Speaking at a session during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and a green energy transition despite facing geopolitical challenges. Puri highlighted India’s impressive economic growth, propelling it towards achieving the status of a $4 trillion economy with a robust growth rate ranging from 7.2% to 7.3%.
The session, themed ‘Energy amid Rivalry,’ saw Puri underlining India’s dedication to sustainability, even as it stands as the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer. India’s energy consumption is growing at three times the global average, with an anticipated 25% of global energy demand growth in the next two decades originating from the country.
Puri underscored India’s pragmatic approach to handling multiple crises while acknowledging the developmental challenges posed by a fast-growing large economy. He highlighted the critical role India plays on the global stage and how its decisions impact the world. Puri credited India’s pragmatic choices in preventing potential challenges, such as avoiding oil prices exceeding $200. The country, dependent on crude oil imports, has adeptly managed issues of availability, affordability, and sustainability.
Highlighting India’s commitment to sustainability, Puri pointed to the country’s biofuel and green hydrogen programs. Referring to the COP26 summit, he reiterated India’s ambitious “Panchamrit” pledge, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating 50% of energy from renewables, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. Additionally, India aims to decrease the emissions intensity of GDP by 45%, ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Puri shed light on transformative initiatives like the Ujwala scheme, providing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections to over 110 million economically weaker households. The initiative aims to shift households from traditional and environmentally harmful cooking practices using firewood and coal to cleaner LPG.