Jammu, May 24 -- Ladakh is all set for a major energy reform with the first ever commercial exploration of geothermal energy, as a sustainable alternative source of energy. Lieutenant governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved extension of MoU for five years with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) - a government of India PSU, for setting up India's first geothermal power project at Puga valley in Ladakh, at an altitude of over 14,000 ft. Earlier tripartite MoU signed with ONGC on February 6, 2021, had expired on February 5, 2026. Since then, ONGC was requesting for extension of MoU, as a lot of works had remained incomplete due to harsh weather conditions. Considering the significance of this project, LG Saxena granted extension of the MoU between the Ladakh Administration, LAHDC Leh and ONGC Energy Centre for another 5 years. As per the MoU, the ONGC will set up a 1 MWe pilot geothermal power plant in Puga Valley, along with preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for large-scale commercial exploitation of geothermal energy in Ladakh....