By Priya Raghuvanshi

Copyright timesnownews

India is on track to become a developed economy by 2047, but achieving this goal will require an unprecedented transformation of its energy sector. According to a joint report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY, India must triple its primary energy supply to approximately 35,000 TWh by 2047, a leap that will require scaling up clean energy sources forty times over. Titled ‘Eigenvectors of Net Zero Energy Transition: Pathways to Viksit Bharat 2047’ the report provides a strategic blueprint for how India can balance its net-zero ambitions with economic growth, energy affordability, and environmental sustainability. Clean Energy At The Core Of Growth To meet two-thirds of its projected energy needs through sustainable means, India must aggressively expand its non-fossil energy portfolio. The report highlights this transition as not only necessary but urgent, given the projected $30 trillion GDP and 1.5 billion population by 2047. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, said, “India stands at a defining moment in its energy transition journey, having crossed 50 per cent non-fossil capacity five years ahead of its NDCs, a testament to its ambition and ability to balance sustainability with growth.” Affordability and Energy Security: A Delicate Balance Even as India advances toward greener energy, the report stresses that energy affordability and supply security must not be compromised. To preserve economic stability, the energy cost share (ECS) should stay below 10–11 per cent of GDP. Equally concerning are the health and environmental impacts of PM2.5 air pollution, prompting a call for more integrated policies that bridge the gaps between energy, health, and environment planning. Strengthening Domestic Capabilities With low-carbon technology imports already reaching 0.21 per cent of GDP in FY25, the report underlines the need for stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce external dependencies. Additionally, it recommends clear legal frameworks to allow private sector involvement in nuclear power and the development of Bharat Small Reactors, backed by robust quality assurance and vendor development in the nuclear-grade supply chain. The report advocates for a shift away from fragmented, target-based approaches to more risk-informed and integrated policy planning, with a focus on long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience.