22nd January 2026
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious target to become a Green Energy State by 2026, aiming to meet over 90 percent of its energy demand through renewable sources. Presiding over a review meeting with senior officers, the Chief Minister said that the State Government was working with the spirit of Vyavastha Parivartan to shift Himachal Pradesh towards a clean, self-reliant and sustainable energy future.
The Chief Minister said that along with hydropower and solar energy, geothermal energy in Himachal Pradesh would emerge as a key additional renewable source. He said that in view of changing climatic conditions, geothermal energy would prove to be a sustainable, secure and round-the-clock energy solution, particularly suitable for mountainous regions.
Highlighting the State’s potential, he said that areas such as Manikaran, Kasol and Tattapani have surface temperatures ranging from 57 to 97 degrees Celsius with high geothermal gradients. These regions are suitable not only for electricity generation but also for tourism-based development around hot springs, reflecting innovative governance and optimal use of natural resources.
The Chief Minister said that geothermal energy in Himachal Pradesh would bring direct benefits to citizens, especially those living in remote and cold regions. He said that this clean energy source would ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, reduce dependence on firewood and diesel, lower electricity bills, and improve the overall quality of life in hill villages. He added that geothermal energy would help farmers by enabling greenhouse cultivation and food processing in colder climates, create local employment in drilling and plant operations, boost eco-tourism through wellness centres and hot spring resorts, and protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
He said that small geothermal plants could power remote villages in Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti, while providing reliable heating and cooling solutions for cold towns such as Shimla, Manali and Keylong. In hilly terrain, geothermal energy offers dependable base-load power, unlike solar and wind energy which are weather dependent.
The Chief Minister said that although geothermal energy has remained largely untapped in India, Himachal Pradesh views it as a reliable and efficient energy option for mountainous regions where conventional renewable sources have limitations. He said that geothermal energy would also help reduce deforestation, promote eco-friendly housing and hotels, and strengthen energy security in remote and inaccessible areas.
He added that globally, more than 80 countries are actively using geothermal energy, with nations like Iceland, Indonesia, China and the USA leading the way. “Himachal Pradesh is ready to move in this direction to ensure a greener, cleaner and people-centric energy future,” the Chief Minister said.
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