Ladakh Completes Two Deep Geothermal Wells

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Puga Geothermal Project site to mark the successful completion of two deep geothermal wells, GT#02 and GT#03, by ONGC Energy Centre.

This milestone achievement advances the development of India's first demonstration-scale geothermal power project at Puga, which aims to provide clean, dependable, and round-the-clock energy in Ladakh. The project is expected to strengthen energy access in remote areas, reduce dependence on conventional fuels, and support reliable power availability during the region's severe winters.

The Puga Geothermal Project has the potential to support various applications beyond electricity generation, including space heating, greenhouse cultivation, year-round agriculture, food processing, geotourism, and sustainable livelihoods. These applications could contribute significantly to Ladakh's socio-economic development and its aspiration to emerge as a carbon-neutral region.

At the national level, the project strengthens India's clean-energy portfolio, advances technological self-reliance, and supports the country's long-term energy-security and Net Zero objectives. The initiative is being advanced jointly by ONGC Energy Centre, the UT Administration of Ladakh, and LAHDC-Leh under a five-year collaboration renewed in June 2026.

The occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including Administrative Secretary Himanshu Gupta, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Ms Shashanka Ala, Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora, and Superintendent of Police, Changthang, Abbas Jaffari. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the project's national and regional significance and commended the ONGC Energy Centre team.

Representing ONGC, Director (Technology and Field Services) Vikram Saxena said that the achievement reaffirmed ONGC's commitment to innovation, energy security, and a sustainable future for Ladakh and India. The completion of the two deep geothermal wells is a significant step towards achieving India's clean energy goals and reducing its dependence on conventional fuels.

The Puga Geothermal Project is a landmark achievement in India's journey towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. The project's success has the potential to pave the way for similar initiatives in other parts of the country, contributing to India's long-term energy security and Net Zero objectives.

In conclusion, the completion of the two deep geothermal wells at Puga is a significant milestone in India's clean energy journey, and it has the potential to transform the energy landscape of Ladakh and contribute to the country's sustainable development.

The project's impact will be felt not only in Ladakh but also at the national level, as it strengthens India's clean-energy portfolio and advances technological self-reliance. As India continues to work towards achieving its clean energy goals, the Puga Geothermal Project will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the country.