Geothermal energy refers to the energy sources located under the Earth’s crust, and is considered to be a clean and reliable form of energy generation, although much of it is largely underutilised. Sources of geothermal energy include rocks located under the Earth’s surface and hot springs. India has good potential for geothermal energy generation, and its excessive dependence on coal, which is a renewable fuel source, has made it all the more imperative to concentrate on this alternate source of energy. Geothermal energy is particularly useful for production of electricity and is extensively distributed globally. Hydrothermal, geopressurised brines, hot dry rocks and magma comprise the four classifications of geothermal energy. Out of these, hydrothermal energy is commercially used for generating electricity. Geothermal energy generating plants can be broadly categorised into four major types such as flashed steam plant, dry steam plant, binary power plant and hybrid power plant. However, while India has an abundance of geothermal resources, this form of energy generation is highly capital intensive and requires considerable support from the government. Hide this