India is taking a major step in energy diplomacy by investing approximately ₹90,000 crores in undersea power transmission lines to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that India has signed joint venture agreements with both countries. The Saudi Arabia project, costing ₹47,000 crores, will feature a 1,400-kilometre subsea cable, while the ₹43,000 crore UAE project will include a 1,600-kilometre cable. Each line will transmit 2 GW of electricity, forming a crucial part of India’s plan to export power sustainably.
India Shifts from Coal to Nuclear and Biofuels in Clean Energy Push
During a review of the Power Ministry’s 11-year performance, Khattar also announced a policy shift: India will not commission new coal-based thermal power plants beyond 2035. The government is pivoting towards nuclear energy to meet baseload demands, aiming to shorten the project timeline from 13 years to 8–9 years. Plans are underway to establish at least one nuclear plant in every state outside seismic zone 5.
In parallel, India’s green energy push is gaining momentum in the biofuel sector. TruAlt Bioenergy is expanding its operations into compressed biogas and is set to become one of India’s top Bio-CNG producers. The company currently holds 7% of the market in molasses-based ethanol and 3.7% in total ethanol supply.
India Nears 20% Ethanol Blending Milestone in 2025 Clean Energy Drive
India’s ethanol blending has reached 18.4% in the 2024–25 supply year, with a peak of 19.7% in February 2025. The government remains optimistic about achieving the 20% ethanol blending target by the end of the year, reinforcing its commitment to cleaner energy and sustainability.
Summary:
India is investing ₹90,000 crores in undersea power links to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to export 4 GW of electricity. It will stop commissioning new coal plants after 2035, shift focus to nuclear power, and boost biofuels. Ethanol blending has reached 18.4%, targeting 20% by year-end.
