PM Modi Unveils India’s 500 GW Renewable Energy Roadmap at India Energy Week

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PM Modi unveils India’s renewable energy roadmap at India Energy Week 2025, highlighting 2030 targets for solar, biofuels, and green hydrogen production.
PM Modi unveils India’s energy transition blueprint at India Energy Week 2025, setting ambitious 2030 targets for solar, biofuels, and green hydrogen. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the India Energy Week 2025 on February 11. He underscored that the next two decades would be decisive for India’s future in terms of energy. The PM, in his speech, outlined the renewable energy roadmap comprising an ambitious set of targets the country is committed to achieving by 2030. He claimed India was well set to meet some of the significant goals over the next five years, particularly related to renewable energy and sustainable practices.

Increase in Renewable Energy Capacity

A key point in the Prime Minister’s speech was India’s goal to add 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. As a part of the energy policy, it will position India firmly in the top league as a global producer of solar energy.India now stands at the world’s third position in terms of its output of solar power, and within such short periods, the non-fossil fuel energy capacity has only increased by threefold.

PM Modi added that India was also progressing steadily in biofuels. India has already achieved a 19% ethanol blending rate and plans to increase it to 20% by October 2025. In its pursuit of a green energy vision, India has targeted the production of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. PM Modi pointed to the rapidly expanding biofuel sector of India. The sector is fueled by 500 million metric tons of such sustainable feedstock that drives the energy transition.

Strengthening Global Biofuel Alliances

India established the Global Biofuel Alliance during its G20 presidency, a key initiative that is continuing to expand globally. So far, 28 countries and 12 organizations have joined the alliance, focusing on turning waste into wealth and advancing biofuel.

PM Modi also discussed India’s efforts to maximize hydrocarbon resources, boosted by major discoveries and the expansion of gas infrastructure. The country’s natural gas sector is growing significantly, and India is now the fourth-largest refining hub globally. Efforts are underway to expand refining capacity by 20% to support growing energy needs.

Also read: India Energy Week 2024: OPEC Secretary General says global energy demand to soar 23% by 2045

Five Key Pillars of India’s Energy Strategy

PM Modi outlined five strategic pillars that are driving India’s energy future stating “One, Abundant resources, which we are harnessing efficiently; second, encouraging innovation by leveraging the country’s brilliant minds; third, Strong economic foundation and political stability, enabling long-term investments; fourth, Strategic geographical location, which enhances India’s role in global energy trade and fifth, Commitment to global sustainability, fostering new opportunities in India’s energy sector.”

India’s Role in Global Energy Transition

PM Modi pointed out that the country’s energy transition is a new game-changer for the rest of the world, emphasizing its growing role in energy dynamics as the global economy shifts toward sustainability.

STORAG ETZEL and EnBW Partner to Expand Hydrogen Storage at Etzel

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STORAG ETZEL and EnBW partner to develop hydrogen storage caverns at Etzel.

STORAG ETZEL GmbH, a leading provider of cavern storage facilities, has entered into a partnership with EnBW Etzel Speicher GmbH, a subsidiary of EnBW, to develop and operate large-scale hydrogen storage caverns at the Etzel site. This is a significant step in expanding Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure.

The project includes constructing multiple underground caverns with a combined geometric volume exceeding one million cubic meters. Additionally, EnBW’s subsidiary will have the opportunity to plan a new above ground hydrogen facility within STORAG ETZEL’s premises, further strengthening its presence at the Etzel site, where it already operates a natural gas storage facility.

Strategic Importance for Hydrogen Supply in Europe

The Etzel hydrogen storage site will play a vital role in the North Sea-Benelux corridor, helping power southwest Germany’s energy transition. However, a final investment decision depends on the establishment of a regulatory framework that ensures long-term financial viability.

Peter Bux, Managing Director of EnBW Etzel Speicher GmbH, emphasized the need for political and regulatory support, said, “A final investment decision now requires a regulatory and legal framework that enables the hydrogen storage business model. In particular, securing the initial high investments over the long operating period cannot yet be realised on the market in the foreseeable future.”

Also read: ADNOC Signs LNG Agreement with EnBW for Ruwais Project

Etzel’s Role in the Hydrogen Market Expansion

Boris Richter, Managing Director of STORAG ETZEL GmbH, highlighted the site’s importance in Europe’s hydrogen strategy, noting that efforts are underway to make the cavern facility “H2-ready by 2027.” Plans include both constructing new caverns and converting existing oil and gas caverns for hydrogen storage.

The Etzel site currently hosts 75 caverns for oil and gas storage, with 24 caverns identified for potential expansion. Two caverns are already undergoing hydrogen storage testing. Thanks to Etzel’s ideal geology, each cavern can hold up to 800,000 cubic meters, storing 200-250 GWh of hydrogen efficiently.

Hydrogen storage will play a vital role in transitioning toward a climate neutral energy system, particularly in supporting industrial decarbonization. STORAG ETZEL and EnBW are building large scale hydrogen storage to ensure a stable, reliable hydrogen market for Germany and Europe’s energy transition.

Etzel’s cavern field has the potential to shape the hydrogen economy, ensuring reliable energy supply while advancing Germany’s sustainability and climate goals.