India’s First Geothermal Project Inaugurated at ONGC’s Ankleshwar Asset
Ankleshwar, Gujarat: In a significant step towards clean and sustainable energy transition, India’s first geothermal project, developed by retrofitting unproductive oil and gas wells, was inaugurated at the Ankleshwar Asset of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
The pioneering project marks a milestone in India’s efforts to harness alternative energy sources by utilizing existing hydrocarbons infrastructure for renewable applications, thereby enhancing asset efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries from ONGC and academia and representative from MNRE,GOI. Shri J. N. Sukanandan, General Manager (GGM-AM), Ankleshwar Asset, presided over the event and highlighted the importance of innovation-led sustainability initiatives within ONGC. He emphasized that the project reflects ONGC’s commitment to repurposing legacy oil and gas assets to support the country’s clean energy goals.
Shri Prashant Singh, General Manager (GGM) and Head – New Energy, ONGC, underscored the strategic relevance of geothermal energy in ONGC’s diversified energy portfolio. He stated that the project serves as a technology demonstrator and could pave the way for similar deployments across ONGC’s mature fields in the future.
The technical and academic perspective was provided by Prof. Rajesh R. Nair from IIT Madras, who elaborated on the scientific principles behind geothermal energy extraction using abandoned or non-commercial wells. He appreciated ONGC’s collaborative approach with academic institutions and its leadership in advancing indigenous energy technologies.
The project showcases a novel model of sustainable development by converting underutilized wells into productive geothermal energy sources, aligning with India’s broader objectives of energy security, decarbonization, and circular economy.
With this initiative, ONGC reinforces its role as an energy major driving innovation beyond conventional hydrocarbons, while contributing to India’s transition towards a greener and more resilient energy future.
