- India continues to strengthen its energy security by expanding ethanol blending, improving technology, and accelerating the adoption of clean fuels across industries.
- The country is further strengthening its energy security through large-scale plans for BioCNG and green hydrogen, ensuring long-term resilience and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
India stands at a pivotal stage in its clean energy transition. The country aims to accelerate economic growth while simultaneously reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. In the first quarter of FY 2025–26, India recorded a 7.8% GDP growth rate, yet its emissions increased by only 0.3%. This slowdown resulted from a drop in coal’s share of power generation to 64.2%, an expansion in renewable capacity, and improved industrial energy efficiency. These developments represent progress; however, the pace needs to accelerate. India, therefore, requires more substantial support for alternative fuels, as they now offer practical and scalable pathways to reduce emissions without compromising energy reliability.
Ethanol has already become the clearest example of success. In 2014, India blended only 1.5% ethanol with petrol. A decade later, the country met its interim target of 20% blending ahead of schedule. This achievement did not happen by chance. Strong policy measures played a decisive role. The Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme encouraged the development of new distillery capacity, while Long-Term Offtake Agreements with public oil companies ensured stable demand. This combination of incentives and certainty created momentum for growth. Technology strengthened that momentum even further. Ethanol can corrode pipelines and equipment; however, advances in sealing, filtration, and flow control systems now mitigate these risks. The improvements reduce shutdowns, increase reliability, and allow distilleries to operate more efficiently. These developments show how policy and technology can reshape an entire industry.
BioCNG demonstrates the next step. It converts agricultural waste, manure, and municipal refuse into a clean gas suitable for vehicles and households. Consequently, it cuts imports and manages waste more sustainably. India aims to achieve a 1% BioCNG blend in CNG and PNG by FY 2025–26 and a 5% blend by FY 2028–29. By 2030, blends are expected to reach 868,000 tonnes. Yet production still faces challenges. Waste varies in quality, and impurities can strain compressors or damage pipelines. Plants, therefore, require more robust purification systems and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal performance. With better engineering, BioCNG can become a truly dependable mainstream fuel.
Hydrogen represents the long-term foundation. Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, resulting in a reduction of nearly 50 million tonnes of CO₂ each year. Pilot projects already operate in refineries and fertiliser plants. Engineers are resolving issues such as hydrogen leakage and metal embrittlement through improved sealing materials and corrosion-resistant alloys.
India’s energy transition now advances across multiple fronts. Ethanol demonstrates what sustained policy and innovation can achieve. BioCNG turns waste into a resource. Hydrogen prepares the country for a cleaner, more sustainable future. With continued innovation and consistent leadership, India can move steadily towards an energy system that is cleaner, more resilient, and fully aligned with its growth ambitions.