en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Energy Centre of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has completed drilling of two deep geothermal wells, GT#02 and GT#03, at the Puga geothermal project in Ladakh, marking a critical step forward for the country's first demonstration geothermal power project.

Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinay Kumar Saxena, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the project site to mark the completion of the two geothermal wells. This milestone holds the potential to transform Ladakh's energy landscape.

Located in one of India's most promising geothermal regions, the Puga project is expected to deliver clean, reliable, round-the-clock power generation at high altitudes. The initiative aims to enhance energy access in remote areas, reduce dependence on conventional fuels, and provide a stable electricity supply during Ladakh's harsh winters.

The project's potential extends beyond power generation. Geothermal energy can also be utilized for space heating, greenhouse cultivation, year-round agriculture, food processing, geothermal tourism, and sustainable livelihoods, creating new avenues for socio-economic development as Ladakh moves toward its carbon neutrality vision.

At the national level, the project contributes to promoting technological self-reliance, strengthening energy security, and supporting India's long-term net-zero goals, further consolidating its clean energy strategy.

The Puga geothermal project has been advanced through a five-year collaboration between the ONGC Energy Centre, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Leh (LAHDC-Leh), which was renewed in June 2026.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the project's importance for Ladakh and the nation, and commended the ONGC Energy Centre team for their achievements. Vikram Saxena, Director of Technology and Field Services at ONGC, stated that this achievement reaffirms ONGC's commitment to innovation, energy security, and a sustainable future for Ladakh and India.

With the completion of the two deep wells, India has taken a significant step toward harnessing geothermal resources as a new pillar of its clean energy transition.