India’s First Two Geothermal Wells: Overview, Place and Key Technical Details

Lieutenant Governor Shri VK Saxena commissioned India's first two geothermal wells at Puga Valley, Ladakh, on 17 July 2026. Executed by the ONGC Energy Centre, the wells mark a major step towards India's first geothermal power project and PM Modi's vision of a carbon-neutral Ladakh.

India’s First Two Geothermal Wells Commissioned at Puga Valley

Both wells were drilled in a high-altitude zone marked by extreme weather conditions and a limited annual working season. A maximum temperature of 135°C was recorded at just 400 meters’ depth, with engineers expecting higher readings as deeper testing continues. Together, they form the base for India's first 1 MW demonstration-scale pilot geothermal power project, enabling critical reservoir evaluation and future commercial development of geothermal resources.

1st Geothermal Well Technical Features

1. Depth: 1,000 metres
2. Target Depth Reached: 22 May 2026
3. Temperature Recorded: Maximum of 135°C at 400 metres depth

2nd Geothermal Well Technical Features

1. Depth: 1,000 metres
2. Spudded: 3 June 2026
3. Completed: 8 July 2026 — a record turnaround of just over a month
4. Significance: Second well completed despite complex subsurface conditions and ongoing geothermal activity

India’s First Two Geothermal Wells Event Overview

1. Key Dignitary: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri VK Saxena.
2. Date of Commissioning: July 17, 2026.
3. Location: Puga Valley, Leh District, Ladakh (Altitude: 14,000+ feet).
4. Executing Agency: ONGC Energy Centre.
5. National Vision: Aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s mission for a Carbon-Neutral Ladakh and sustainable energy security.

Administrative Breakthrough & Renewal of Tripartite MoU

The Problem: The strategic green energy project suffered critical delays of several months due to the expiry of the previous tripartite agreement.

The Resolution: Personal intervention by LG VK Saxena in June 2026 resulted in a five-year renewal of the critical MoU.

Signatory Parties:

1. The Ladakh Administration
2. LAHDC Leh (Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council)
3. ONGC Energy Centre

How Will Geothermal Wells Impact India?

1. Energy Security: Taps into constant, weather-independent baseload power (unlike solar or wind).
2. Blueprint for Net-Zero: The data gathered from reservoir evaluations at Puga will act as a scientific master plan for eventual commercial-scale geothermal exploration across India.
3. Local Development: Boosts local rural economies, grid reliability, and clean tech jobs in the Himalayan region.