India's First Geothermal Project Launched at ONGC's Ankleshwar Asset in Gujarat
In a significant step towards sustainable energy transition, India's first geothermal project has been inaugurated at the Ankleshwar asset of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Gujarat.
This pioneering initiative focuses on retrofitting unproductive oil and gas wells to harness geothermal energy, transforming legacy hydrocarbon infrastructure into a renewable resource. The project not only improves asset efficiency but also contributes to reducing the overall carbon footprint, aligning with India's clean energy goals.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed participation from senior ONGC officials, representatives from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and academic experts. Shri J. N. Sukanandan, General Manager of Ankleshwar Asset, emphasized the importance of innovation-driven sustainability and highlighted ONGC's commitment to repurposing aging assets for green energy production. Shri Prashant Singh, Head of New Energy at ONGC, described the project as a strategic technology demonstrator that could be replicated across other mature oil fields in the future.
Adding a technical perspective, Prof. Rajesh R. Nair from IIT Madras explained the scientific principles behind extracting geothermal energy from abandoned wells and praised ONGC's collaboration with academic institutions. The project represents a forward-thinking model of circular economy by converting underutilized resources into productive energy assets.
With this initiative, ONGC reinforces its position as a forward-looking energy leader, driving innovation beyond conventional hydrocarbons and playing a crucial role in India's transition towards a greener, more resilient, and energy-secure future.

