India is actively pursuing technology collaborations with the United States, Norway, and other countries to harness its geothermal energy potential, according to Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This initiative aligns with India's commitment to meeting its renewable energy targets and achieving net-zero emissions.

MNRE has notified a policy to promote geothermal energy, which can serve as an additional resource for fulfilling India's renewable energy and net-zero goals. India's geothermal energy potential is estimated to be around 10 GW. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 10 geothermal provinces, including the Himalayan Geothermal Province, Naga-Lusai, Andaman Nicobar Islands, and Son-Narmada Tapi.

Several countries, including Norway and Iceland, have expressed interest in India's geothermal energy sector and have offered technical assistance for pilot projects across various locations in the country. Research companies from Norway and Iceland have shown interest in the Gulf of Cambay, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, even sending teams to conduct pilot studies for exploration. India and Iceland are already collaborating closely on geothermal energy projects in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, with plans for similar projects in Northeast India.

During the India-Nordic Baltic Conclave, there were discussions of strong cooperation with Norway in harnessing the potential of wind, geothermal energy, the blue economy, space, health, polar studies, green shipping and water management. Furthermore, India and Norway are exploring ways to enhance collaboration in areas like green hydrogen, renewable energy, solar and wind projects.

The MNRE Secretary, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, stated that technology collaborations will be explored with more countries like the US and Indonesia to tap into India's geothermal energy potential. While the cost assessment for geothermal energy is still underway, initial estimates suggest a cost of nearly Rs 10 per unit. However, as projects scale up, the cost is expected to decrease, potentially requiring government support in the initial stages, similar to the approach taken with solar and wind energy. The project cost is estimated to be around Rs 36 crore per megawatt.

Geothermal energy offers a clean and flexible electricity supply that can support variable renewable technologies like wind and solar, while also complementing low-emission sources such as nuclear energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that new technologies are unlocking geothermal energy’s potential across the globe. If project costs continue to decline, geothermal energy could meet 15% of global electricity demand growth between now and 2050.

India is also looking at Norwegian expertise in energy and transition-related technologies such as carbon capture and storage, as the country seeks to upgrade its capabilities to meet its clean energy goals and net-zero target of 2070.