Minister Hardeep Puri discusses ramping up hydrocarbon exploration, energy transition pathways with Kearney Global MD
New Delhi, May 22
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Bob Willen, Global Managing Director, A.T. Kearney and his team on the evolving situation in global energy markets, strategies to ramp up exploration and production of hydrocarbons, and India's energy transition pathways.
In a post on X, the minister said, "Held a productive discussion with Mr. Bob Willen, Global MD of Kearney and his team yesterday on the evolving situation in energy markets, strategies to ramp up exploration & production of hydrocarbons and energy transition pathways for India."
The discussions come amid continuing volatility in global energy markets and growing focus on strengthening energy security, increasing domestic hydrocarbon production and advancing cleaner energy transition strategies.According to the government data, India is the world's third-largest consumer of crude oil, highlighting the growing importance of energy security, hydrocarbon exploration and cleaner energy transition for the country's economic growth and industrial activity. With India's energy demand projected to grow faster than most major economies through 2035, the country is expected to account for over 23 per cent of global incremental energy demand by 2050.
Against this backdrop, the government has been focusing on reforms across the hydrocarbons sector, expansion of energy infrastructure and cleaner energy pathways to strengthen supply security and support long-term economic growth. The hydrocarbons sector includes upstream exploration and production of oil and natural gas, midstream transportation and storage infrastructure, and downstream refining and fuel distribution operations.
At the same time, the country has also accelerated renewable energy expansion and achieved 50 per cent of its cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement commitments.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive that India achieved 50% non-fossil fuel capacity 5 years ahead of target. While the developed world lectures us, we're actually delivering on climate goals while managing growth. Kearney consultants probably took note of that!
Honest question - are we really "ramping up" exploration or just talking? Our domestic production has been stagnant for years. We need clear timelines and investment commitments, not just discussions with consultants. Action speaks louder than X posts.
Energy transition is the right path, but we must not forget millions of Indians who still rely on traditional biomass for cooking. Clean energy access at affordable prices should be the priority, not just hitting global targets. Bottom-up approach please! 🙏
As someone working in the energy sector, I appreciate the strategic approach. India's energy demand growth is phenomenal - this meeting signals we're thinking about 2030 and beyond. The real test will be execution - can we attract enough private investment in E&P and renewables simultaneously?
Hope they discussed reducing petrol/diesel prices too! 🤣 On a serious note, the 23% incremental global energy demand projection is staggering. We need massive investments in grid infrastructure and storage capacity alongside exploration. Can't have one without the other.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.