India’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized on Tuesday, Februay 11, that oil and gas will remain crucial in the energy sector, even as renewable energy becomes the dominant source.
Speaking at the inauguration of the India Energy Week 2025 in Delhi, the minister highlighted that hydrocarbons would continue to play a vital role, not only in power generation but also in stabilising grids, industrial hydrogen production, and energy storage innovations.
#IEW2025 | At the inauguration of #IndiaEnergyWeek2025, the first mega event of the global energy calendar & the world’s second largest premier energy event at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.@IndiaEnergyWeek #IndiaEnergyWeek https://t.co/IjBIZdi7P9
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) February 11, 2025
Puri stated that the energy transition is not about completely eliminating fossil fuels, but rather strategically using them while scaling up renewable energy to reduce emissions.
The lawmaker proposed a more balanced approach, where both renewable and traditional energy sources work together to ensure a stable and sustainable energy system.
Puri also noted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and clean cooking in shaping future energy demand. AI is becoming one of the largest global energy consumers, with data centers expected to see a 18-20 percent annual increase in power demand by 2030.
India’s AI-driven digital economy, projected to reach USD 400 billion by 2030, presents both challenges and opportunities.
Global energy investment is set to exceed $3 trillion in 2024, with $2 trillion allocated to clean energy. Under PM @narendramodi ji’s leadership, India is driving a balanced energy transition – leveraging hydrocarbons while scaling renewables to ensure energy security and… pic.twitter.com/UUkILfruj7
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) February 11, 2025
Puri emphasized that meeting this demand requires a combination of natural gas, coal with carbon abatement, and next-generation nuclear energy to ensure round-the-clock power reliability. He also pointed out that AI could improve the efficiency of fossil fuels and help manage power demand more effectively.
On clean cooking, the minister stressed the importance of a multi-fuel strategy and highlighted that India has already achieved 100% clean cooking access through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the expansion of city gas distribution, and solar cooking pilot projects. These policy-driven solutions have had a significant impact, showcasing how large-scale energy access can be achieved.
Puri’s remarks highlighted the need for a balanced, forward-thinking approach to energy planning that integrates both traditional and new energy sources to meet growing demand while ensuring sustainability.
