New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is stepping up its geothermal energy exploration efforts, with a focus on the Puga Valley in Ladakh, where it has drilled deep geothermal wells in challenging high-altitude conditions.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “India’s Subsurface Opportunity – Technical Pathways for Scaling Up Geothermal” at BRE Summit 2026, Vikram Saxena, Director (Technology and Field Services) at ONGC, outlined the company's initiatives in the sector.
ONGC began geothermal exploration in Puga Valley in 2022, with the aim of developing a reliable, year-round source of clean energy for the remote region.
Drilling in challenging high-altitude conditions
The geothermal exploration work in Puga Valley has involved drilling under difficult operating conditions, including high altitude, low oxygen levels, extreme weather, complex underground formations and limited working windows.
According to ONGC, the work has demonstrated its ability to undertake technically demanding exploration projects in challenging geographical and climatic conditions.
Ankleshwar wells also being assessed
Alongside its work in Ladakh, ONGC is examining the possibility of repurposing existing drilled wells in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, for geothermal energy applications. The initiative is being taken up in collaboration with IIT Madras.
Saxena noted that the company's experience in oil and gas exploration could be useful in advancing geothermal projects, given the technical expertise involved in drilling and understanding underground formations.
ONGC plans to build on its exploration work as it assesses the potential of geothermal energy as an additional source of clean power in India.
