India’s Energy Revolution: From Fueling Itself to Powering the World

When the world talks about the future of energy — clean, secure, and inclusive — India is no longer just a participant in the conversation. It’s setting the tone. Once viewed as a developing nation trying to meet its own fuel needs, India is now emerging as a global energy powerhouse — one that’s shaping the trajectory of the world’s energy future.

On Friday, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri painted a compelling picture of this transformation. In a detailed post on X, he highlighted how India is expanding its refining capacity, strengthening its energy infrastructure, and accelerating its green transition — all at once. The message was clear: India isn’t just keeping up with global energy trends; it’s helping define them.

Refining the Future: From Importer to Global Hub

India today stands tall as the world’s third-largest energy and oil consumer and the fourth-largest refining hub, with a staggering refining capacity of 258 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). What was once a domestic challenge — to meet the fuel needs of over a billion people — has now turned into a global strength.

India’s refining sector doesn’t just serve the nation’s growing appetite for energy; it increasingly fuels the region and beyond. From exporting petroleum products to neighboring countries to participating in global energy value chains, India has become a vital link in the world’s oil ecosystem.

The story extends to natural gas as well. India has emerged as the fourth-largest LNG importer, accounting for nearly 6% of global trade in liquefied natural gas. This marks a significant leap in the country’s strategy to balance its energy basket — by diversifying beyond crude oil and increasing reliance on cleaner fuels.

Building the Backbone: Expanding Energy Infrastructure

Behind every barrel refined or every molecule of LNG imported lies an equally crucial story — that of infrastructure. India today operates the sixth-largest pipeline network in the world, stretching over 25,429 km. And the plans don’t stop there. By 2030, this network is set to expand to 33,475 km, creating a seamless energy grid across states and regions.

This expansion ensures not just accessibility but also efficiency — moving energy where it’s needed most, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening the nation’s energy security.

At the grassroots, flagship initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) continue to reshape the domestic energy landscape. Over 10.6 crore households have been empowered with access to LPG connections, and the program now supports more than 33 crore LPG consumers across India. What began as a clean cooking fuel mission for rural women has turned into a social transformation story — lifting millions out of dependence on traditional, polluting fuels.

Fueling Exploration: Unlocking New Frontiers

Even as India transitions to cleaner energy, it hasn’t lost sight of its traditional strengths. The country has rolled out its largest-ever offshore Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) round, offering 25 blocks across a vast area of 1.91 lakh square kilometers. This exploration push signals India’s intent to unlock untapped hydrocarbon reserves and strengthen its domestic energy base.

It’s a careful balancing act — expanding upstream capabilities while steadily moving toward sustainability.

Going Green: India’s Bold Leap Towards Clean Energy

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s energy story is now as much about sustainability as it is about scale. The country has set a target to produce 900 kilotonnes per annum (KTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030, a move that could redefine its industrial and transportation landscape.

In the renewable and biofuel segment, India is also seeing encouraging momentum. There are now 114 compressed biogas (CBG) plants operational across the country, producing around 780 tonnes per day. In the FY 2024–25 period alone, India procured 42,800 tonnes of biogas, reflecting its growing focus on waste-to-energy innovation and circular economy principles.

“India is not just part of the world’s energy story — it is shaping it,” Minister Puri said, crediting these strides to the government’s consistent policy framework and proactive diplomacy.

Balancing Growth with Responsibility

This transformation comes at a time when global energy systems are in flux. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 85% of the increase in global electricity demand over the next three years will come from emerging and developing economies — with India leading the charge.

As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India’s energy demand is expected to rise faster than that of any other major nation. Industrial expansion, rapid urbanization, and a growing middle class are driving consumption, but India’s approach remains mindful — to ensure that growth doesn’t come at the expense of sustainability.

By 2035, India’s share in global primary energy consumption could double, underscoring its central role in the global energy transition.

The Road Ahead: Powering Progress, Sustainably

What makes India’s energy story unique is its integrated approach. Rather than abandoning one fuel for another, India is diversifying intelligently — scaling renewables and green hydrogen while also securing fossil fuel supplies to maintain affordability and reliability.

It’s a fine balance — between growth and green goals, energy access and efficiency, economic ambition and environmental responsibility.

As global dynamics shift towards decarbonization, India’s journey serves as a template for developing nations: how to fuel growth without compromising on sustainability.

The road ahead will demand continued innovation, investment, and international collaboration — but India’s trajectory is clear. From a nation once dependent on energy imports to one now shaping global energy flows, India’s evolution into a true energy powerhouse is well underway.