GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES IN INDIA: POSSIBILITIES FOR DIRECT USE IN THE HIMALAYAS

摘要

The Himalayan Geothermal Belt hosts nearly 150 thermal springs with temperature varying from 47 to 87 °C. The well known thermal provinces of Puga, Chumathang, Nubra geothermal provinces located in proximity to Leh and Manikaran, and other thermal locations in Kulu valley falls within HGB. Leh currently uses diesel to meet its major power demand for electricity and space heating. It is estimated that diesel generators are generating about 28,000 metric tones of CO2 resulting in greater threat to the Himalayan Glaciers. It is reported that over the last 61 years, the Gangotri glacier has receded by a distance of 1,164 meters. The available geothermal energy can be utilized to generate power and for other direct applications and save the pristine ecosystem of the Himalayas.