Itanagar: The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled Northeast India’s first geothermal production well at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, marking a significant milestone in the region’s pursuit of clean and sustainable energy.
Rupankar Rajkhowa, head of the CESHS Geosciences Division, said the achievement comes after two years of rigorous geochemical and structural surveys of hot springs in western Arunachal.
The project is expected to power a range of eco-friendly technologies, including fruit, nut and meat drying, space heating, and controlled-atmosphere storage systems—solutions critical to high-altitude agriculture and rural livelihoods.
The initiative is a result of international scientific collaboration involving CESHS, the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Icelandic geothermal firm Geotropy ehf, and the Guwahati Boring Service (GBS).
Using advanced geochemical models, the Dirang site has been classified as a medium- to high-enthalpy geothermal zone with reservoir temperatures estimated at 115°C—ideal for direct-use geothermal applications.
Rajkhowa explained that detailed geological mapping revealed quartzite overlying schist at tectonic contact points near the Main Central Thrust (MCT), confirming the presence of extensional normal faults seen in other parts of the Himalayas. These findings enabled precise drilling with minimal environmental impact.
Supported by the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, CESHS now aims to deepen its exploration and expand geothermal operations in Dirang, with plans to eventually make it India’s first geothermal-powered town for space heating.
“This pioneering development paves the way for a new era of clean energy in the Himalayas,” said CESHS director Tana Tage. “It highlights how geothermal energy can transform livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.”
The geothermal-powered facilities are expected to be commissioned soon, setting a national benchmark for sustainable energy deployment in remote and mountainous regions.
CESHS functions as an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
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