Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, led the Indian delegation at the BRICS energy ministers’ meeting held in Brasília, Brazil, under the country’s ongoing presidency. The meeting was convened under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
During his address, the minister highlighted energy security as one of the most pressing global challenges and emphasized the urgent need to deepen BRICS cooperation to ensure economic stability, sustainability, and equitable access to energy resources. He reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future and commended Brazil’s leadership in advancing the collective energy agenda of the Global South.
Showcasing India’s rapid progress in clean energy development, Lal noted a 90 percent increase in electricity generation capacity over the past decade, reaching 475 GW in 2025, with a national target of 900 GW by 2032. He said that India had become the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy and was progressing steadily toward its Nationally Determined Contributions.
Lal also highlighted India’s achievement of a 20 percent ethanol blending milestone, underlining its role in advancing biofuel adoption and emissions reduction. The country is also investing heavily in smart grid infrastructure, advanced metering systems, and expanded transmission networks, including the Green Energy Corridor.
Additionally, India has set ambitious goals for green hydrogen and nuclear energy, including a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The recent launch of a domestic Carbon Credit Market was also mentioned, with the minister inviting global collaboration in this initiative.
Lal underlined the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure development through programs such as the Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and improved standards for energy-efficient appliances. He further emphasized the role of the Global Biofuels Alliance in enhancing international cooperation in the biofuels sector.
While advocating for clean energy, the minister also acknowledged the continuing role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix, particularly for developing countries. He called for greater international cooperation in promoting cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels through technologies such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and green chemical innovations.
Lal extended an invitation to the BRICS nations to participate in the next BRICS Energy Gathering, which is scheduled to be hosted by India in 2026. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to leading the energy dialogue for the Global South and to building a collaborative path toward a more secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.
