India emerges as a global leader in clean energy transition
When India hosted the much-anticipated India Energy Week (IEW) 2025 this February, the global energy community turned its attention to the country's remarkable strides in clean energy transition.
During India Energy Week 2025, India formalised several strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen its energy security, diversify supply sources, and promote innovation in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Hardeep Singh Puri, India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, described these agreements as pivotal steps toward building a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the country.
The Minister underscored India's dedication to securing reliable, affordable, and diverse energy supplies while fostering international partnerships in advanced energy technologies.
He highlighted that these collaborations are essential for driving the nation's energy transition goals and creating a robust, future-ready energy ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, during an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, praised India as the 'world's inspiration' in the transition to clean energy.
His remarks underscore India's growing leadership in the global push toward a sustainable energy future.
India's clean energy transition has been characterised by ambitious targets, innovative policies, and robust international collaborations.
The country has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and generate 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
This commitment has driven unprecedented growth in renewable energy sectors like solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen.
Solar energy: A bright spot
India has emerged as one of the largest solar power producers globally, thanks to initiatives like the National Solar Mission and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The country recently surpassed the 100 GW milestone of installed renewable energy capacity, with solar power accounting for a significant share.
Large-scale solar parks in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat have become models of efficient and scalable solar infrastructure.
Wind energy: Harnessing the breeze
With a coastline of over 7,500 kilometres, India has immense potential for wind energy.
The government has launched offshore wind energy projects to complement its established onshore wind farms, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
India's wind energy capacity now exceeds 40 GW, with plans for further expansion through global partnerships.
Green hydrogen: Fueling the future
India's foray into green hydrogen has attracted international attention.
The launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 laid the foundation for a hydrogen-based economy.
India's first hydrogen fuel cell bus, flagged off in New Delhi, symbolises the country's innovative spirit in adopting hydrogen fuel for public transportation.
India Energy Week 2025
India Energy Week 2025 serves as a crucial platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss strategies for sustainable energy development.
The event is witnessing participation from over 100 countries, including major energy players from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Key themes of the event include:
Energy security and sustainability: Exploring innovative solutions to balance energy needs with environmental concerns.
Global partnerships: Strengthening bilateral and multilateral collaborations for joint clean energy projects.
Technological innovations: Showcasing breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies and digital solutions for energy efficiency.
UK-India collaboration: A model partnership
The UK's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, highlighted the strong partnership between India and the UK in the clean energy sector.
The UK has been a key collaborator in India's renewable energy journey, providing technical expertise and financial support for various green energy projects.
The UK-India Green Hydrogen Partnership, launched in 2024, aims to establish joint research and development centres and facilitate hydrogen trade between the two countries.
This partnership reflects the shared vision of both nations to lead the global hydrogen economy.
India's clean energy transition has received accolades from global organisations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The country's innovative approaches, such as the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) mechanism, have been lauded as replicable models for other developing nations.
India's leadership in the ISA, which now includes over 120 member countries, demonstrates its commitment to promoting solar energy globally.
The ISA's initiatives, like the Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative, have facilitated investments in solar projects across Africa and Asia.
Despite its impressive achievements, India faces several challenges in its clean energy journey.
The intermittency of renewable sources, the need for advanced energy storage solutions, and the financial viability of large-scale projects remain critical concerns.
To address these challenges, the government is investing heavily in research and development, particularly in battery storage, smart grids, and hydrogen technologies.
Policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar module manufacturing aim to build domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imports.
India Energy Week 2025 will not only showcase India's achievements in clean energy but also reinforce its role as a global leader in the energy transition.
As the UK's Ed Miliband aptly remarked, India's proactive policies, innovative technologies, and inclusive partnerships make it a true inspiration for the world.
