Oil And Gas To Play Crucial Role In Energy Transition, Says Hardeep Singh Puri At IEW 2025

Highlighting the importance of energy transition, Puri said that the shift is imminent, however, the pace of the change will be decided by the actions of individual nations and the world collectively.

He noted that a balanced approach is required between renewable and traditional energy sources to build a stable and sustainable energy system.

Source : IEW 2025

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said that oil and gas will continue to play a crucial role in the energy sector, even when renewables will become the dominant source of energy for the world. 

Speaking at the inaugural session of the India Energy Week 2025 in Delhi on Tuesday, the minister said, “Even when renewables become the dominant energy sources, oil and gas will continue to play a pivotal role - not just in power generation but in stabilising grids, industrial hydrogen, and energy storage innovations.” Notably, the exhibition was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.

Energy Transition Is Inevitable

Highlighting the importance of energy transition, Puri said that the shift is imminent, however, the pace of the change will be decided by the actions of individual nations and the world collectively.

“Energy transition is not an outright replacement but more shifting the source of energy from one to another. This transition is not about eliminating hydrocarbon overnight but leveraging them strategically while scaling renewables to mitigate emissions,” the minister said.

Climate Change Is Here

Talking about climate change, Puri added that it no longer remained a ‘looming threat’. “Climate change is no longer a looming threat, it is already here. It is unfolding in many disasters, wildfires, floods, and record breaking temperatures are clear reminders that the world is running out of time,” he pointed out.

#IEW2025 | At the inauguration of #IndiaEnergyWeek2025, the first mega event of the global energy calendar & the world’s second largest premier energy event at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.@IndiaEnergyWeek #IndiaEnergyWeek https://t.co/IjBIZdi7P9

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) February 11, 2025

He noted that hydrocarbons will play an important role in the energy transition as a balanced approach is required between renewable and traditional energy sources to build a stable and sustainable energy system.

The minister also informed that the government will soon launch the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OLAP) round 10. Speaking with ANI post the session, Puri said that India needs to grow further on the gas front and aim to take natural gas 'from 6 per cent to 15 per cent' in our energy mix.

#IndiaEnergyWeek2025 | Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh says "I am very happy the the event has started...We are going to launch the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) round 10. The thrust of the opening ministerial session was to make the… https://t.co/v6B5xDEO67 pic.twitter.com/SkUjaLPE67

— ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2025