A clean, reliable, and renewable energy sources is more urgent than ever. One such source is geothermal energy, a form of heat energy stored beneath the Earth’s surface. This energy can be tapped and used in various ways, especially in the construction industry, where sustainable practices are becoming increasingly important.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy comes from the natural heat of the Earth. It is found in the form of hot water, steam, or heated rocks deep beneath the surface. This energy is constantly produced due to the Earth’s internal processes like radioactive decay and the movement of tectonic plates.
Properties of Geothermal Energy
- Renewable: It is sustainable and can be used without depleting the source.
- Clean: It produces very low greenhouse gas emissions.
- Stable: Unlike solar or wind, geothermal energy does not depend on weather.
- Accessible: Found in areas with volcanic activity, hot springs, or tectonic movements.
- High Efficiency: Systems that use geothermal heat are very efficient for both heating and cooling.
Mechanisms Behind Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is harnessed from:
- Hot Water Reservoirs – Found a few kilometres below ground, these contain naturally heated water.
- Dry Steam Reservoirs – Where steam comes out directly from underground to drive turbines.
- Hot Dry Rocks – These require pumping water through artificially created fractures to extract heat.
Harnessing Geothermal Energy
To use geothermal energy, engineers drill wells into the Earth to reach hot water or steam. The heat is then brought to the surface and used in the following ways:
- Direct Use Applications: Heating buildings, greenhouses, or industrial processes.
- Electricity Generation: Steam runs turbines connected to generators.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs): These use shallow ground temperatures to heat or cool buildings.
Example: In Ladakh, India, a pilot geothermal project is being developed at Puga Valley, which is known for its hot springs. This region has great potential for future geothermal power generation.
Applications of Geothermal Energy in Construction
Geothermal systems are now being considered in modern construction projects, especially green buildings and smart cities.
Some uses in the construction industry include:
- Ground Source Heat Pumps for HVAC systems in buildings.
- District Heating Systems where multiple buildings are heated from a single geothermal source.
- Concrete Curing in Cold Weather using geothermal heat for faster and controlled curing.
- Hot Water Supply Systems in residential and commercial buildings.
- Cooling Systems that use underground temperatures to reduce energy costs.
Advantages of Geothermal Energy in Construction
- ✅ Eco-friendly: Reduces carbon footprint in building operations.
- ✅ Energy Saving: Long-term cost savings on electricity and fuel.
- ✅ Low Maintenance: Geothermal systems need fewer repairs compared to traditional HVAC systems.
- ✅ Sustainable: Provides long-term heat and cooling solutions.
- ✅ Quiet Operation: Suitable for residential use due to reduced noise levels.
Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
- ❌ High Initial Cost: Installation of geothermal systems is expensive initially.
- ❌ Site-Specific: Not all areas in India have access to geothermal resources.
- ❌ Drilling Challenges: Requires specialised equipment and skilled labour.
- ❌ Environmental Risk: Potential release of harmful gases from deep wells if not managed properly.
Uses of Geothermal Energy in India
- Space Heating and Cooling: In urban homes and commercial buildings.
- Agricultural Applications: For drying crops and heating greenhouses.
- Tourism: Hot springs are being developed as eco-tourism spots.
- Industrial Use: For pasteurisation, food processing, and textile washing.
Geothermal Energy and Indian Construction Sector
With India’s growing demand for sustainable construction, geothermal energy is becoming a viable alternative. Developers of green buildings can use this energy to meet Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) requirements and improve Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) scores.
IS Codes Relevant to Geothermal and Construction
- IS 15662:2006 – Guidelines for design and installation of ground source heat pumps in buildings.
- IS 2062:2011 – General constructional steel (used in geothermal plant structures).
- IS 456:2000 – Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete (important for concrete curing applications).
- IS 875 (Part 1 to 5) – Code for structural safety, which can be applied for buildings using geothermal systems.
- NBC 2016 (National Building Code) – Includes general energy efficiency provisions applicable to buildings using geothermal energy.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Renewable Energy |
| Keyword | Geothermal |
| Properties | Renewable, Clean, Stable, Efficient |
| Mechanisms | Hot Water, Dry Steam, Hot Rocks |
| Harnessing | Wells, Heat Pumps, Direct Use, Electricity Generation |
| Construction Use | HVAC, Concrete Curing, Hot Water, Cooling |
| Advantages | Eco-friendly, Energy Saving, Low Maintenance, Sustainable |
| Disadvantages | High Cost, Limited Locations, Drilling Risk |
| IS Codes | IS 15662, IS 2062, IS 456, IS 875, NBC 2016 |
Conclusion
Geothermal energy is a clean, sustainable, and efficient energy source that can play a vital role in India’s future construction projects. Though its use is still limited in the country, with proper government support and awareness, it can become a major component of India’s modern construction landscape. By adopting geothermal technology, we can build smarter, greener, and more energy-efficient infrastructure for the next generation.