ONGC Advances Puga Geothermal Project, Plans 1 MW Pilot Power Plant in Ladakh
New Delhi, July 9, 2026: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has achieved another milestone in India's clean energy journey with the successful completion of the country's second geothermal well, Puga-OEC-GT#03, at the Puga Geothermal Site in Ladakh.
The development was highlighted during the visit of Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, IAS, to the project site on July 8, 2026. During the visit, officials from the ONGC Energy Centre (OEC) presented the progress of the geothermal programme in the Puga Valley, from its early stages to the latest drilling success.
The Chief Secretary congratulated ONGC and the ONGC Energy Centre for their efforts in advancing India's geothermal energy mission. He also expressed support for expanding geothermal exploration in other promising regions across the country.
Discussions during the visit focused on the next phase of the Puga Geothermal Project, including the proposed 1 MW (MWe) pilot geothermal power plant. The project aims to provide clean, reliable, and round-the-clock baseload electricity, helping improve Ladakh's energy security while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Geothermal energy is considered one of the most reliable renewable energy sources because it can generate electricity continuously, unlike solar and wind power, which depend on weather conditions.
With the successful drilling of the new geothermal well, ONGC is moving closer to turning the natural geothermal resources of the Puga Valley into a sustainable source of clean energy for both Ladakh and India.
Key Highlights
- ONGC successfully completed India's second geothermal well, Puga-OEC-GT#03.
- Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra visited the Puga project site on July 8, 2026.
- ONGC plans to develop a 1 MW pilot geothermal power plant.
- The project aims to strengthen Ladakh's energy security through clean and reliable power.
- ONGC is exploring the potential for geothermal energy development in other parts of India.
- The Puga project marks a major step in India's renewable energy transition.
Source: ONGC official announcement, July 9, 2026.