India hosted the eighth BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026 virtually on August 17 under its BRICS Chairship, bringing together more than 100 young energy professionals, policymakers, academics and representatives of international organisations to discuss ways to strengthen energy cooperation among BRICS countries.
The summit was held under India’s overarching BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, while the Energy Track was guided by the theme “सर्वेषां ऊर्जम्” (Energy for All), reflecting India’s emphasis on universal, affordable and inclusive access to energy.
Participants included young professionals from academia, government institutions and energy ministries of BRICS member countries, along with representatives of the BRICS Youth Energy Agency (BRICS YEA), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The summit placed youth at the centre of BRICS energy cooperation, with discussions highlighting their role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, technological advancement and international collaboration.
More than 20 youth panellists shared perspectives and experiences under three priority areas – energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.
Discussions covered diversification of energy mixes, resilient energy supply chains, expanding energy access, innovative financing mechanisms, emerging technologies and digitalisation of energy systems.
Participants stressed the need to translate youth engagement into practical outcomes through joint research, technology demonstrations, knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
The discussions also highlighted broad convergence among BRICS countries on the need for resilient and diversified energy systems, affordable and inclusive access to energy and innovative financing to accelerate clean-energy deployment.
Technological innovation and digitalisation were identified as key enablers of flexible and resilient energy systems. Participants emphasised the importance of reliable energy data, interoperability, cybersecurity and skilled human resources in supporting the transition.
Indian youth representatives highlighted national initiatives and reforms in energy security, clean-energy deployment, energy access and the power sector, including PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, the SHANTI Act and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
They also presented India’s experience in diversifying its energy mix, strengthening distribution infrastructure and promoting decentralised renewable energy and digitalisation. The BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence on Smart Grids and Energy Storage was highlighted as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building and cooperation in smart grids, energy storage and grid resilience.
The summit concluded with an emphasis on the pivotal role of young people in shaping a secure, sustainable and inclusive energy future for BRICS countries, in line with India’s vision of “Energy for All”.
