EESL to make AP launchpad for geothermal energy technology
The pilot installations are proposed at Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam — two iconic tourism hubs known for their climate, natural attractions
image for illustrative purpose
Vijayawada: In alignment with the Union Government’s vision of accelerating economic development through cutting-edge clean technologies, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, has proposed the introduction of world-class Geothermal Energy Technology (GET) in priority growth sectors across the country.
Andhra Pradesh, with its strong governance framework and globally acknowledged leadership in energy efficiency, has been chosen as the launchpad for this major national initiative in the tourism sector. After detailed consultations with Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary , Housing & Tourism and Amrapali Kata, Managing Director AP Tourism, Akhilesh Kumar Dixit, CEO of EESL has agreed in-principle to implement the country’s largest geothermal pilot project in Andhra Pradesh.
The pilot installations are proposed at Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam — two iconic tourism hubs known for their climate, natural attractions, and year-round visitor inflow. This initiative comes at a crucial time as Visakhapatnam is set to host the CII Partnership Summit on November 14and 15.
Several high-level international experts are expected to engage in focused discussions on sustainable technologies and its potential to redefine tourism experiences in India. The decision therefore holds strategic significance, reinforcing the State’s leadership in adopting innovative clean-energy solutions. Geothermal energy harnesses the stable temperatures beneath the Earth’s surface to provide environmentally friendly heating and cooling. At a depth of around 7–8 meters, the ground temperature remains constant throughout the year, making geothermal systems both highly efficient and reliable. Technologies such as Earth Air Tunnel (EAT) systems and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) help maintain comfortable indoor environments in buildings while drastically reducing energy consumption. These systems lower electricity usage by nearly 50 per cent, require minimal maintenance, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring enhanced comfort standards for tourists. With a short financial payback period of three to four years, geothermal technology presents a strong business case for widespread adoption in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Ajay Jain said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed that the Tourism main projects should generate more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs in the next four years positioning AP as a leading global tourism investment destination.
