Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) marked a major milestone in India’s clean energy transition by launching the country’s first geothermal pilot project. Developed under its innovative “Wells to Watts” initiative, the project demonstrates how legacy oil and gas assets can be repurposed for sustainable energy generation. The pilot was inaugurated on April 24, 2026, at ONGC’s Ankleshwar Asset, reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversifying into low-carbon energy solutions.
Converting Abandoned Wells into 450 kW Round-the-Clock Clean Energy
At the core of the project is the transformation of a non-productive well at the Gandhar Field into a reliable source of 450 kW Renewable Energy – Round-The-Clock (RE-RTC) power. By converting an underutilized hydrocarbon asset into a continuous energy source, ONGC successfully demonstrated efficient reuse of existing infrastructure, reduction in reliance on fossil fuels and generation of stable, low-carbon power. The project sets a precedent for sustainable energy innovation within the oil and gas sector.
Strategic Collaboration with IIT Madras and MNRE
The project has been developed in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The partnership highlights a strong synergy between academic expertise and industry execution, enabling advanced geothermal extraction techniques tailored to Indian conditions.
Scalable Model for Geothermal Energy Development
Experts from IIT Madras played a key role in providing technical insights into geothermal energy extraction, particularly using abandoned or non-commercial wells. The approach offers a scalable model that can be replicated across similar aging oil and gas assets nationwide. Consequently, it opens new opportunities to:
*Integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure
*Maximize resource utilization
*Accelerate India’s clean energy transition
Strengthening ONGC’s Clean Energy Portfolio
With this initiative, ONGC reinforces its position as a forward-looking energy company that is actively expanding beyond conventional hydrocarbons. The success of the pilot project could pave the way for wider adoption of geothermal energy in India, especially across mature oil and gas fields with declining productivity.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Energy
By combining innovation, infrastructure reuse, and strategic partnerships, ONGC’s geothermal pilot marks a significant step toward building a resilient and low-carbon energy ecosystem. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, such initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in diversifying India’s energy mix while ensuring sustainability and long-term energy security.
