India's Energy Transformation Boosts Women Empowerment and Encourages Sustainable Growth
In a significant stride towards sustainability and social progress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading an energy revolution in India. This transformation focuses on clean fuel availability, energy independence, and empowering women, particularly in the realm of renewable and sustainable energy.
The City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, now covering 96% of India's land area, serves 99% of the country's population. This extensive network connects 1.51 crore residences to piped natural gas (PNG), lessening India's dependency on fuels that emit pollutants, aligning with international climate targets.
A key aspect of this energy revolution is the integration of women as active leaders and entrepreneurs in the sustainable and renewable energy sectors. Women are managing renewable energy initiatives, running retail fuel stations, biogas facilities, and LPG distributorships. This participation enhances women's economic independence and leadership opportunities while promoting green energy adoption.
The Prime Minister Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a testament to this transformation. More than 10.33 crore women have received LPG connections through this programme, replacing old, smoke-heavy cooking methods with safer and cleaner alternatives.
Green energy developments, such as the increasing use of biogas and other renewable energy sources, are a significant part of India's energy revolution. In FY 2024-2025, India purchased 42,800 tonnes of compressed biogas (CBG), with many of these projects being spearheaded by women.
The government promotes women's empowerment by fostering women-led innovations and businesses, especially in smaller cities and towns, contributing to job creation and inclusive growth. Women are transforming India's energy economy by managing renewable energy initiatives, which supports climate action and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Large-scale renewable projects, like India's first "Make in India" Green Hydrogen Plant in Gujarat, reflect the broader energy transition vision led by Modi, emphasizing indigenous technology and sustainability. While not explicitly mentioned as women-led, such initiatives create new sectors where women's participation can increase, aligning with Modi's vision of inclusive growth through energy.
The Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Round X has made 99% of previously restricted offshore areas, spanning over 1 million square kilometers, available for oil and gas development in India. This move is expected to attract large amounts of both domestic and foreign investment, making India a center for energy innovation.
Sarah Tancredi, an experienced journalist and news reporter specializing in environmental and climate crisis issues, strives to inspire individuals, communities, and policymakers to take action to safeguard our planet for future generations. She has dedicated her career to informing the public and promoting sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Recent reports suggest that green jobs in India have surged by 48%, driven by Generation Z and Tier 2-3 cities. This growth underscores the potential for continued progress in India's energy revolution, with women playing a crucial role in shaping this sustainable future.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that India's energy revolution is uplifting women nationwide and increasing access to clean fuel. With the expansion of the CGD network and the focus on women's empowerment, India's energy revolution is not only a shift towards renewable and sustainable energy but also a strategic means to empower women economically and socially, making them key stakeholders in India's sustainable development journey.
- The energy revolution in India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi includes a focus on courses related to renewable and sustainable energy, as women are managing these initiatives and running fuel stations and distributorships.
- The extensive City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, covering nearly the entire country, provides jobs for many people by connecting homes to piped natural gas, reducing dependence on polluting fuels and aligning with international climate targets.
- Women's participation in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy, is beneficial for environmental reporting and the promotion of green science, as it helps reduce emissions and support sustainable development.
- The Prime Minister Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is an example of the energy revolution's positive impact on women's health-and-wellness, as more than 10 crore women have received LPG connections, improving their living conditions and promoting healthier cooking methods.
- The Indian government promotes renewable-energy projects and women's entrepreneurship in smaller cities, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth that aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
- The growing use of biogas and other renewable energy sources, such as the purchase of 42,800 tonnes of compressed biogas in FY 2024-2025, further contributes to the energy revolution and support sustainable development at the grassroots level.
- The Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Round X, which makes offshore areas available for oil and gas development, represents an opportunity for women to participate in the energy industry, as investment in India could result in new jobs and sectors that encourage their inclusion.