As the world grapples with the twin challenges of energy security and climate change, India's journey offers valuable lessons in balancing growth with sustainability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Hardeep Singh Puri remembers victims of Air India Kanishka bombing on 40th Anniversary
Cork [Ireland]: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, remembers victims of the Air India Kanishka Bombing on the 40th Anniversary and calls on the international community to unite against terrorism. Speaking at the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing in Ahakista, Cork, Ireland, Puri said, "he world needs to come together - not only in isolated episodes of solemn mourning such as these, but in collective, proactive efforts to combat terrorism." Recalling the tragedy of June 23, 1985, when Air India Flight 182 was destroyed mid-air by a bomb planted by Canada-based terrorists, killing all 329 on board, including over 80 children, Puri said the tragedy was not an accident but a "deliberate, heinous act carried out by fringe elements seeking to divide India." The Minister stressed that terrorism and extremism are not issues of the past but present-day threats that continue to endanger innocent lives across the world. "India has suffered the scourge of terrorism for decades -- from Jammu & Kashmir to Punjab to Mumbai. Time and again, our people have endured bombings, assassinations, and atrocities," he said, while noting that countries across the world are grappling with this problem as he highlighted that global terrorism-related deaths increased by 22 per cent in 2024. Calling upon the Government of Canada to join India in countering this shared threat, Puri said: "Canada is a valued partner and friend. We share vibrant cultural and economic relations with each other. India and Canada are bound by democratic traditions." He urged deeper collaboration between the two nations through intelligence sharing, counter-radicalisation efforts, and the disruption of terror financing. "India stands ready to do more. Our security agencies, intelligence apparatus, and diplomatic channels are fully committed to partnering with the world to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated." Puri also acknowledged and thanked the people of Ahakista and the Irish government for their compassion in the aftermath of the 1985 tragedy. "They opened their homes and hearts to grieving families--an act of humanity that continues to inspire." He further noted that the unique friendship forged between India and Ireland in the wake of the disaster has blossomed into strong bilateral ties, with trade reaching nearly $16 billion in 2023. In closing, the Minister reiterated India's unwavering resolve to honour the memory of the victims by striving for global peace and security. "Let today's commemoration be a united message--those who spread hate and terror will never prevail over humanity, democracy, and friendship." The ceremony was attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, local Irish officials, first responders, and families of victims, all coming together in solemn remembrance.
Times of Oman
12 hours ago
- Times of Oman
India well prepared to deal with closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran: Union Minister Hardeep Puri
Cork [Ireland]: Amid Iran's plan to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically vital chokepoints in the world connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday asserted that the Centre will take "all necessary measures" to ensure affordability and the "stability of fuel supplies." "The Modi government has, over the past several years, not only ensured the stability of supplies, but also affordability. We will take all necessary measures to ensure that," Puri told ANI. The Union Minister said that the consequences of the Strait of Hormuz's closure would be factored in after markets open on Monday. However, he added that there was enough oil available in the global markets. "It's very difficult to speculate on the price factor. The oil price for a long time was between 65 and 70 (USD per barrel). Then it was between 70 and 75. Today is a Sunday. When the markets open tomorrow, the consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will be factored in. But as I've been saying for a long time, enough oil is available in the global markets," Puri said. "More and more oil is coming on the global markets, particularly from the Western Hemisphere. Even traditional suppliers would be interested in keeping the supplies because they also need revenue. So hopefully the market will factor that in," he added. Puri also posted on 'X' that the Centre will take "all necessary steps to ensure stability of fuel supplies" to the citizens. "We have been closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East since the past two weeks. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji, we have diversified our supplies in the past few years and a large volume of our supplies do not come through the Strait of Hormuz now. Our Oil Marketing Companies have supplies of several weeks and continue to receive energy supplies from several routes. We will take all necessary steps to ensure stability of supplies of fuel to our citizens," Puri said in a post. After the US airstrikes on its nuclear installations, Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically vital chokepoints in the world, and any blockade by Tehran would pose serious risks for Europe, EuroNews reported on Sunday. Revolutionary Guard commander Sardar Esmail Kowsari told local media in an interview that closing the Strait of Hormuz "is under consideration, and Iran will make the best decision with determination," as per EuroNews. "Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response," added Kowsari, who is a member of the Iranian parliament in addition to his military position.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Centre of excellence for semiconductors planned
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has invited bids for consultancy services to help develop a national semiconductor ecosystem in Oman, including plans for a Centre of Excellence for Semiconductors and Electronic Chips. Specialised firms with experience in the semiconductor and electronic chip industry have been called to participate in the tender. The selected consultancy will advise on the creation of the centre and support wider efforts to position Oman as a regional player in this strategic sector. MTCIT said companies must demonstrate a strong track record in managing similar national and commercial projects in line with the scope outlined in the tender documents. The Centre of Excellence is central to the ministry's plan to strengthen Oman's place in the global semiconductor value chain. It will work to attract investments, support advanced chip design and manufacturing, and create high-skilled jobs in design, testing and research. The centre will also focus on technology transfer and localisation to build national capacity over the long term. Interested firms can register and purchase documents through the Tender Board's eTendering portal.
