Will the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix double to 15% by 2030?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Natural gas share in India's energy mix to rise to 15% by 2030.
- Government aims for 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity.
- Expansion of gas pipeline network from 25,429 km to 33,475 km.
- Reduction in GST will lower renewable energy project costs.
- 113 CBG plants operational, with more to be launched soon.
New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced that India is advancing with a bold low-carbon growth agenda, with the share of natural gas in the nation's energy mix projected to increase from 6% to 15% by 2030.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Puri emphasized that India is on track to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. Key initiatives from the government comprise the distribution of 4 billion LED bulbs under the UJALA scheme and the provision of 10.33 crore LPG connections via the Ujjwala Yojana.
He further detailed on social media that the government aims for a target of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen and the development of indigenous aluminium battery technology.
Puri pointed out that India's syngas and coal gasification initiatives at Talcher are spearheading an industrial transformation. The minister highlighted that 113 CBG plants are operational, converting waste into resources, with an additional 78 plants expected to launch soon.
Moreover, the nation plans to expand its gas pipeline network from 25,429 km to 33,475 km by 2030, with LNG capacity projected to rise from 52.7 MMTPA to 66.7 MMTPA.
Puri also noted India's success in connecting 1.52 crore households to piped natural gas (PNG) and increasing the number of CNG stations to over 8,150 across the country.
In addition, the renewable energy sector is expected to witness a 5% reduction in costs due to the GST Council lowering taxes on solar photovoltaic modules and wind turbine generators.
The tax reduction from 12% to 5% on this equipment is expected to decrease capital expenses for future solar and wind projects by approximately 5%, enabling developers to offer more competitive electricity rates.
HSBC Global Investment Research anticipates the commissioning of 11.7 GW of thermal power, 3.8 GW of hydropower, and 36 GW of solar power in India by FY26. Overall power demand saw a 4.4% YoY increase in August, following a 2% rise in July on a low base.