Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive thermogeophysical assessment of India’s geothermal energy potential, focusing on strategic geothermal provinces including Puga, Manikaran, Tatapani, Manuguru and Bakreswar. By leveraging borehole data, magnetotelluric (MT) resistivity imaging, reservoir-specific thermal properties, and lithology-based reservoir properties of key geothermal provinces, the study estimates subsurface thermal energy (Q), thermal energy potential (MWt), and electrical potential (MWe). A critical innovation of this work is the validation of MT-derived reservoir temperature estimates against borehole observations using site-specific resistivity-temperature relationships. The findings suggest that India harbors over 4034 MWt and 405 MWe of moderate-to-high enthalpy geothermal potential, suitable for baseload and binary-cycle applications. This integrated approach underscores the importance of combining geophysical, geological, and thermodynamic data for advancing geothermal exploration and informing sustainable energy planning in India. These findings offer a strong scientific foundation to accelerate India’s geothermal roadmap, guiding both public-sector and private initiatives toward sustainable, baseload renewable power.