Arunachal Pradesh has embarked on a landmark clean energy initiative with the start of the pumping test of the first geothermal production well at Dirang sub-division in West Kameng district. Conducted by an autonomous body under the state’s Department of Science & Technology, the test aims to evaluate the sustainability and productivity of the subsurface geothermal reservoir, a crucial step before applications such as building-scale heating and cooling systems and agro-processing utilities.
Tana Tage, director of the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CESHS), described the test as a transformative move toward region-specific renewable energy solutions in the Eastern Himalayas. “This pioneering development demonstrates the potential of geothermal resources to transform regional livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability,” he said.
The operation, which began on Monday, involves CESHS scientists and engineers working under the technical supervision of Rajinder Bhasin, Geotechnical Engineer from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, along with geothermal experts from Geotropy Iceland.
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Dirang was identified as the region’s first geothermal production site following two years of geochemical and structural surveys across western Arunachal Pradesh. Preliminary assessments estimated the reservoir temperature at around 115 °C, categorising it as a medium-to-high enthalpy zone suitable for direct-use applications.
International collaboration has been central to the project, with CESHS partnering with NGI, Geotropy, and local drilling experts from Guwahati Boring Service (GBS). The successful completion of the pumping test will pave the way for the transition from exploratory drilling to operational deployment of geothermal systems in the Eastern Himalayas.
Future steps could include deeper drilling and scaling geothermal-powered infrastructure, with a long-term vision of transforming Dirang into India’s first geothermal-powered town.
“This initiative exemplifies how innovative energy solutions can be integrated with local development priorities while addressing climate and environmental concerns,” Tage added.
The Dirang geothermal project is expected to position Arunachal Pradesh at the forefront of India’s clean energy landscape, providing a blueprint for similar Himalayan regions to harness sustainable, low-carbon power.
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