Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious goal to become a Green Energy State by 2026, with over 90 percent of its energy requirements to be met through renewable sources. Presiding over a review meeting with senior officers, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government was working with the spirit of ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ to ensure a clean, self-reliant and sustainable energy future.
The Chief Minister said that, in addition to hydropower and solar energy, the State is now moving towards harnessing geothermal energy as a reliable and sustainable renewable resource. Keeping in view the changing climatic conditions, geothermal energy could prove to be a secure and dependable source of power, particularly for a mountainous state like Himachal Pradesh.
He said that Himachal Pradesh possesses significant geothermal potential, especially in areas such as Manikaran and Kasol in Kullu district and Tattapani in Mandi district. These regions record surface temperatures ranging between 57 and 97 degrees Celsius with high geothermal gradients, making them suitable for electricity generation as well as tourism-based development around hot springs.
The Chief Minister added that small geothermal plants could help power remote villages in Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti and would be ideal for cold towns such as Shimla, Manali and Keylong. In hilly regions, geothermal energy offers a reliable base-load supply, ensuring round-the-clock power availability unlike solar or wind energy, which depend on weather conditions.
He said that although geothermal energy remains largely untapped in India, Himachal Pradesh views it as an additional and dependable energy source. Its use would reduce dependence on wood and fossil fuels, help curb deforestation, and promote eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions for homes and hotels.
The Chief Minister further said that geothermal energy would boost tourism through the development of spas, resorts and wellness centres around hot springs such as Tattapani and Manikaran, while also generating local employment in drilling, plant operations and maintenance. It would also benefit farmers by enabling year-round cultivation of vegetables and flowers in colder regions.
Highlighting global examples, the Chief Minister noted that nearly 80 countries worldwide are actively using geothermal energy, with the United States being the largest producer. He said that tapping this natural resource reflects the State Government’s commitment to innovative governance and optimal utilization of Himachal Pradesh’s natural assets under the Vyavastha Parivartan framework.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
