India's hosting of the highly anticipated India Energy Week (IEW) 2025 this February captured the attention of the global energy sector, showcasing the country's significant advancements in clean energy transition.
At the event, India established multiple strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing energy security, diversifying supply sources, and fostering innovation within the oil and gas industry.
Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasized that these agreements represent crucial milestones in the pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the nation.
The Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable, and varied energy supplies while promoting international collaborations in cutting-edge energy technologies.
He pointed out that these partnerships are vital for achieving the country’s energy transition objectives and for developing a robust, future-oriented energy ecosystem.
In a related development, Ed Miliband, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, commended India during an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, referring to the nation as the “world’s inspiration” in the clean energy transition.
His comments highlight India’s emerging role as a leader in the global movement towards a sustainable energy future.
India's journey towards clean energy has been marked by ambitious goals, innovative policies, and strong international partnerships.
The nation has established an objective to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and to develop 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
This pledge has catalyzed remarkable advancements in renewable energy sectors, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen.
Solar energy: A shining example
India has positioned itself as one of the leading solar power producers worldwide, driven by initiatives such as the National Solar Mission and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The country has recently crossed the 100 GW threshold in installed renewable energy capacity, with solar power representing a substantial portion.
Large-scale solar parks in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat have set benchmarks for effective and scalable solar infrastructure.
Wind energy: Capturing the wind
With a coastline exceeding 7,500 kilometers, India possesses significant potential for wind energy.
The government has initiated offshore wind energy projects to enhance its existing onshore wind farms, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
India's wind energy capacity has now surpassed 40 GW, with plans for further growth through international collaborations.
Green Hydrogen: Powering Tomorrow
India's initiative in green hydrogen has garnered significant global interest.
The establishment of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 has set the groundwork for a hydrogen-driven economy.
The inauguration of India's first hydrogen fuel cell bus in New Delhi represents the nation's commitment to integrating hydrogen fuel into public transport.
India Energy Week 2025
India Energy Week 2025 is a vital forum for policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to explore pathways for sustainable energy advancement.
The event is attracting participants from over 100 nations, including key energy stakeholders from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The main topics of discussion include:
Energy security and sustainability: Investigating innovative approaches to harmonize energy demands with ecological considerations.
Global partnerships: Enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation for collaborative clean energy initiatives.
Technological innovations: Highlighting advancements in renewable energy technologies and digital solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency.
UK-India Collaboration: A Model Partnership
Ed Miliband, the UK’s Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, emphasized the robust collaboration between India and the UK in the clean energy domain.
The UK has played a pivotal role in supporting India’s renewable energy initiatives, offering both technical expertise and financial backing for a range of green energy projects.
In 2024, the UK-India Green Hydrogen Partnership was established, focusing on creating joint research and development centers and promoting hydrogen trade between the two nations.
This collaboration embodies the mutual aspiration of both countries to spearhead the global hydrogen economy.
India’s transition to clean energy has garnered praise from international organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Innovative strategies like the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) mechanism have been recognized as exemplary models for other developing countries.
India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which now comprises over 120 member nations, underscores its dedication to advancing solar energy on a global scale.
The ISA’s initiatives, including the Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative, have successfully attracted investments in solar projects throughout Africa and Asia.
However, despite these significant accomplishments, India continues to encounter various challenges in its clean energy transition.
The variability of renewable energy sources, the necessity for sophisticated energy storage solutions, and the economic feasibility of large-scale initiatives continue to be significant issues.
In response to these challenges, the government is making substantial investments in research and development, focusing on areas such as battery storage, smart grid technology, and hydrogen solutions.
Initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar module production are designed to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and lessen reliance on imports.
India Energy Week 2025 will highlight the nation’s progress in clean energy and further establish its position as a global leader in the energy transition.
As Ed Miliband from the UK has noted, India’s forward-thinking policies, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative partnerships serve as a genuine inspiration for the global community.
As the world confronts the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, India’s experience provides important insights into achieving a balance between growth and sustainability.
With ongoing international collaboration and a well-defined vision for the future, India is set to spearhead the global clean energy movement for many years ahead.
