India Energy Week 2026: A Pivotal Moment for Global Energy Transition
India Energy Week 2026 is set to unfold in the picturesque coastal haven of Goa from January 27 to 30. This event promises to gather industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on a pressing question: How can India navigate its rapid economic growth while ensuring energy security and a seamless energy transition? As the world’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, India holds a crucial position in shaping global energy dynamics.
Understanding the Energy Trilemma
Our research team has prepared an extensive report that tackles the intricacies of the “energy trilemma.” This framework focuses on energy security, equity, and sustainability, aiming to outline how India can best align its growth objectives with these critical factors. To delve deeper into this report, don’t forget to fill out the form at the top of the page for access to an extract, or continue reading for an overview of five vital themes.
Theme One: The Energy Security Imperative
India’s economic trajectory remains robust, with expectations of sustained annual GDP growth exceeding 6% up to 2035. This ambitious growth is accompanied by an increasing demand for energy, particularly due to rising manufacturing and export sectors. However, as a net energy importer, India faces significant challenges regarding energy security.
The nation’s reliance on fossil fuel imports, especially oil and gas, makes energy security a pressing issue. Enhancing supply chain integration is crucial for boosting energy security. Moreover, strategic trade agreements, focused infrastructure development, and incentives to improve manufacturing competitiveness are essential aspects that need addressing.
Theme Two: The Carbon Crossroads
The coming decade will be pivotal for India in determining its emissions trajectory. Choices made now could either hinder or facilitate a low-carbon future. Projections estimate that carbon dioxide emissions from energy use might increase by approximately 25% over the next ten years, fueled by expansive manufacturing and extensive infrastructure projects.
To mitigate this rise, India needs to embrace opportunities for low-carbon advancements. Although clean energy alone may not fully offset the environmental impact of industrial growth, rapid adoption of low-carbon technologies, mandatory carbon pricing, and a comprehensive redesign of the energy landscape are steps that could position India as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Theme Three: Powering Prosperity
The next decade is also critical for scaling India’s clean energy technologies. Significant investments are needed in grid modernization, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, clean energy generation, and energy storage systems. Additionally, substantial capital expenditures will be funneled into building upgrades, transportation innovations, and clean technology manufacturing.
Achieving a 2°C pathway remains a possibility, with a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. However, this necessitates a 20% increase in energy investments above the projected US$1.5 trillion earmarked over the next decade. Key focus areas would include transition technologies such as low-carbon hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), requiring efficient and rapid capital mobilization.
Theme Four: The Clean Molecule Frontier
Despite progress in renewable electricity capacity, India faces a significant challenge regarding green hydrogen production. Current forecasts indicate a shortfall in meeting the ambitious target of 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) by 2030, with projections suggesting only 0.3 Mtpa by the decade’s end and a mere 0.18 Mtpa under construction.
India’s ongoing dependency on imports, particularly natural gas and ammonia, will persist through 2035. Future policy transparency, state-level capital expenditure subsidies, and other supportive measures will be crucial in transforming the hydrogen landscape. Additionally, developing a robust ecosystem for CCUS will be critical for decarbonizing sectors that are hard to abate.
Theme Five: Decarbonizing Transportation
The electric vehicle sector in India has not yet met expectations, hampered by reliance on imported components, particularly batteries and their raw materials. This dependence increases costs and supply chain risks, stymying domestic battery production initiatives. Current plans for 200 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery capacity by 2035 may fall short, with only half likely to materialize.
By 2035, electric vehicle penetration in India is projected at merely 18%, particularly when compared to aspirations of nations like the UK, where all new passenger vehicles are intended to be zero-emissions by the same timeline. Opportunities for domestic lithium exploration and international collaborations, especially with Australia and Latin America, will be essential parts of the strategy, along with investments in battery recycling and raw material processing technologies.
Overall, India’s journey towards addressing these myriad challenges will set a precedent for other nations navigating the complexities of energy security, emissions reduction, and sustainable economic growth. As we anticipate the discussions and dialogues that will emerge at India Energy Week 2026, it’s clear that navigating these themes will demand innovative thinking, collaborative effort, and decisive action.
Don’t miss out on accessing the detailed insights and data within our full report by filling out the form at the top of the page!