New Delhi, 06 August (H.S.): Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday said that India should not only become the world’s largest consumer of clean energy technologies but also emerge as a leading producer of technologies that can accelerate the global energy transition.

Addressing the 7th CII International Energy Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy said that the widespread adoption of renewable energy, implementation of energy-efficient technologies, more efficient utilisation of resources, and reduction in carbon emissions are the need of the hour.

“Our vision is to develop capabilities domestically that are globally competitive while contributing to international well-being. Our objective is clear. India should not only become the largest consumer of clean energy technologies but also emerge as the world’s leading producer of the equipment, materials and technologies that will drive the global energy transition,” the minister said.

He said India is working on a development model that combines rapid economic growth with strategic industrial capabilities.

Kumaraswamy said, “Our aim is to create a domestic manufacturing ecosystem that generates value as well as employment. This is the essence of strong supply chains in the 21st century. I urge industry leaders and all stakeholders to work together with the government to realise the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

The minister said that India’s energy security is no longer limited to access to resources. It is now determined by the country’s ability to develop manufacturing capabilities, promote innovation, and build resilient supply chains for technologies that will power the future.

Highlighting the importance of steel in the clean energy transition, Kumaraswamy said that every major investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar parks, wind turbines, transmission networks, battery manufacturing units, ports and green hydrogen projects, fundamentally depends on steel.

Describing India’s electric mobility ecosystem as an example of industrial progress, the minister said the sector has moved beyond demand-driven incentives and evolved into a comprehensive manufacturing strategy. He said around 3.1 crore vehicles were manufactured in the country during the last financial year, while exports from the sector crossed 53 lakh units.

“What began as demand-based support has now transformed into a broader industrial strategy covering manufacturing, battery localisation, charging infrastructure, advanced materials and supply chain security,” Kumaraswamy said.

The minister said that the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, is an example of this approach. “The scheme is not only creating demand but also strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities,” he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar