A key feature of IEW 2025 will be a special start-up pavilion that highlights the growing innovation in India’s energy sector. The pavilion will host the winners of two prestigious energy startup challenges: Avinya’25 and Vasudha, announced last week by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.

In a special ceremony held at the ONGC headquarters, Puri revealed the winners of Avinya’25, India’s premier energy startup competition, which was awarded to UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd. The runners-up included Breathe ESG Private Limited, AgriVijay, Apeiro Energy, and UGreen Technology. Meanwhile, Latin Energy Partners Inc. from Paraguay won the Vasudha challenge, a global startup competition focusing on the upstream oil and gas sector, with Ultrasound Process Consulting LLC from the USA securing second place.

Speaking about these developments, Minister Puri emphasized the crucial role of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in nurturing innovation. Through a Rs. 547.35 crore startup fund, these PSUs have supported 303 start-ups with Rs. 286.36 crore in funding, driving growth in India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

“The winning start-ups will receive significant exposure at IEW 2025, where they will present their cutting-edge solutions to over 70,000 professionals from across the globe,” said Puri.

The India Energy Week event has seen substantial growth since its inception, and this year’s edition is expected to be one of the largest yet. More than 700 companies will exhibit, and 500 speakers will share insights across key areas of energy transition, sustainability, and innovation. Additionally, more than 6,000 delegates are expected to attend, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in the global energy sector.

Startups Paving the Way for Energy Transition

Indian start-ups are increasingly playing a vital role in shaping the future of the energy sector. Innovations presented at the IEW start-up pavilion are expected to address the critical challenges of energy security, transition, and sustainability.

Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, recently urged young innovators to explore new ways to mine seismic data for hydrocarbon exploration. “We have vast amounts of seismic data, and I encourage our brightest minds to develop solutions to mine and analyze this data to contribute to India’s energy exploration efforts,” Jain said.

Industry veterans such as Sarthak Behuria, Former Chairman of IOCL and ONGC, and Dr. Suddhasatwa Basu, FIPI Chair Professor at IIT Delhi, have lauded the innovative energy solutions showcased during the Avinya’25 program. Behuria emphasized the importance of such platforms in fostering energy security, transition, and affordability, while Basu highlighted the rigorous selection process that identified the most promising startups.

India’s Growing Startup Ecosystem

India continues to reinforce its position as a global startup hub. The country’s entrepreneurial landscape is flourishing, with over 1.57 lakh startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of December 2024. This vibrant startup ecosystem, which includes more than 100 unicorns, is poised to drive transformative growth in multiple sectors, including energy.

With the support of government policies, such as the startup fund, and platforms like IEW, India is accelerating its energy transition and fostering innovation that will contribute to its ambitious renewable energy goals.

India Energy Week 2025 will serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the country’s capabilities in energy innovation, while further strengthening its global leadership in the clean energy transition.

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Amazon’s latest initiative includes investments in wind energy projects across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, adding over 379 MW of clean energy to India’s grid. This aligns with India’s ambitious goal to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

Minister Vaishnaw stated, “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the clean energy transition.” He also noted that renewable energy is key to powering the next wave of digital and transportation infrastructure, as well as advancing the nation’s sustainability efforts.

The projects include CleanMax Koppal (100 MW) in Karnataka, BluPine Solapur (99 MW) in Maharashtra, and JSW Energy Dharapuram (180 MW) in Tamil Nadu. These investments will significantly contribute to the nation’s renewable energy targets while supporting local economic growth.

Shripad Yesso Naik, the Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, welcomed Amazon’s continued efforts in renewable energy, stressing that such investments are crucial for ensuring energy security and reducing environmental impact. Naik also urged other global corporations to follow Amazon’s lead in supporting India’s green energy future.

Amazon’s global renewable energy commitment continues to make an impact, with the company having invested in more than 600 solar and wind projects worldwide, including over 50 in India. The firm has now enabled a total of 53 solar and wind initiatives in India, contributing over 4 million MWh of carbon-free energy—enough to power 1.3 million Indian homes.

Amazon reached its goal of 100% renewable energy operations seven years ahead of schedule in 2023. The company’s renewable energy projects not only help offset its operational energy consumption but also provide sustainable energy to local communities, creating jobs and supporting economic growth in the regions where they are implemented.

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In particular, the budget highlights the government’s focus on flagship programs like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at installing 10 million solar rooftops in residential areas. This initiative saw an 80% increase in funding, bringing its allocation to Rs 200 billion for FY26. The scheme offers subsidies for solar systems, with up to Rs 78,000 available for larger installations. The budget allocation for rooftop solar installations has surged nearly three times higher than the initial FY25 estimate, reflecting the government’s drive to expand access to clean energy.

