Manohar Lal

India took a leading role in advocating for inclusive and sustainable energy cooperation during the BRICS Energy Ministers’ meeting held in Brasília, Brazil. Representing the Indian delegation, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, stressed the importance of strengthening South-South collaboration under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” In his remarks, the minister underscored the urgency of addressing global energy security and called for deeper BRICS collaboration to drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and fair access to energy across the Global South. He lauded Brazil’s leadership in steering the energy agenda and reiterated India’s steadfast dedication to inclusive energy governance. Highlighting India’s strides in clean energy, Lal shared that the nation has achieved a 90% surge in electricity generation capacity over the past ten years, with installed capacity reaching 475 GW in 2025. India has set its sights on 900 GW by 2032 and is now the world’s third-largest generator of wind and solar power. The minister also emphasized India’s progress toward its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. A major milestone discussed was India reaching a 20% ethanol blending rate, reinforcing its commitment to biofuels and carbon emissions reduction. He also outlined the country’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure through investments in smart grids, smart meters, and the expansion of transmission projects such as the Green Energy Corridor. India’s forward-looking energy agenda includes ambitious targets for green hydrogen and nuclear power, aiming for 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. Lal also spoke about the recent launch of India’s domestic Carbon Credit Market, inviting BRICS partners to engage and collaborate in this growing space. In terms of efficiency, the minister highlighted key national programs such as the Energy Conservation Building Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and enhanced energy efficiency standards for appliances. He also stressed the importance of the Global Biofuels Alliance as a platform for enhancing global cooperation in sustainable fuel development. While promoting clean energy solutions, Lal acknowledged the present-day reliance on fossil fuels, especially in developing nations. He advocated for cleaner utilization methods such as coal gasification, carbon capture technologies, and green chemical innovations to ensure a balanced energy transition. Looking ahead, Lal invited all BRICS nations to India for the next BRICS Energy Gathering in 2026. He concluded by affirming India’s commitment to leading efforts in energy dialogue across the Global South, with the goal of fostering a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy landscape. Source: DD News