Commercial Utilization of West Coast Geothermal Resources of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is commercial evaluation of West coast geothermal resources of India. The western parts of Maharashtra State are also known as the economic back-bone of India, where in about 60% of Agro-Industrial products is being manufactured from this part. Considering this fact, it is necessary to evaluate the west coast geothermal resources for non-electric uses. To save the expense of drilling investigation, indirect methods of evaluation of reservoir are chosen. The petrological, mineralogical, geochemical and geophysical survey reports of the areas are thoroughly studied. On the basis of pre-existing data, the evaluation of the area reveals low temperature. Geochemical data reveals that, there is a marginal reduction in   alkalis at 100˚C, where as they registered enrichment in the resultant solution of experiments at 150˚C.The chemical analysis of the basaltic gains after reaction at 175˚C and 200˚C indicates an increase in water. On the basis of above data, the area was found to be suitable for commercial utilization of geothermal energy for non-electric uses in agricultural and industrial sectors.

Keywords

• West Coast Geothermal Resources of India (WCGRI), Non-Electric Uses (NEU), Low Grade Geothermal Energy (LGGE).