Addressing the India Energy Week (IEW) in Bengaluru last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described the country’s renewable energy sector as a “goldmine”. The sheer scale and profile of the second edition of the IEW – being held in Goa from February 6 to 9 this year – elucidates the significance of that remark.
The IEW 2024 is being attended by ministers from 17 countries, as well as the Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). PM Modi will host a roundtable of oil and gas company CEOs, as also the IndiaUS investment roundtables, as part of the mega event.
The event, which is expected to be attended by over 35,000 people and more than 350 exhibitors, will witness six countries – Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, the UK, and the USA – putting up their pavilions. Besides, there will be a ‘Make in India’ pavilion with more than 300 exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions by Indian MSMEs in the energy sector.
Energy transition
Organised by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the IEW 2024 will serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry experts, policymakers, academia and entrepreneurs. The focus area of the event is energy transition practices and it will include promotion and usage of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen and biogas. There will also be a session dedicated to new technical categories like shipping, logistic & supply chain, manufacturing & industrialisation, future mobility, and mining & minerals.
IEW, according to an official release, provides an opportunity for the world to learn from India’s dynamic decision-making in the face of volatility to ensure accessible, affordable and clean energy to its citizens. It is expected to highlight India’s leadership in the battle against climate change while allowing energy sector stakeholders to freely exchange ideas and explore opportunities.
Sustainable energy
“The country’s GDP is over 4 trillion, and by the end of fiscal year 2025, we should be a 5-trillion economy. The growing economy consumes more energy, and that energy is also witnessing a shift towards sustainable energy,” said Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep S Puri in his briefing about the India Energy Week 2024. The special ‘Make in India’ pavilion will provide a platform for participants to showcase their capabilities to domestic and international markets.
Building on the success of the first edition, IEW 2024 has extended its duration and increased the number of strategic sessions from three to four days. The programme includes 46 strategic sessions and 46 technical sessions, more than double the technical sessions held during IEW 2023.
“This time, there is an increased focus across the energy value chain, including sessions on biofuels; hydrogen; and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS),” said a spokesperson of the organisers.