The PM-KUSUM scheme, which provides solar-powered pumps for farmers, also saw a significant funding rise, with the allocation increased to Rs 26 billion for FY26, up from Rs 15 billion in FY25. This boost is part of the government’s effort to integrate solar energy into agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

In addition, the government’s push for clean tech manufacturing through the National Manufacturing Mission is expected to promote domestic production of solar equipment, further reducing reliance on imports and supporting India’s clean energy goals.

However, the budget did leave some gaps, particularly in incentives for battery energy storage, which are crucial for balancing renewable energy supply and demand on the grid.

With these investments, India is set to accelerate its transition to a sustainable energy future, providing significant support to both residential users and the agricultural sector, while also strengthening its position as a leader in the global solar market.

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India, as the third-largest energy consumer worldwide, plays a pivotal role in the global energy conversation. The country is expected to see the largest surge in energy demand, a critical factor in shaping global energy trends. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is committed to advancing its energy goals with a focus on sustainability and climate action.

IEW 2025 will also host discussions on energy security, sustainable growth, and the increasing challenges posed by rising energy demand. With more than 70,000 professionals from over 120 countries expected to attend, IEW offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking and collaboration within the energy sector.

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The Promise of Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced through the process of electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas through a carbon-intensive process, green hydrogen’s only by-product is water, making it a completely carbon-neutral energy source. This makes green hydrogen essential for achieving the targets set by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

A study published in ScienceDirect highlights that the widespread adoption of green hydrogen could lower global decarbonisation costs by 15% to 22%, making it a crucial tool in the fight against climate change. Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that clean hydrogen could account for 10% of the total mitigation measures needed to limit global temperature rise.

Cost and Production Challenges

One of the primary challenges facing green hydrogen today is its high production cost. While grey hydrogen is relatively inexpensive to produce, with costs ranging from USD 1.23 to USD 2.47 per kilogram, green hydrogen production costs are currently much higher, ranging between USD 3.7 and USD 9.87 per kilogram. This price discrepancy is due to the energy-intensive process of electrolysis and the current costs of renewable energy and electrolyser technology.

However, the outlook for green hydrogen production is optimistic. A report from PwC forecasts that technological advances and increased production volumes could reduce green hydrogen production costs by nearly 50% by 2030. By 2050, these costs could fall further to USD 1.23 to USD 1.85 per kilogram, making green hydrogen as affordable as grey hydrogen is today. These cost reductions are expected to be driven by improvements in electrolyser technology, a drop in renewable energy prices, and economies of scale as demand for green hydrogen grows.

A Growing Global Market

The global demand for green hydrogen is expected to grow substantially over the coming decades. While the market for green hydrogen is still in its infancy, it is projected to expand rapidly in the years leading up to 2030, with even greater acceleration expected after 2035. By 2050, global demand could reach as high as 500 million metric tonnes annually, a stark contrast to current levels of production. This growth will be driven by a combination of factors, including increasing industrial adoption, government incentives, and advancements in green hydrogen infrastructure.

Industry Applications and Opportunities

Green hydrogen holds significant potential across a range of industries. Currently, grey hydrogen plays a crucial role in sectors such as fertiliser production, steel manufacturing, and petrochemicals, contributing to approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing grey hydrogen with green hydrogen in these sectors would not only reduce emissions but also provide a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources.

Beyond industrial applications, green hydrogen also offers solutions for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including transportation, shipping, and power generation. In particular, hydrogen-powered vehicles, ships, and aircraft could play a critical role in reducing emissions from sectors that are otherwise difficult to electrify. Green hydrogen also has the potential to support energy independence in remote and off-grid regions, where microgrids powered by renewable energy and hydrogen could provide a reliable, sustainable energy supply.

Looking Ahead: The Path to a Greener Future

While green hydrogen is not without its challenges, its long-term potential cannot be overstated. With technological advancements and continued investment, green hydrogen could become a key pillar of the global energy system, helping to decarbonize industries, reduce global emissions, and drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the production costs of green hydrogen decrease and its applications expand, the fuel of the future may soon become an affordable and essential part of our energy landscape.

In the years to come, green hydrogen will play an increasingly central role in efforts to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions goals. By investing in this emerging technology today, we are taking important steps toward securing a cleaner, more sustainable world for future generations.

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Nawal Al Hanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at MoEI, and Christian Nieves Lauz, National Energy Director of Uruguay’s Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining, were the signatories of the memorandum. This agreement establishes a formal framework for both nations to share their knowledge and expertise in the field of clean energy. It also outlines plans to facilitate high-level discussions and organize workshops focused on energy-related sectors.

Al Hanaee emphasized the importance of such collaborations in driving the global transition to clean and renewable energy. She noted that the partnership would pave the way for both countries to expand their energy sectors, diversify their energy mixes, and accelerate their reliance on sustainable energy sources.

The signed memorandum signifies the shared commitment of the UAE and Uruguay to fostering strategic partnerships that will benefit both nations. It is expected to strengthen efforts in key areas like clean energy development and climate action, while opening new opportunities for growth and development within these vital sectors.

