy (100–180°C) |
| Geothermal Power Potential | ~10,600 MW (Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022) |
| Geothermal Provinces | 10 major provinces (Himalayan, Cambay graben, Sohana, Godavari, etc.) |
| Future Technologies | Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS) |
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
| Parameter | Details |
| Type | JV of 4 PSUs under Ministry of Power |
| PSUs | NTPC, PFC, REC, Power Grid Corporation of India |
| Role | Super ESCO- Leads national-scale energy efficiency programs |
| Focus Areas | Energy-saving appliances, smart metering, clean cooking, efficient systems |
Major Initiatives by EESL
- UJALA: LED bulbs distribution
- Smart Metering Initiative: AMI deployment
- National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP): Promotes induction stoves
- Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP): BLDC fan distribution
Araku Valley
- Located in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh
- Known for tribal culture, coffee plantations, Borra Caves
- Galikonda Hill located in the region (one of highest peaks in Eastern Ghats)
Visakhapatnam
- India’s first planned smart city (Smart Cities Mission)
- Home to Eastern Naval Command Headquarters
- Upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport and Vizag–Chennai Industrial Corridor.
Why this Project is Important
- Supports India’s Net Zero 2070 target
- Boosts eco-tourism, local economy, rural livelihood
- Demonstrates clean-heating solutions, reducing conventional electricity dependency
- Scalable model for replication nationwide including Himalayas, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand.