The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has approved a proposal to implement India’s largest Geothermal Energy Technology project in the tourism sector of Andhra Pradesh. Under the pilot initiative, installations will be set up in Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam. The project is aligned with the Centre’s push toward clean technology and sustainable development, and is expected to strengthen modern tourism infrastructure driven by renewable energy.
According to an official statement, the approval followed detailed consultations between EESL Chief Executive Officer Akhilesh Kumar Dixit, Special Chief Secretary (Housing and Tourism) Ajay Jain, and Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director K. Amrapali. The state administration has welcomed the decision, noting that it will improve tourist amenities, reduce electricity consumption, and create a scalable model for sustainable tourism growth.
Geothermal Systems to Reduce Power Use and Emissions
Geothermal technology draws energy from stable temperatures beneath the earth’s surface. Even at shallow depths of around eight metres, ground temperatures remain constant throughout the year. Using this thermal stability, geothermal systems can provide cooling and heating to buildings without conventional fuel-based power consumption.
The systems proposed for Andhra Pradesh will reduce electricity usage by nearly 50 percent while maintaining cooling efficiency. Unlike conventional air-conditioning units, geothermal systems do not require frequent servicing, can run with minimal noise, and produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Officials involved in the project stated that this approach allows tourism facilities to improve comfort standards for visitors while managing costs responsibly.
Tourism Infrastructure Expected to Benefit
Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam are among the most visited tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. The use of geothermal cooling is expected to reduce operational expenses for hotels, resorts, public tourism structures, and related service infrastructure. Officials said the pilot will demonstrate how renewable-powered tourism services can be introduced in hill stations and coastal locations where visitor demand for cooling systems is high.
The project aims to improve the tourist experience without increasing environmental burden. With the installations operating throughout the year, tourism centres will have reliable temperature management without seasonal limitations or fuel dependency. The government is positioning this model as a practical demonstration of how clean energy technologies can enhance the tourism sector in high-footfall regions
Tourism Infrastructure Expected to Benefit
Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam are among the most visited tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. The use of geothermal cooling is expected to reduce operational expenses for hotels, resorts, public tourism structures, and related service infrastructure. Officials said the pilot will demonstrate how renewable-powered tourism services can be introduced in hill stations and coastal locations where visitor demand for cooling systems is high.
The project aims to improve the tourist experience without increasing environmental burden. With the installations operating throughout the year, tourism centres will have reliable temperature management without seasonal limitations or fuel dependency. The government is positioning this model as a practical demonstration of how clean energy technologies can enhance the tourism sector in high-footfall regions.
Pilot Structured for Nationwide Replication
The administration has highlighted that the pilot is being built for national scalability. If successful, similar geothermal systems may be implemented across multiple states with tourism-based economies. The model is expected to reduce long-term power expenses, create maintenance-light cooling systems, and lower carbon footprints for hospitality complexes. Officials also noted that this would reduce pressure on conventional power grids in peak tourism months.
The deployment supports India’s commitments to sustainable development and clean energy integration, while offering a pathway for tourism operators to manage climate-control needs more efficiently. The state government stated that economic growth and conservation must run parallel, and this project aligns with that approach.
Part of Broader Clean Energy Planning
With increasing energy demand from commercial and tourism infrastructure, the use of geothermal systems is being viewed as a long-term alternative to conventional cooling methods. As tourism in Andhra Pradesh expands, the project is expected to set efficiency benchmarks for hospitality operators seeking cleaner and cost-effective solutions.
The initiative also complements green policy frameworks including reduced carbon emissions, responsible tourism management and climate-conscious infrastructure planning. Officials said geothermal installations could enable operators to allocate savings toward service improvements, local employment, and tourism development in remote regions.
A Model for Clean Growth
With the introduction of geothermal technology, Andhra Pradesh has positioned itself as an early adopter of clean energy systems in the tourism sector. The model seeks to combine environmental responsibility with economic development, providing a blueprint that other states can replicate in hotels, resorts, museums, convention centres and public tourism spaces.
EESL officials said the project demonstrates how modern tourism infrastructure can operate without excessive reliance on traditional electricity-driven cooling systems. It also illustrates how public agencies and technology-based organisations can collaborate on sustainable solutions designed for long-term benefit.
The installations in Araku Valley and Visakhapatnam will be closely monitored during the pilot period, with performance data used to prepare a nationwide replication plan.
