India cannot compromise energy security to meet climate goals: Official

20 Dec 2023

In a key statement, a senior official emphasized that India cannot compromise on energy security merely to meet climate goals, especially in the context of the country's ambitious goals for energy transition, which include achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

During the inaugural CII South Asia Power Summit, Ashish Upadhyay, Special Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Power, acknowledged India's record power demand, reaching an unprecedented 243.27 GW in September. With a current power generation capacity of about 426 GW, including more than 213 GW from coal and lignite sources, Upadhyay underlined the important role of energy security in India's policy considerations.

“We cannot ignore the imperative of energy security merely to achieve climate goals," said Upadhyay, expressing respect for climate change protection and net-zero emissions efforts while emphasizing the continued importance of ensuring energy security.