Dehradun, November 14 

Key Points-

• Pioneering Geothermal Policy- Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to introduce a dedicated geothermal energy policy, setting a precedent for sustainable energy governance in the country.
• National Impact- Inspired by Uttarakhand’s initiative, the central government has begun formulating a national geothermal energy policy, signaling a broader shift toward clean energy.
• ONGC has identified 62 geothermal hotspots across Uttarakhand, with active exploration underway to harness this untapped energy source.
• Focus on Green Energy Innovation- Energy Secretary Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram emphasized the need for exponential growth in carbon-neutral energy sources to meet India’s 2047 development goals

On the second day of the 6th Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival, Uttarakhand made headlines by becoming the first state in India to formulate a dedicated geothermal energy policy. The announcement came during the Green Energy Conclave, where Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary of Energy and Planning, highlighted the state’s pioneering role in sustainable energy innovation.

Dr. Sundaram revealed that the central government has begun working on a national geothermal policy inspired by Uttarakhand’s framework. He emphasized that achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047 hinges on exponential growth in energy production, particularly from non-conventional, carbon-neutral sources.

While solar energy remains a major pillar of green energy, Dr. Sundaram noted its limitations in nighttime usage and the high costs associated with battery-based storage. Ongoing research aims to develop cost-effective solar storage solutions to bridge this gap.

Adding to the momentum, ONGC’s Chief General Manager E. Sanjay Mukherjee announced that 62 geothermal sites have been identified across Uttarakhand, with active exploration underway to harness their potential. UREDA also presented its achievements in expanding solar energy infrastructure across the state.

The festival’s second day featured over nine dynamic events, including:

• Space Science Quiz
• Rural Entrepreneurship & Startup Conclave
• Magic of Maths
• Model Rocketry Workshop
• STEM Workshop
• Biotechnology Conclave
• Cybersecurity Conclave
• Consta Conference

At the Cybersecurity Conclave, key speakers included STF SSP Navneet Bhullar, Ravi Shankar Singh from the National e-Governance Program, and Maya Devi University Vice President Tripti Jewel Semal.

The Biotechnology Conclave saw insights from Dr. J.N. Nautiyal, Dr. Rajeev Kurele, and Dr. Piyush Goyal, who highlighted India’s global ranking—8th in biotechnology—and its growing impact on healthcare.

Meanwhile, the Rural Entrepreneurship and Startup Conclave celebrated innovators who have built successful ventures using traditional Himalayan technologies and local resources. Dr. Manoj Pant (Director, Planning Department) and Dr. Deepak Murari (Joint Director, Industries Department) engaged with participants, encouraging grassroots innovation and sustainable enterprise.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.