Geothermal Energy — UPSC Importance

UPSC Importance Analysis

Geothermal energy expands the discussion of renewable resources beyond electricity from sunlight and wind. It can contribute to electricity or useful heat, depending on local conditions and demand. This makes it especially valuable for questions about matching an energy resource to an appropriate service rather than treating every resource as an identical power-generation option.

The topic also tests energy accounting. Gross generation differs from net supply, and a heat pump's coefficient of performance differs from a heat engine's conversion efficiency. Worked examples show why a ratio above one can be physically sensible for heat transfer without violating conservation of energy. They also prevent resource potential from being confused with operating capacity.

India's National Policy on Geothermal Energy of 15 September 2025 offers a verifiable policy anchor. Its significance should be assessed through resource investigation, suitable applications and project evidence. A balanced answer recognises diversification potential while examining subsurface uncertainty, fluid management and other site-specific conditions. Policy intent and measured delivery belong to different stages of the analysis.