The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit 2025 recently held a session on “Geopolitics of Energy Transition: India’s Strategic Imperative” at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The session emphasized the need for a multi-technology approach to energy transition, considering India’s limited access to affordable natural gas. R. Mukundan, Vice President of CII and MD & CEO of Tata Chemicals, highlighted the importance of biomass as a vital resource, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation. He also stressed the need for a sector-wise roadmap to 2045 with clear milestones and investment in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
Other speakers, including Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director of Oil India, and K.V. Sajay, CEO of Zelestra India, emphasized the role of natural gas as a transition fuel and the need for long-term government support to attract investors in the renewable energy space. Deepak Thakur, CEO of Mahindra Susten, noted that energy security and energy transition should be addressed in an integrated manner, with a focus on supply chain resilience, technological innovation, and strategic diversification.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Ajay Mathur, Former Director General of the International Solar Alliance, highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to energy transition, supporting economic growth, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. The speakers emphasized the need for investment in energy storage, domestic manufacturing, and grid integration to reduce import dependency. They also noted the significance of lithium LFP batteries for renewable storage and the importance of addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and critical mineral access.
Overall, the session underscored the complexity of India’s energy transition and the need for a nuanced, multi-faceted approach. The speakers emphasized the importance of government support, technological innovation, and strategic planning to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy future for India. The CII Annual Business Summit 2025 provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss and shape the country’s energy policy, reinforcing CII’s commitment to building a sustainable and resilient industrial future for India. The summit’s theme of “Building Trust” was reflected in the emphasis on collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders to achieve a successful energy transition.