Que: India has set ambitious clean energy targets, but execution speed remains a challenge. What are the key challenges hindering this progress?

Ans: I believe India has ambitious targets across all energy sources.

We are at a point where we can embrace the ‘Genius of the AND.’ There is often a perception that we must choose between energy sources, which is the ‘Tyranny of the OR,’ However, the reality is that we can have oil and gas, AND coal, AND renewable energy, AND nuclear energy simultaneously. Our targets reflect this ambition across all these areas.

Even as global energy consumption is expected to grow at the rate 1percent, India’s energy consumption is set to grow at three to four times that rate. Both for conventional and renewable energy, we will grow at double the global pace
Reflecting on the past decade, we have maintained this momentum. In 2014, India had just 3.5 GW of solar capacity; today, we have surpassed 100 GW, making us the fourth country in the world to achieve this milestone. This progress is remarkable, with a significant portion of capacity being added in just the past three years. In the current year alone, we have added 30 GW of renewable energy.

Looking ahead, our goal is to reach 500 GW by 2030. This will require increasing our annual installation rate from 30 GW to 60 GW. There is a clear understanding of this challenge.

To achieve this, we will need one million acres of land, 50 million man-hours of labour, and more than USD 100 billion in investment. Essentially, we must substantially enhance our pace.

Now, regarding the challenges—land availability remains one of the most significant hurdles. The supply chain is another critical issue; we will need to manufacture and deploy 400 million solar panels. Mobilising the necessary workforce to meet these demands will also be challenging. These are the primary obstacles we must overcome to realise this immense opportunity.

Que: What are the ways in which we can overcome these challenges?

Ans: It is crucial to build on our past achievements. We have already come a long way.

One key area for improvement is land clearance, which remains the biggest bottleneck for renewable energy projects. There are ongoing discussions with policymakers about granting renewable projects the same status as highways. The highway sector has successfully overcome land acquisition challenges in the past 10–15 years, and we must replicate that model for renewables.

Strengthening the supply chain is another critical aspect. The private sector has a significant role to play in identifying bottlenecks and proactively addressing them. A dedicated "Make in India" manufacturing ecosystem for the renewable energy value chain is essential. While some progress has been made, it is not yet sufficient to meet our growing demand.

Labour shortages are another challenge. We are experiencing a period of extensive capital expenditure across multiple industries, including infrastructure, refineries, oil and gas, and renewables. While the "genius of and" presents an opportunity, it also creates competition for skilled labour. Investing in workforce training and capacity-building is imperative to ensure we have the necessary talent to sustain this growth.

Que: How do you assess the role of National Oil Companies (NOCs) in leading the clean energy transition?

Ans: NOCs play a central role in India’s energy landscape. The country faces a quadrilemma—balancing economic growth, energy security, sustainability, and affordability.

NOCs are pivotal in addressing this challenge. Based on their commitments, they appear to be taking decisive steps. Of the 500 GW renewable energy target, NOCs have committed to developing 50 GW. Additionally, India aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen, and NOCs have already announced combined capacities of 10 million tonnes. They have also launched carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) programmes and set clear carbon reduction goals.

These ambitions require substantial investment. If any sector has the financial capability to drive this transition, it is the NOCs. However, they must balance financing their core operations—upstream production and refineries—while also investing in clean energy.

To facilitate this, I have proposed the creation of a clean energy platform sponsored by NOCs. This platform would leverage their captive demand and financial resources while attracting technology providers and overseas investors. Such an ecosystem would enable a more coordinated and efficient transition to clean energy. The NOCs have the financial strength and must develop novel solutions to balance both conventional and new energy sources.

Que: Where do you see India’s clean energy platform model five years from now?

Ans: Hopefully, we will be on track to achieving the Panchamrit Pledge. This pledge outlines India’s 2030 targets, ensuring we stay on course for net-zero emissions by 2070.

In five years, we should see significant progress toward these goals. I look forward to:
• Achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity.
• Producing 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen.
• Meeting our pledged carbon emissions reduction targets.

If we successfully meet these objectives, we will be well on our way to achieving the broader goals of the Panchamrit Pledge and the nation’s clean energy aspirations.

Que: How do events like India Energy Week (IEW) foster collaboration and help the energy sector grow?

Ans: The Minister mentioned that IEW is now the second-largest energy event in the world. In just three years, we have reached a level where we are competing with established global events like ADIPEC and CERAWeek, which have been around for decades. This is a remarkable achievement.

The event has grown stronger each year. The sheer number of bilateral meetings and discussions happening here is a testament to its significance. It is often difficult to coordinate meetings because so many stakeholders are engaged in high-level discussions.

However, IEW is not just about discussions; it also drives real action. Previous editions have resulted in tangible outcomes, with goals announced during the event being actively pursued. This year’s discussions have been even more meaningful, further cementing India’s position as a key player on the global energy landscape.