Is India Achieving Record Energy Production? Hardeep Puri Speaks

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is achieving record levels of energy production.
- Energy imports have diversified from 27 to 40 countries.
- Green hydrogen initiatives are gaining momentum.
- Aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
- Natural gas contribution in energy mix set to rise to 15% by 2030.
New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) India is currently witnessing unprecedented levels of energy production, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in the power sector, as highlighted by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during an industry conference here.
"India is generating more energy than ever before... In light of the swiftly increasing energy demand, our nation has expanded its energy supply sources. Previously, we sourced imports from 27 countries; now, we have diversified to 40 countries," the minister remarked.
In terms of cooking gas, which used to be primarily imported from one nation, we have diversified our suppliers. Today, our energy portfolio comprises biofuels, green hydrogen, and various other alternatives, the minister added.
According to the minister, India's economy is expanding at approximately 6.5 percent, with energy usage growing six times faster than the global average.
International organizations predict that India will contribute around 25 percent to the increase in global energy demand over the next 20 years.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is making significant strides towards energy security, Puri mentioned, noting that even as consumption rises, efforts to bolster and enhance domestic production are ongoing.
Major advancements in green hydrogen have already been made, with the government designating an annual production capacity of 862,000 tonnes to 19 companies. Furthermore, 3,000 MW of annual electrolyser manufacturing capabilities have been granted to 15 firms.
India has emerged as one of the world's leading renewable energy markets, boasting over 223 GW of installed capacity—108 GW from solar energy and 51 GW from wind—and is aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
The minister previously stated that the contribution of natural gas to the country’s energy mix is projected to increase from 6 percent to 15 percent by 2030.