The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held on March 12–13, 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and energy experts to deliberate on the future of sustainable energy. During the summit, Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., highlighted the urgent need for India to accelerate investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, nuclear power, and grid modernization to meet the country’s rapidly growing energy requirements.

Addressing delegates, Kirloskar noted that India stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and the third-largest energy consumer, the country will need to significantly expand its energy infrastructure to support industrial growth, urbanisation, and rising living standards over the coming decades.

Rising Energy Demand Calls for Bold Action

Kirloskar pointed out that India’s energy demand is expected to increase substantially by 2047, requiring a diversified and resilient energy ecosystem capable of meeting future requirements sustainably.

He emphasized that energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability must remain central to the country’s long-term planning. Achieving these objectives will require a combination of technological innovation, infrastructure development, and policy support.

Renewable Energy Central to the Transition

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are expected to play a leading role in India’s clean energy future. Kirloskar highlighted the significant progress India has made in expanding renewable energy capacity and noted that continued investments will be essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen energy resilience.

According to him, renewable energy offers not only environmental benefits but also long-term economic advantages through reduced fuel imports, greater energy independence, and enhanced competitiveness.

Green Hydrogen Emerging as a Strategic Energy Solution

The discussions also focused on the growing role of green hydrogen in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Kirloskar described green hydrogen as a critical component of India’s future energy mix, particularly for industries such as steel, refining, fertilisers, and heavy transportation.

He noted that ongoing investments under the National Green Hydrogen Mission are expected to accelerate the development of hydrogen production infrastructure, technology innovation, and industrial adoption.

Nuclear Energy to Support Long-Term Energy Security

Kirloskar also highlighted the importance of nuclear power in ensuring reliable and low-carbon energy supply. As India seeks to phase down reliance on conventional fossil-fuel-based generation, nuclear energy can serve as an important complement to renewable energy sources by providing stable baseload power.

He stressed that expanding nuclear capacity, alongside renewable energy and hydrogen technologies, could help create a balanced and resilient energy system capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

Small Hydro Projects Offer Additional Opportunities

Another area of focus was the role of small hydroelectric projects in supporting India’s clean energy ambitions. Kirloskar noted that decentralised hydro projects can contribute to grid stability, support local energy needs, and complement renewable energy generation.

Such projects can also play a role in supporting future green hydrogen production by providing reliable clean electricity in suitable regions.

Building a Sustainable and Self-Reliant Energy Future

The summit discussions underscored the importance of developing an integrated energy strategy that combines renewable energy expansion, hydrogen adoption, grid modernisation, energy storage, and emerging technologies.

Kirloskar stressed that achieving India’s long-term sustainability goals will require collaboration among government agencies, industry, academia, investors, and technology providers. Equally important is the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s evolving energy ecosystem.

Collaboration and Innovation Key to Success

Participants agreed that the energy transition presents a significant opportunity for India to strengthen its energy security while creating new industries, generating employment, and supporting climate commitments.

Also Read | Green Hydrogen Set to Play a Crucial Role in Global Decarbonisation and Industrial Transformation

The summit served as a platform for exploring innovative solutions, investment opportunities, and collaborative strategies that can accelerate the transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Kirloskar concluded by emphasising that the decisions taken today will shape India’s energy landscape for decades to come, making it essential for all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a sustainable, self-reliant, and globally competitive energy economy.

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