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Ambani: India Can Meet 80% Energy Needs Domestically in a Decade

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 8:56 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Maharashtra, INDIA

Goa, India - February 4th, 2026 - Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani delivered a bullish assessment of India's energy future on Tuesday, stating the nation has a realistic pathway to meet 80% of its energy needs through domestic sources within the next decade. Speaking at the India Energy Week in Goa, Ambani outlined a vision fueled by significant investment in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and advanced energy storage solutions.

Ambani's optimistic forecast comes at a critical juncture for India. The world's most populous nation is experiencing rapid economic growth and a burgeoning population, naturally driving a corresponding surge in energy demand. Currently, India relies heavily on imported fossil fuels - primarily oil and gas - leaving it vulnerable to global price fluctuations and geopolitical instability. Reducing this dependence has long been a strategic priority for the Indian government.

"India can meet 80% of its energy needs domestically over the next decade. It's not a dream; it's quite achievable," Ambani declared, a statement backed by Reliance's substantial and ongoing investments in green technologies. The conglomerate is spearheading efforts to establish a comprehensive green hydrogen ecosystem, encompassing production, storage, and distribution infrastructure.

This commitment to green hydrogen is particularly significant. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly expanding, their intermittent nature necessitates robust energy storage capabilities. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by renewables, offers a viable long-term storage solution and can be utilized across various sectors - including transportation, industry, and power generation - reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The scope of Reliance's investment extends beyond hydrogen. The company is also actively developing advanced battery storage technologies, critical for stabilizing the grid and maximizing the efficiency of renewable energy integration. This holistic approach positions Reliance as a key player in India's energy transition and underscores the scale of ambition required to achieve Ambani's projected 80% domestic fulfillment.

However, technological advancement and private sector investment are only parts of the equation. Ambani explicitly highlighted the pivotal role of government support and well-defined policy frameworks. "India's energy transition is underway and it is irreversible. This is the right time to invest. The government is fully committed to this," he stated, signaling a synergistic relationship between the private sector and government initiatives.

Policy interventions such as Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, streamlined regulatory approvals for renewable energy projects, and the development of a robust green finance ecosystem are crucial to attracting further investment and accelerating the transition. Furthermore, fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) will be essential for driving innovation, sharing risks, and ensuring the efficient deployment of new technologies.

The move towards energy independence also presents significant economic opportunities for India. A domestically sourced energy supply will not only enhance energy security but also create millions of green jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position India as a global leader in renewable energy technologies. The development of a thriving green hydrogen economy, in particular, could unlock substantial export potential.

While challenges remain - including the need for significant infrastructure upgrades, addressing land acquisition issues, and ensuring equitable access to clean energy - the momentum appears to be building. The combination of ambitious private sector investments, supportive government policies, and growing public awareness of the benefits of sustainable energy paints a promising picture for India's energy future. The next decade will be pivotal in determining whether Ambani's vision of 80% domestic energy fulfillment becomes a reality, and the early signs suggest it is well within reach.