Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in an X post highlighted India’s green energy achievements in the past decade. In the tweet shared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, he mentioned that In the decade between 2014-2024:
- India saved ₹1,06,072 Crore in foreign exchange
- India cut 544 Lakh MT of CO2 emissions
- India Substituted 181 Lakh MT of crude oil
- India paid ₹90,059 cr to farmers through efforts towards ethanol blending turning Annadatas into Urjadatas
- India benefited more than 10.33 crore households with free LPG connections through PM Ujjwala Yojana
The post said, “India is powering progress, driving clean energy, and transforming lives under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.” Along with the remarks, the Union Minister shared a video bringing out India’s milestones and green energy journey of part year.
India is powering progress, driving clean energy, and transforming lives under the dynamic leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji.
In the decade between 2014-2024:
🇮🇳 Saved ₹1,06,072 cr in foreign exchange
🇮🇳 Cut 544 Lakh MT of CO2 emissions
🇮🇳 Substituted 181 Lakh MT of crude oil… pic.twitter.com/xIWO2la9BY
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) October 21, 2024
The Prime Minister reshared the post and expressed, “Clean energy is the need of the hour. Our commitment to a better tomorrow is paramount and is reflected in our work” reaffirming India’s commitment to this critical goal.
Clean energy is the need of the hour. Our commitment to a better tomorrow is paramount and is reflected in our work. https://t.co/GOkySjd0eO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2024
Earlier, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, along with Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, took a ride on a hydrogen-powered bus in Delhi. Puri emphasized, “With the Bhutanese Prime Minister’s presence, we hope to amplify the message of green hydrogen. We are beginning with 15 buses but intend to expand the initiative.”
Puri also mentioned that India has been adjusting its blending targets due to progressive policies, which enabled the country to exceed the 10% blending target five months ahead of schedule. Speaking at the “12th CII Bioenergy Summit 2024” in New Delhi, Puri expressed confidence that India would meet its 20% ethanol blending target well ahead of the revised deadline. Initially set for 2030, the goal has been moved up to October 2025, after which a strategic roadmap will be introduced for the sector’s future.
He further discussed the challenges facing India’s energy market, describing a “trilemma” of availability, affordability, and sustainability. Despite rising food-stock prices, blending remains a feasible solution. India is on a mission to expand its renewable energy capacity, with a target of 500 GW by 2030 and potentially 1 TW by 2035. This is driven by the need to meet growing energy demands while shifting away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. As of May 2024, India had achieved 191 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 85 GW from solar. This progress has been bolstered by government programs like the National Solar Mission.
At COP26, India committed to reducing its projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, necessitating an accelerated transition to renewable energy. The 500 GW goal for non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 is closely tied to these climate commitments.
The renewable energy sector also holds significant potential for job creation. A CEEW-NRDC report suggests that India could create approximately 3.4 million jobs, both short- and long-term, by adding 238 GW of solar and 101 GW of new wind capacity by 2030. The government’s emphasis on enhancing domestic manufacturing through initiatives such as the PLI scheme for solar modules is expected to optimize these employment opportunities.
India’s leadership in global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and partnerships such as the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India-US Clean Energy and Climate Partnership has accelerated knowledge sharing and technology transfer. These efforts have heightened international focus and driven the country’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy goals.