The city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, India, has been selected to host the country’s largest geothermal energy pilot project. This initiative is a joint effort between Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public sector joint venture under the Union Ministry of Power, and the state government of Andhra Pradesh. The project aims to promote clean technology-driven economic growth and reduce carbon emissions.
The pilot project will be implemented at two major tourism destinations: Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam. These locations were chosen due to their favorable climate and high tourist footfall. The project is expected to play a significant role in transforming the tourism infrastructure in these areas. Geothermal energy is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that utilizes the Earth’s constant underground temperature to provide heating and cooling.
The technology used in the project, such as Earth Air Tunnels and Ground Source Heat Pumps, can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and requires low maintenance. With a payback period of just three to four years, it is an attractive option for hotels and tourism facilities. The implementation of geothermal energy projects is expected to support the state government’s goal of creating 25,000 tourism-related jobs in four years, as set by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The project’s timing is also significant, as Visakhapatnam is set to host the CII Partnership Summit on November 14-15, where global experts will discuss sustainable technologies and their role in transforming tourism infrastructure. A presentation on the geothermal energy technology will soon be made to the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, highlighting the benefits and potential of this clean energy solution. Overall, the geothermal energy pilot project in Andhra Pradesh is a major step towards promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth in the region.