India is set to take the lead in global hydrogen energy production and exports, according to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri. At the 6th South Asian Geoscience Conference and Exhibition, Puri highlighted various projects that India has undertaken to become a global champion in hydrogen production. These projects include hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, localization of electrolyzer-based technologies, and the promotion of bio-pathways for green hydrogen production. Puri also emphasized that India is on track to become the hub for green hydrogen, which is considered the fuel for the future. With India’s energy demand expected to increase significantly in the coming years, the country is gearing up to meet these demands while also focusing on availability, affordability, and sustainability.
Currently, India’s daily energy consumption is at 5.4 million barrels, and it is projected to reach 7 million barrels by 2030. Puri highlighted that 67 million people visit petrol pumps in India daily, which is equivalent to the combined population of the UK, France, and Italy. Despite being the third-largest global consumer of crude oil, India’s exploration sector remains largely untapped. The country has significant amounts of recoverable crude oil and natural gas reserves within its sedimentary basins that need to be explored. Puri mentioned that only 10% of these basins are currently being explored, but this number is expected to rise to 16% by 2025 with upcoming awards under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) rounds. The goal is to expand India’s exploration acreage to 1 million square kilometers by 2030.
The upcoming GEO India 2024 conference is expected to be a significant event with around 2,000 participants, featuring over 20 conference sessions, 4 plenary discussions, 200+ technical papers, and 50+ exhibition booths. Puri expressed his optimism that this event will provide new ideas for the much-needed energy revolution in India. He believes in the innovative minds of geoscientists to lead the way in ensuring energy security for all Indian citizens and meeting future energy challenges. With India’s growing energy demand and its focus on sustainability, events like GEO India 2024 play a crucial role in bringing together experts and stakeholders to work towards a more efficient and sustainable energy future for the country.
In his address at the conference, Puri stressed the importance of balancing the trilemma of availability, affordability, and sustainability when it comes to India’s energy sector. He reiterated India’s commitment to energy security and noted the country’s remarkable growth in fuel demand, which is three times the global average. Puri also highlighted the need to increase exploration efforts in India’s sedimentary basins to tap into the vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas. By expanding exploration acreage and leveraging new technologies, India can enhance its energy security and meet the rising energy demands of its growing population.
As India focuses on becoming a global leader in hydrogen energy production and exports, Puri emphasized the importance of projects like hydrogen blending, localization of electrolyzer-based technologies, and promoting bio-pathways for green hydrogen production. These initiatives will not only help India meet its growing energy demands but also position the country as a key player in the global energy market. With events like GEO India 2024 bringing together experts and stakeholders, India is well positioned to lead an energy revolution that will ensure energy security for all citizens and meet the challenges of the future. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, India is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future.
