R. Mukundan, Vice President of CII and MD and CEO of Tata Chemicals, called for a sector-specific, multi-technology strategy to drive India’s energy transition. Speaking at the session “Geopolitics of Energy Transition: India’s Strategic Imperative” during the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, he highlighted India’s limited access to affordable natural gas and the need to develop alternative solutions suited to national realities.
Biomass: An Underutilized Asset for Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Mukundan emphasized biomass as a powerful but underused energy source, especially in sectors like aviation where alternatives such as waste cooking oil fall short. He argued for a sector-wise roadmap to 2045 with defined milestones, to ensure a structured and results-driven transition.
Small Modular Reactors and Storage Key to Diversification
He strongly supported investments in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and praised the government’s steps to resolve civil liability challenges in nuclear energy. Stressing the diversity of industrial energy needs—from steam to power and liquid fuels—Mukundan warned against overdependence on single sources like solar or wind. Instead, he called for a strong focus on energy storage systems and domestic manufacturing to cut import reliance and enhance energy resilience.
Natural Gas Remains a Transition Pillar
Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director, Oil India, reinforced the role of natural gas as a critical transition fuel. He outlined the company’s efforts to expand participatory gas exploration and target new gas-bearing regions. He also noted that India now enjoys 100% City Gas Distribution (CGD) coverage.
Investor Confidence Hinges on Policy Continuity
K.V. Sajay, CEO of Zelestra India, stressed that long-term policy clarity and sustained government support are essential to attract committed investors to the renewable energy sector. Deepak Thakur, CEO of Mahindra Susten, advocated for viewing energy security and transition as a single, integrated agenda. He emphasized supply chain resilience, technological innovation, and strategic diversification as the foundation for India’s evolving energy strategy.
Citing India’s 6.5% annual energy demand growth, Thakur called for a distinctive national energy plan that addresses both current needs and future ambitions. He identified lithium LFP batteries as a key technology for 2–4-hour renewable storage in the next 3–5 years. He also urged action on grid integration and supportive regulation.
Global Perspectives on Critical Minerals and Technology
Dr. Ajay Mathur, Former Director General of the International Solar Alliance, steered the discussion toward critical mineral access. He also highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities. He also highlighted emerging technologies, offering a global view on how India can navigate future risks while advancing energy innovation.
Unified Call for a Balanced and Sustainable Transition
As per the Confederation of Indian Industry press release, the panel collectively agreed on key points. India’s energy transition must be balanced, pragmatic, and multidimensional. It should align economic growth, technological advancement, and environmental responsibility.
