India to contribute 35% of global energy demand in next two decades: Puri on Gastech

Over the next two decades, India will contribute 35 percent of the global increase in energy demand, Indian Minister said Hardeep Puri He said this on Tuesday at a multinational conference held to deliberate on the world’s energy needs. The 52nd edition of the Gastech Exhibition and Conference began on Tuesday with strategic views from the world’s top five energy ministers, including that of India, at the George R. Brown Convention Centre.

The event, whose theme is ‘Transforming energy through vision, innovation and action’, highlighted the need for a energy stability and rapid decarbonisation.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural gasHardeep Singh Puri underlined India’s increasingly dominant role in the global energy landscape.

“If global demand increases by 1%, our demand increases three times faster. Over the next two decades, India will contribute 35% of the global increase in energy demand,” he said.

He described India’s challenge as a “energy trilemma“, emphasizing the need to balance availability, affordability and a successful green transition.

“We are confident in our ability to manage and succeed in the green transition,” Puri said. The conference’s opening ministerial panel, which included officials from the United States, India, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey, deliberated on critical geopolitical and industrial challenges. Geoffrey Pyatt, Under Secretary of State for Energy Resources, highlighted the US role in stabilizing global energy flows and fostering international cooperation.

“Thanks to America’s unprecedented energy abundance,” Pyatt said, “we are positioned to play a pivotal global role, working closely with our international partners.”

Egyptian Minister Karim Badawi spoke about his country’s strategic position as a key energy gateway and stressed the need to create an investment-friendly environment.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, outlined the African nation’s unique natural gas opportunities.

Industry leaders including Chevron CEO Mike Wirth and Cheniere Energy CEO Jack Fusco discussed the impact of India’s energy policies on global strategies.

Wirth called for dialogue on the future of energy, while Fusco stressed the need for adaptable business models to meet changing energy demands and climate goals.

Discussions also focused on natural gas and LNG, with India’s significant investments shaping the global economic outlook.

ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance highlighted the critical role of natural gas in driving economic growth and technological progress.

The Hydrogen Conference and the Climate Technology and Artificial Intelligence Conference showcased India’s growing influence in hydrogen and innovative energy technologies.