India is positioning itself as a leader in global hydrogen energy production and exports, according to Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. Speaking at the 6th South Asian Geoscience Conference, Puri outlined key initiatives such as hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, localizing electrolyzer technologies, and promoting bio-based pathways for green hydrogen production. These efforts aim to make India the hub of green hydrogen, hailed as the fuel of the future.
The nation’s energy demand is surging, with daily consumption at 5.4 million barrels and projected to hit 7 million barrels by 2030. Puri noted that fuel demand in India is growing three times faster than the global average, and the country will account for 25% of the global energy demand increase over the next two decades. Despite being the third-largest crude oil consumer globally, India’s exploration efforts remain underutilized. The country holds 651.8 million metric tons of crude oil reserves and 1138.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, much of which is untapped.
Exploration efforts have expanded from 6% of sedimentary basins in 2014 to 10% today, with plans to reach 16% by 2025 under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). India’s goal is to extend exploration acreage to 1 million square kilometers by 2030, bolstering energy security.
The upcoming GEO India 2024 conference will feature over 2,000 participants, showcasing ideas to drive an energy revolution. Puri expressed confidence in geoscientists’ innovative capabilities to ensure energy security and address future challenges through robust exploration and sustainable strategies.
