New Delhi, June 13: India needs to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to meet its net-zero targets. A senior official from NITI Aayog stated that the share of non-fossil energy sources in the country’s total energy consumption must exceed 80 percent.
Speaking at the India Bio Energy Conference (IBEC) 2026, organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), NITI Aayog’s Advisor (Energy), Rajnath Ram, highlighted that currently, over 80 percent of India’s primary energy consumption comes from fossil fuel-based sources. In contrast, renewable and non-fossil sources account for only 15 to 18 percent.
“If you truly want to become a net-zero country, your primary energy system, which is currently heavily reliant on fossil fuels, must be completely transformed,” Ram emphasized.
Amid a rapidly changing global landscape, he stressed the importance of energy security. India must diversify its energy sources and import channels while optimizing domestic resources.
Ram noted that following recent global disruptions, India has expanded its energy import network from 27 countries to over 40.
He also shed light on the potential of coal gasification to strengthen India’s energy security. The country possesses approximately 300 billion tons of coal reserves, which can be utilized to produce synthetic natural gas and other industrial products, thereby reducing import dependency.
Referring to the recently approved ₹37,500 crore coal gasification initiative, Ram explained that the program aims to convert domestic coal and lignite reserves into synthesis gas, which can be used to produce synthetic natural gas, methanol, and other industrial products.
“If synthetic natural gas is produced domestically, the need for natural gas imports could be entirely eliminated,” he stated.
Meanwhile, TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla described bio-energy as a strategic pillar of India’s green development agenda and a crucial part of the energy transition.
“Bio-energy is not just an alternative fuel source; it is a strategic foundation for India’s green development journey, which can establish a strong base for future energy transitions,” Singla remarked.
He added that bio-energy can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, address waste management issues, create jobs in rural areas, and increase farmers’ incomes.
During the conference, TPCI also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Association to strengthen collaboration in this sector.
The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, industry representatives, and energy experts to discuss strategies for compressed biogas (CBG), ethanol blending, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), climate finance, biomass integration, and enhancing India’s long-term energy security.
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