PB Sarolkar, Deputy Director General (retd) of the GSI and Secretary of the Gondwana Geological Society in Nagpur, delivered an engaging talk on geothermal energy. He elaborated on geothermal resources, their surface manifestations and environmental concerns such as hot water emissions, gas release and land deformation. He also spoke about the practical uses of geothermal energy, including greenhouse cultivation and provided a cost comparison of energy sources from 2018, showcasing the long-term advantages of geothermal energy.
Following this, Nandkishor Sarolkar, founder member and Managing Director of Sarvesh Engineering, discussed the future of ‘green hydrogen’ as a clean and energy-dense fuel. He explained the need for green hydrogen, especially in the Indian context, and described its different types. He gave an overview of India’s current hydrogen demand, its vision for green hydrogen generation by 2030 and the key drivers of the growing hydrogen economy. The session highlighted why India is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the green hydrogen movement.
The quiz competition was conducted by Shikhar Kumar amongst the 200-plus registered participants from different parts of India using the online mode and the results were declared in the valedictory session. The quiz had questions to promote geosciences. First place was secured by Manan Sethia of Krishna Public School in Raipur, second place was secured by Nanglamshwa S Kurkalang of Army Public School in Shillong and Na-isha Babha Sohliya of Army Public School in Shillong secured third position.
