Published on February 22, 2021
AHMEDABAD: A team of researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Geothermal Energy (CEGE) at Pandit Deendayal Energy University claimed to have found the hottest water springs at Unai, about 56km east of Navsari. The average temperature of the water found naturally from the spot is about 70 degrees celsius, said the team, terming it as a potential site for harnessing geothermal energy.
Anirbid Sircar, head of the CEGE, said that the centre is all set to drill a well to the depth of 500 metres at the spot for further probe. “The spring we have found is hotter than the one found in Dholera. This result is very important as this kind of geothermal resources can help in electricity generation especially benefiting rural and remote villages which are difficult to connect with national electricity grid,” he said, adding that CEGE is setting up an organic Rankine cycle for power generation.
The other researchers on the project are Kriti Yadav and Namrata Bist. “We are also exploring the opportunity for food drying with help of geothermal energy at Unai. A batch of about 30kg of any food – seasonal food grains, vegetables or fruits – can be dried to improve its shelf life,” said Dr Yadav, adding that it can help farmers sell their produce long after harvest.
Sircar said that CEGE is also working on geothermal atlas of Gujarat. The state currently has about17 identified hot water springs or geysers including Lasundra, Tuwa, Kawi, Tulsishyam, Lalpur, etc. where the water of varied quality and temperature is found. The atlas will consist of salient features of each hot spring in terms of surface temperature, reservoir temperature, thermal gradient and geochemistry of water.
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