|
Hot Spring
|
Geothermal energy is the natural heat generated within the earth due to
radioactive activities. Earth has a large reservoir of geothermal heat and its
potential has not been completely exploited for the process heat or power
generation. The survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India regarding
the available stored energy in the upper 3 km- depth range, estimates the
potential of 40.9 x 1018 calorie in 13 well- defined and structurally
controlled "Geothermal Provinces" [ A. B. Dhaulakhandi et.al. SESI Journal
6(1): 9-27,1996].
|
Among these provinces, Maharashtra shares
-
West Coast (Konkan) geothermal province
-
Narmada-Tapi Garben geothermal province
-
Godavari valley geothermal province.
Some of the identified sites are Tapi basin, Jalgaon, Dhule and Salbardi hot
spring in Maharashtra. Nearly 340 hot springs have been identified in the
country having temperatures in the range of 60-120 0C.
|
Some of the possible use patterns of geothermal energy are space heating,
binary-cycle power generation, food processing, refrigeration, cold storage
etc. Space heating and refrigeration have already been tried successfully at
Manikaran, (Himachal Pradesh) and Puga (J&K). A pilot power plant of 5 kW based
on close loop organic Rankine cycle was installed in Manikaran. MNES is
planning to install power projects at Tattapani (Chhattisgarh) and Puga. Most
of the geothermal sites are in low and moderate temperature range.
|
Deep Hot Spring Illustration
|
The initial high cost and negligible low running cost make them commercially
viable in the long run with a pay back period of around 8 years. Based on the
tried and tested technologies abroad, geothermal energy needs to be utilized
specially for socio-economic development of the backward hilly areas. With
suitable governmental support, private investment can be an attractive
proposition.
|