India’s solar power capacity increased 32 times in the last decade. Over 500 startups are actively working on solutions in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy efficiency, contributing to a dynamic and competitive energy ecosystem.
India has emerged as a global leader in the energy sector, spearheading transformative initiatives to drive sustainable, inclusive, and pragmatic energy policies. The inauguration of the third edition of India Energy Week 2025 (IEW 2025) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks another milestone in this journey. In just two years, this self-funded initiative has positioned itself as the world’s second-largest energy event, serving as a critical platform for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and global experts to collaborate on shaping the future of energy.
India’s Energy Vision: Five Pillars of Progress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid out India’s energy ambitions based on five foundational pillars, reflecting a strategic approach to achieving energy security, sustainability, and economic growth. Here’s a deeper look at each of these pillars:
1. Harnessing Resources
India is leveraging its vast reserves of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources to meet its growing demand while ensuring energy security. The country has made significant strides in solar energy, increasing its solar power capacity 32 times in the last decade and becoming the third-largest solar power producer globally. The government is also focusing on biofuels and ethanol blending, achieving a 19% blending rate and targeting 20% by October 2025 to reduce fossil fuel dependence, cut CO₂ emissions, and provide additional income for farmers. Additionally, oil and gas exploration has been boosted through policies like the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and reforms in the Oilfields Regulation & Development Act to enhance hydrocarbon production. India is also making significant investments in green hydrogen technology, aiming to become a major player in the hydrogen economy by 2030.
2. Encouraging Innovation
India is fostering an innovation-driven energy sector by investing in research and development, as well as encouraging startups to develop cutting-edge solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into the energy sector to optimize management and forecast demand, improving efficiency and reducing wastage. Research in battery and energy storage technologies is progressing rapidly, ensuring better integration of renewable sources into the national grid. The country is also exploring the potential of quantum computing in revolutionizing energy distribution and security. Furthermore, over 500 startups are actively working on solutions in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy efficiency, contributing to a dynamic and competitive energy ecosystem.
3. Economic Strength and Political Stability
A strong economy, coupled with stable policymaking, creates an ideal environment for sustained energy development. India’s economic rise to the fifth-largest economy from the tenth position in a decade ensures the financial capacity to invest in energy infrastructure and technological advancements. Policy consistency is another crucial factor, with reforms in the energy sector, such as single-window clearance for oil exploration and strategic investments in renewables, demonstrating the government’s long-term commitment to energy growth. This stability has also encouraged foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting global energy giants like BP, Shell, and ExxonMobil to collaborate with India in technological advancements and energy production.
4. Strategic Geography
India’s advantageous geographical location enhances its role in global energy trade. Its access to major sea routes facilitates efficient import and export of energy resources, including crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and renewable energy components. This strategic positioning enables India to play a significant role in global energy diplomacy, evident in initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance, which involves 28 countries and 12 international organizations. India is also positioning itself as a regional energy hub by expanding its refining capacity, currently the fourth-largest in the world, with plans for a 20% increase to strengthen its influence in global energy markets.
5. Commitment to Global Sustainability
India is demonstrating strong leadership in the global transition toward sustainable energy. It is the first G20 nation to achieve its Paris Agreement targets ahead of schedule, setting an example for other countries. With a massive renewable energy push, the country has tripled its non-fossil fuel energy capacity and aims to achieve 50% of its energy mix from renewables by 2030. Additionally, India has set a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental responsibility. Collaborations with international bodies and initiatives in solar energy, biofuels, and energy efficiency are further strengthening India’s role in shaping the global energy landscape.
Achievements and Roadmap for a Sustainable Energy Future
Renewable Energy Expansion:
India’s solar energy generation has increased 32 times in the last decade, positioning it as the third-largest solar power generator globally. The country’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity has tripled, with India becoming the first G20 nation to achieve its Paris Agreement targets ahead of schedule. The Global Biofuels Alliance, established under India’s G20 presidency, now comprises 28 nations and 12 international organizations, promoting waste-to-energy solutions.
Hydrocarbon Sector Reforms:
The Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and regulatory reforms, including amendments to the Oilfields Regulation & Development Act, ensure policy stability and enhanced financial incentives for stakeholders. Strategic investments in pipeline infrastructure and refining capacity (targeted to increase by 20%) will strengthen India’s position as the fourth-largest refining hub. The government has streamlined exploration in sedimentary basins, offering a single-window clearance system to attract global investors.
The Rise of Natural Gas and Hydrogen Economy:
With an expanding pipeline network, natural gas usage in India is set to rise significantly, moving toward the national target of increasing its share in the energy mix from 6% to 15%. India is investing in hydrogen production, targeting 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
Global Energy Leadership and Innovation
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India’s pivotal role in driving energy innovation and entrepreneurship:
Leading global energy firms such as BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron operate Global Capability Centres in India, employing thousands of engineers working on energy efficiency, AI-driven analytics, and sustainability solutions. India’s startup ecosystem is flourishing, with over 500 entrepreneurs engaging in initiatives like Avinya and Vasudha to drive energy innovation. The conference showcases cutting-edge developments in AI-driven energy management, quantum computing, biofuels, and battery technologies.
A Balanced and Inclusive Energy Transition A key theme of IEW 2025 is energy justice, ensuring that developing economies are not left behind in the energy transition. Minister Puri emphasized the necessity of global collaboration to build resilient supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, and emerging energy technologies. India’s diversified investment strategy, which integrates biofuels, natural gas, and renewables, ensures a smooth transition without compromising energy security.
Forging Global Partnerships and Future Prospects IEW 2025 brings together over 70,000 energy professionals from more than 50 countries, including 20+ Ministers and 100 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies. This year’s discussions focus on Strategies for stabilizing energy markets amid geopolitical shifts, the role of technology in driving efficiency and sustainability & strengthening international cooperation to achieve a balanced global energy transition.
As India cements its position as a global energy leader, India Energy Week 2025 serves as a crucial platform for fostering international partnerships and pioneering innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future. The event underscores India’s commitment to a balanced, pragmatic, and inclusive energy transition—one that ensures energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability for generations to come.
Through these collective efforts, India is not just responding to global energy challenges but actively shaping the future of sustainable and equitable energy development.
