While the rest of India burns coal, Himachal Pradesh is looking underground for answers. The mountainous state just signed a game-changing MoU with Geotropy India Pvt. Ltd. on February 6, 2026, partnering with Iceland-based GEOTROPY ehf. to tap into what’s been bubbling beneath their feet for centuries. Hot springs aren’t just for tourists anymore.
Himachal isn’t messing around with its green ambitions. They’re aiming to become a Green Energy State by 2026, meeting over 90% of energy demands through renewables. Bold? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. Their “Vyavastha Parivartan” framework isn’t just fancy government jargon—it’s their roadmap to kick fossil fuels and excessive wood burning to the curb.
The state’s geothermal hotspots aren’t exactly secrets. Manikaran and Kasol in Kullu district have water hitting 97°C—hot enough to boil an egg while you’re still deciding whether to take a dip. Tattapani in Mandi isn’t far behind. These sources are recognized as reliable energy options that can significantly reduce the state’s carbon footprint. These aren’t just quirky tourist attractions; they’re power stations waiting to happen.
Unlike solar panels that become expensive roof ornaments after sunset, geothermal energy doesn’t clock out. 24/7 reliability in a mountain region where weather changes faster than political promises. With efficiency rates above 75%, geothermal plants outperform both solar and wind energy while maintaining exceptional reliability. No wonder CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is pushing exploration without burdening state coffers for initial activities.
Geothermal brings 24/7 power when mountain weather makes solar panels little more than fancy rooftop decorations.
The benefits stretch beyond just keeping lights on. Remote villages in Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul-Spiti will finally join the 21st century with reliable electricity. Shimla, Manali, and Keylong won’t have to shiver through winters anymore. Plus, locals can stop chopping forests for firewood—the trees are probably relieved.
Tourism gets a facelift too. Geothermal spas and wellness centers mean more than just Instagram opportunities—they’re job creators. From drilling specialists to maintenance crews, rural mountainous regions will see employment opportunities they never imagined. Joining approximately 80 countries worldwide already utilizing geothermal energy, Himachal is positioning itself as India’s pioneer in this sustainable technology.
Iceland’s Ambassador Benedikt Hoskuldsson didn’t fly all the way to Himachal just for the momos. This partnership could transform northern India’s energy landscape, one hot spring at a time.
References
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/himachal-to-tap-geothermal-energy-as-sustainable-energy-sourcecm-101769109459173.html
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/power-from-manikaran-tattapani-himachal-cm-sukhvinder-singh-sukhu-says-hp-to-harness-geothermal-energy/articleshow/127187175.cms
- https://thenewsmill.com/2026/02/himachal-pradesh-signs-mou-to-develop-geothermal-energy-resources/
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/geothermal-energy-to-power-states-green-future-sukhu/
- https://www.eqmagpro.com/himachal-pradesh-taps-geothermal-energy-to-drive-a-sustainable-and-green-future-says-cm-sukhu-eq/
- https://www.punjabnewsline.com/news/himachal-govt-signs-mou-to-explore-geothermal-energy-in-state-101500
- https://www.psuconnect.in/news/harnessing-geothermal-energy-will-strengthen-the-goal-of-green-himachal
- https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/himachal-pradesh-government-signs-mou-to-harness-geothermal-energy-potential-in-the-state20260206085053