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According to the filing, Adani Renewable Energy Holding Nine Limited, another wholly owned subsidiary of AGEL, has spearheaded the creation of AGE68L. Registered in India with the Registrar of Companies, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, the subsidiary will focus on renewable energy generation and operations.

The company shared that AGE68L aims to generate, develop, distribute, transmit, and supply various forms of power using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. It is a step toward enhancing India’s clean energy goals and meeting the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions.

AGE68L has been set up with an authorised and paid-up capital of ₹1,00,000. As of now, the subsidiary is yet to commence its business operations.

Pioneering Renewable Energy Projects

AGEL has been at the forefront of driving the clean energy transition in India. The company is currently developing a colossal 30 GW renewable energy project at Khavda in Gujarat, covering a vast area of 538 sq. km. This initiative is anticipated to set a global benchmark for large-scale renewable energy projects.

In record time, AGEL operationalised the first 2 GW of solar capacity within 12 months of breaking ground in the financial year 2023-24. In addition, the company achieved significant milestones by operationalising 250 MW of wind capacity over the past six months, showcasing its ability to deliver even under challenging conditions like the monsoon season.

Expanding Renewable Energy Footprint

AGEL now boasts an operational renewable energy portfolio of 11.2 GW, the largest in India, spanning across 12 states. The company is steadfast in its commitment to India’s decarbonisation goals and has set an ambitious target of achieving a 50 GW capacity by 2030.

With the incorporation of AGE68L, Adani Green Energy Limited reaffirms its mission to lead the renewable energy sector and contribute to India’s sustainable energy future.

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On Friday, representatives from SAEL Solar, Norfund, and the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) met with Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar to discuss potential investments in solar energy, waste-to-energy projects, and solar panel manufacturing.

According to an official statement, the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024 aims to create a robust regulatory environment for clean energy projects, driving international attention and investments. The discussions focused on exploring opportunities in renewable energy initiatives, with particular emphasis on solar energy and waste-to-energy solutions in the state.

The visiting delegation, which included officials from Norfund (Norwegian sovereign wealth fund) and the DFC, expressed strong confidence in the state’s policy framework. Both Norfund and DFC have supported SAEL Solar’s renewable energy ventures, with Norfund contributing USD 60 million through its Norwegian Climate Investment Fund and DFC offering USD 35 million in support of SAEL’s green energy projects.

SAEL Solar, a major Indian renewable energy company, is planning to develop 1,200 MW of renewable energy capacity in Andhra Pradesh, divided into two phases of 600 MW each. This ambitious project is expected to position the state as a significant renewable energy hub.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar highlighted the state’s commitment to clean energy innovation, noting that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh has become a front-runner in the field. He emphasized that the Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024 aligns with the state’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047. The policy provides balanced incentives and fosters an investment-friendly environment, setting the stage for a clean energy revolution in Andhra Pradesh.

Minister Kumar also pointed out that while the YSRCP government’s previous approach had deterred investors, the current administration is welcoming investors and ensuring rapid permissions for company establishment. He reiterated that the policy is designed to attract global investments, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leader in the global energy transition.

The statement concluded by reinforcing the state’s dedication to expediting permissions and facilitating investments, further enhancing Andhra Pradesh’s standing as a prime destination for clean energy ventures. Over the next five years, the state plans to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, further solidifying its position as a key player in the clean energy sector.

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The company announced that the remaining 806 MW capacity from the project is in various stages of commissioning and is expected to be operational in phases between March 2025 and June 2025. This development is set to have a positive impact on the company’s EBITDA, yielding a significant 70% cost-saving compared to current power expenses.

Ajay Kapur, CEO of Cement Business, Adani Group, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Growing responsibly and sustainably is fundamental to our ESG excellence journey as we are proudly committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. This is the first phase of our 1 GW Renewable Power Project in our efforts to decarbonize the value chain. We aim to power 60% of our total energy consumption from green power sources by FY’28. This helps us in reducing our overall cost and delivering strong value to our stakeholders. Our sustainability principles are integrated into all aspects of our business and reflect our forward-thinking vision.”

The Western Regional Load Dispatch Centre (WRLDC) has granted standing clearance for the 200 MW solar power project, effective December 12, 2024.

This project marks the initial phase of the company’s ambitious green energy initiative, which represents a Rs. 10,000 crore investment in renewable energy. The overall plan includes 1 GW of solar and wind power, alongside 376 MW of Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS).

Regarding the additional 806 MW capacity, the company revealed that 156 MW of wind power from Khavda and 300 MW of solar power from Rajasthan are on track to be commissioned by March 2025. The remaining 350 MW of solar power is slated for completion by June 2025.

Ambuja Cements reaffirmed its dedication to the decarbonisation of the cement industry, emphasizing future-ready initiatives aimed at fostering a greener and more inclusive future.

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