By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Dehradun: Uttarakhand has taken a major step towards clean energy with the commencement of scientific exploration for the Tapovan Geothermal Project in Chamoli district, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at harnessing the state’s geothermal potential.
Principal Secretary (Energy and Alternative Energy) R. Meenakshi Sundaram said the state-run UJVN Ltd has appointed Iceland-based Verkís Consulting Engineers as consultant and asked it to prepare the initial project report (IPR) which will guide drilling, geological investigations and other technical studies.
The project follows the signing of an MoU between the Uttarakhand government and Verkís last year for geothermal resource mapping. Under the Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy-2025, the Tapovan project was allotted to UJVN Ltd for exploration in June this year.
UJVN Managing Director Ajay Kumar Singh said preliminary studies have identified Tapovan as suitable for developing a 1 MW pilot geothermal power plant, with the potential to scale up to a 10 MW commercial project. A high-level technical committee has also been constituted to oversee planning and implementation.
Officials said the project draws inspiration from Iceland, where geothermal energy plays a vital role in meeting energy needs, lowering electricity and heating costs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.
Calling the initiative a “historic milestone”, Sundaram said the project reflects Uttarakhand’s commitment to sustainable and self-reliant energy and could position the state as a national leader in geothermal power.
Singh said the project would be implemented in a time-bound manner following international standards. Besides strengthening the state’s energy security, it is expected to promote green energy, reduce carbon emissions, generate local employment, attract investment and accelerate economic development in the hill districts.
The Principal Secretary credited Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan for providing the leadership to promote renewable energy initiatives in the state.