India hosts Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable.

• India hosted 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable in association with IEF in Bengaluru.
• Theme for this roundtable was “Mapping new pathways for energy security, inclusive growth and energy transitions”.

India’s Steps towards Energy Transition

• India recognizes that its energy transition path will involve a variety of energy solutions to support energy and economic growth. Advanced biofuels, green hydrogen, renewables and nuclear will play a critical role in the energy mix as India charters its path to the energy transition.
• India has met its commitment of 40% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030 November 2021.
• The country’s installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity by October 2022 stands at 166 Giga Watt while its nuclear energy-based installed electricity capacity stands at 6.78 Giga Watt.
• India is setting up 2G refineries utilizing agricultural waste and bamboo to make ethanol, using indigenous technology.
• This contributes to achieving rural prosperity and also goes a long way in reducing pollution along with achieving energy security goals.
• E20 Fuel launched recently also added to the splendid Indian journey to decarbonization with roll out of E20 by PM yesterday, much earlier than the initial target date of 1st April 2023.
  • Fifteen cities will be covered under phase 1. A phased rollout of E20 in the entire country is targeted till April 2025.

About International Energy Forum

• IEF is world’s largest international organization of energy ministers from 72 countries (including India) and includes both producing and consuming nations.
• Member countries are signatories to IEF Charter, which outlines framework of global energy dialogue through this inter-governmental organization.
• HQ: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.