India and Australia Strengthen Energy Partnership at 5th Energy Dialogue

Mr Chris Bowen commended India’s achievements and reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting a just and inclusive energy transition.

In a significant stride toward advancing clean and sustainable energy cooperation, India and Australia convened the 5th Meeting of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue on 16th October 2025 in New Delhi. The dialogue, co-chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, and Mr. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Commonwealth Government of Australia, reaffirmed the growing partnership between the two Indo-Pacific democracies in driving global energy transformation.

The high-level meeting brought together senior officials and technical experts from both nations to discuss pathways for strengthening collaboration in renewable energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies — areas seen as essential for achieving net-zero emissions and ensuring energy security in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Building a Shared Energy Vision

In his opening remarks, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized that India’s energy transition strategy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is built on three key principles — energy justice, sustainability, and innovation. He highlighted India’s success in becoming the world’s third-largest producer of renewable energy, with over 190 GW of installed renewable capacity, and its ambitious goal to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Mr Chris Bowen commended India’s achievements and reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting a just and inclusive energy transition. He noted that both countries share a “common purpose — to achieve cleaner growth without compromising affordability or reliability.”

The Ministers acknowledged that India and Australia, as key regional players, must work together to strengthen clean energy supply chains, diversify energy sources, and enhance energy resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening Cooperation Across Key Sectors

The Indian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Mines, and Ministry of Coal. Each Ministry presented updates on their Joint Working Groups (JWGs) and shared future cooperation frameworks.

The presentations showcased:

• Renewable Energy Integration: Collaboration in solar and wind power generation technologies, energy storage solutions, and hybrid renewable systems.

• Green Hydrogen Development: Joint R&D initiatives and feasibility studies to scale up green hydrogen production and establish regional hydrogen corridors for trade and investment.

• Energy Efficiency and Smart Grids: Exchange of best practices in digital grid management, energy-efficient appliances, and demand-side management programs.

• Critical Minerals and Clean Technology: Cooperation to develop resilient supply chains for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements — vital for clean energy technologies.

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Exploration of joint pilot projects and knowledge exchange to develop cost-effective carbon capture mechanisms for heavy industries.

Shared Commitment to Net-Zero Pathways

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in line with their respective national targets. India reiterated its target to reach Net Zero by 2070, while Australia reaffirmed its goal of achieving the same by 2050.

The Ministers agreed that both nations could play a complementary role — India as a clean energy innovation hub and Australia as a trusted supplier of energy resources and critical minerals. Together, they can help shape global energy policy and market stability, especially across the Indo-Pacific.

Mr. Bowen noted that collaboration on hydrogen standards, certification systems, and low-emission technologies would be crucial to facilitate cross-border trade in clean fuels. Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the need for technology co-development and capacity-building programs to make the clean energy transition accessible and equitable.

Energy Security in the Indo-Pacific

The dialogue highlighted the strategic role of India–Australia cooperation in ensuring energy stability across the Indo-Pacific. Both nations recognized that diversified, transparent, and secure supply chains are essential to prevent market disruptions and reduce dependency on single-source suppliers.

Discussions also underscored the need to enhance regional energy infrastructure connectivity and strengthen energy trade frameworks, ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains a hub for sustainable and reliable energy partnerships.

Towards a Green Growth Partnership

The Ministers agreed to deepen collaboration under existing frameworks such as the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Quad Clean Energy Working Group. They also committed to expanding public–private partnerships to mobilize investments in green hydrogen, bioenergy, offshore wind, and electric mobility.

Both sides announced plans to convene industry-led task forces to identify joint projects and investment opportunities in emerging technologies. A Joint Statement of Intent was signed to formalize the next phase of cooperation in clean energy innovation and resource security.

 A Partnership for the Future

The 5th India–Australia Energy Dialogue reaffirmed the shared ambition of both countries to lead the way in creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy systems. By aligning policy, technology, and investment strategies, India and Australia are setting a model for regional collaboration in climate action and energy transition.

In his closing remarks, Shri Manohar Lal noted, “Our partnership is not just about energy trade; it is about energy transformation. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, safer, and more secure future for the Indo-Pacific.”