Puga geothermal project completes two wells in Ladakh

The Puga Geothermal Project in Ladakh has achieved a key development milestone with the completion of geothermal wells GT#02 and GT#03 by ONGC Energy Centre. The milestone was marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the project site by the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The completion of the two wells advances the development of the country’s first demonstration-scale geothermal power project at Puga and is expected to support the deployment of round-the-clock clean energy in the region.

Project significance

Located in the Puga Valley of Ladakh, the project is intended to demonstrate the viability of geothermal energy for power generation in India. The initiative is expected to improve energy access in remote areas, reduce dependence on conventional fuels and provide a reliable source of electricity during Ladakh’s harsh winter months.

In addition to electricity generation, the geothermal resource is being evaluated for multiple applications, including space heating, greenhouse cultivation, year-round agriculture, food processing and geotourism. The project is also expected to support livelihood opportunities and contribute to Ladakh’s objective of becoming a carbon-neutral region.

Collaboration

The Puga Geothermal Project is being implemented jointly by ONGC Energy Centre, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh. The partnership is being executed under a five-year collaboration agreement that was renewed in June 2026.

According to ONGC, the project is expected to contribute to India’s broader clean energy and energy security goals while supporting efforts towards technological self-reliance and long-term Net Zero commitments.

Event

The plaque unveiling ceremony was attended by Administrative Secretary Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS; Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Ms Shashanka Ala, IAS; Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Shri Nitish Rajora; and Superintendent of Police, Changthang, Shri Abbas Jaffari.

During the event, Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted the regional and national significance of the project and commended the ONGC Energy Centre team for achieving the milestone. ONGC Director (Technology and Field Services) Shri Vikram Saxena stated that the development reflects the organisation’s continued focus on innovation, energy security and sustainable energy solutions.

Photo credit: ONGC