🌋 Geothermal Exploration Support by Helicopter – 6 Powerful Roles in India’s Clean Energy Future
Geothermal exploration support by helicopter enables access to remote thermal zones, sensor deployment, and fast mapping. DreamSafar.in shares 6 powerful aerial contributions to India’s geothermal mission.
🚁 Geothermal Exploration Support by Helicopter – Fueling India’s Energy Ambitions from the Air
India is slowly tapping into its geothermal potential in Ladakh, Himachal, and Jharkhand. But rough terrains and inaccessible zones limit on-ground exploration. This is where geothermal exploration support by helicopter becomes a critical enabler—transporting scientists, sensors, and survey gear into geothermal hotspots quickly and efficiently.
In this post, DreamSafar.in explores 6 powerful ways helicopters support geothermal exploration, making India’s clean energy future more achievable.
🔭 1. Aerial Access to Remote Thermal Zones
Helicopters allow teams to reach:
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High-altitude hot springs (e.g., Puga Valley, Ladakh)
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Forested geothermal belts (e.g., Jharkhand, West Bengal)
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Volcanic terrain (e.g., Maharashtra’s Deccan Traps)
✅ Geothermal exploration support by helicopter overcomes logistical challenges of roadless regions
🛰️ 2. Deployment of Scientific Sensors and Equipment
Helicopters deliver:
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Magnetotelluric (MT) stations
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Seismic geophones and GPS arrays
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Heat flux sensors
They also:
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Drop equipment via winch or cargo hook
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Support mobile geoscience labs in rugged zones
✅ Ensures safe, fast delivery of high-value instruments to unstructured terrain
📡 3. Aerial Thermal Imaging & Survey Flights
Helicopter-mounted infrared cameras detect:
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Surface and sub-surface heat anomalies
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Steam venting zones
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Subduction-related fault lines
✅ Critical for creating thermal maps before exploratory drilling
📍 4. Ground Crew Support & Emergency Evacuation
Helicopters:
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Airlift geologists, hydrologists, and drilling teams
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Stand by for emergency medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
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Support food, water, and gear drops for long-term field camps
✅ Keeps geothermal exploration operations safe and logistically sustainable
🧪 5. Water Sampling & Gas Emissions Survey
Helicopters assist in collecting:
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Hot spring water samples
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Volcanic gas emissions (H₂S, CO₂, CH₄)
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Soil degassing profiles
✅ Speeds up sampling across large zones, reducing team fatigue and field time
🏗️ 6. Site Selection for Test Drilling & Infrastructure
Helicopter surveys help identify:
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Flat zones for rig setup
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Access points for mini-grids and geothermal plants
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Nearby terrain for geothermal-based tourism/ecotourism
✅ Plays a vital role in transitioning from survey to setup phase
🗺️ Geothermal Sites in India Using Helicopter Access
Site/Region | State | Use of Helicopter Support |
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Puga Valley | Ladakh | Sensor drops, thermal mapping, crew lift |
Manikaran Hot Springs | Himachal Pradesh | Scientific team transport |
Bakreshwar & Tantloi Belts | Jharkhand–WB | Aerial sampling, access & mapping |
Tapovan, Joshimath | Uttarakhand | Survey and emergency backup support |
💰 Cost of Helicopter-Based Geothermal Support Missions
Operation Type | Approx. Cost (INR) |
---|---|
Sensor & Equipment Transport | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh/hour |
Thermal Survey Imaging Flights | ₹2 – ₹4 lakh/hour |
MEDEVAC and Emergency Backup | ₹1 – ₹1.5 lakh per sortie |
Monthly Exploration Contract | ₹20 – ₹35 lakh |
✅ Often funded by MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy) and state energy missions
❓ FAQ – Geothermal Exploration Support by Helicopter
❓ Is helicopter support necessary for geothermal projects?
Yes—for zones that are remote, elevated, or forested, helicopters drastically improve access, safety, and data speed.
❓ Which departments in India oversee geothermal surveys?
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GSI (Geological Survey of India)
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MNRE
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ONGC (for pilot geothermal drilling)
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State Renewable Energy Development Agencies (SREDAs)
❓ Can private geothermal developers hire helicopters?
Yes, through DGCA-approved aerial work operators with permits for survey and cargo lifting.
🔗 Useful Links – DreamSafar.in
🌐 Resources
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