In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, NITI Aayog, in conjunction with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has unveiled a pioneering report titled ‘LNG as a Transportation Fuel in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle’. This landmark release occurred on February 6, 2024, amidst the India Energy Week, marking the initial outcome of their collaborative efforts in the domain of energy transition.
The report launch ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, and H.E. Frederik Wisselink, Energy Envoy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands. Also in attendance were Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, H.E. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, alongside prominent figures from the energy sector such as Mansi Tripathy, Chairman of SHELL Group of companies in India, and Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director of Indraprastha Gas Limited.
Addressing the gathering, Suman Bery underscored the significance of the report, emphasizing its focus on harnessing LNG as a fuel source specifically tailored for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. He highlighted the collaborative effort to address coordination challenges among stakeholders and draw insights from global experiences in overcoming similar hurdles.
Frederik Wisselink echoed Bery’s sentiments, emphasizing the Netherlands’ commitment to clean energy initiatives and its readiness to share expertise with India in achieving ambitious climate goals. Wisselink particularly highlighted the Netherlands’ endeavours in green hydrogen production and its eagerness to collaborate with international partners towards sustainable energy solutions.
Praveen Mal Khanooja emphasized the multifaceted approach of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas towards LNG adoption, emphasizing its role in achieving broader energy goals including the aspiration for net-zero emissions by 2070.
Ambassador Marisa Gerards lauded the partnership’s milestone achievement, stressing the pivotal role of the private sector in driving innovation towards a greener future. She commended initiatives like Shell India’s collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
The report itself delves into the challenges and barriers hindering LNG adoption in India while proposing actionable solutions and a roadmap for implementation. It underscores the necessity of a transparent framework to drive demand creation and market development.
Looking ahead, NITI Aayog and the Netherlands Embassy envisage further collaboration, not only in energy transition but also in areas such as the circular economy, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
