India Energy Week 2026: Legal and Policy Frameworks for Energy Transition

Introduction

Goa hosted the 2026 India Energy Week (IEW), a global energy conference that took place from January 27 to 30, 2026. It was focused on investments, partnerships and taking action during the transition of energy systems around the world. During the keynote speeches, many emphasized that the transition of the global energy system will require continued investments in oil, gas, renewable and alternative fuel sources. It was also noted by speakers that India has made significant strides toward reaching the Paris Agreement goal of having 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, achieving this target several years earlier than expected.

Investment Strategy

The week focused on a multi-faceted energy strategy. Officials described the transition as “energy addition” rather than replacement, highlighting sustained investment needs across traditional and clean energy sources. Government data show the gas pipeline network now exceeds 25,400 km (enabling near-100% city-gas distribution coverage) and LPG access has expanded to over 10.41 crore households. Ethanol blending in fuel reached 19.05% in 2024-25, nearly meeting the 20% blending target. These developments, backed by statutory biofuel mandates and subsidy schemes, e.g. PM Ujjwala Yojana, aim to reduce import dependence and emissions.

Upstream Sector: Legislative Reforms and Licensing

India’s upstream oil and gas regulation has recently changed through a series of legislative reforms. The 2025 Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act (ORDAA) is a comprehensive overhaul of the 1948 regulatory framework for oil and gas exploration and production by unifying multiple “petroleum leases” and removing the previous mining lease system, giving regulators more centralized authority over the industry. The passage of ORDAA will simplify approval processes and promote investor confidence. New Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules enacted in 2025 establish a clear, transparent regulatory system governing oil and gas exploration, further enhancing India’s shape for doing business in the upstream oil and gas industry.

Complementary licensing policies have opened new investment channels. For example, the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) now use revenue-sharing contracts, and the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) allows year-round bidding on exploration blocks. The Discovered Small Fields (DSF) scheme permits development of marginal fields. Together these reforms expand exploration opportunities (172 blocks awarded covering 3.78 lakh sq km, ~USD 4.36 billion committed). These measures align India with international upstream practice and aim to attract foreign capital.

Key upstream sector changes include:

• Oilfields Amendment Act, 2025: Streamlined upstream licensing (integrated petroleum leases, central authority) to boost exploration and production.
• Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025: Transparent E&P regulations enhancing predictability and supply security.
• Unified licensing (HELP) and Bidding (OALP/DSF): Revenue-sharing contracts and open acreage regimes for attracting investment.
• Decriminalisation of Regulatory Offences: Minor upstream violations now incur fines (up to ₹25 lakh) instead of imprisonment, reinforcing contractual sanctity.

Midstream/Downstream Infrastructure

The midstream and downstream portions of India’s oil and gas industry have also been targeted by various reform initiatives. A Unified Pipeline Tariff (UPT) under the “One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff” initiative was implemented in 2023. By the end of 2025 approximately 90% of operational gas pipelines will have adopted the UPT, reducing regional discrepancies in current rates of transport charges associated with transporting natural gas.

Additionally, the infrastructure for natural gas has continued to develop significantly. The integrated gas grid is over 25,400 km long; another 10,459 km of the grid is under construction. This integrated network supports 100% geographical coverage of city gas distribution (CGD). By supporting 100% geographical CGD distribution, the integrated gas grid will increase energy security and help to create a gas-based economy.

While reviewing the draft National Electricity Policy (2026), the government has set ambitious targets related to both net zero emissions by 2070 and a 45% reduction in emissions intensity for electricity generation by 2030. The Ministry of Power also released a storage roadmap: the Central Electricity Authority targets 100 GW of pumped-hydro storage capacity by 2035–36 to accommodate the increase in renewable generation (projected 500 GW by 2030).

Renewable Energy

There is also a continuing emphasis on Renewable Energy through legislation. India’s commitment to 500GW of non-fossil electricity by 2030 (as per COP26 and COP21) is coming into clearer view as there is now over 50% installed capacity from these sources ahead of schedule. At IEW 2026, Green hydrogen and biofuel were discussed in numerous presentations as a part of the continued goal of private investment supported through forms of regulatory support (ex. National Green Hydrogen Mission). For Example: Legislators have mandated the use and percentage of ethanol mixed with gasoline to reduce dependence on imported oil, emissions, and also some savings of significant amounts of external currency; the ethanol program alone has saved over 8000 crores or 813 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

An aspiration to reach 100% of India’s energy requirements from renewable sources by 2050 has been set, with a focus on responsible and sustainable use of coastal resources. Throughout IEW speakers have consistently stated that climate and development objectives are strengthened by their respective legislative frameworks.

Conclusion

In sum, IEW 2026 highlighted how India’s legal regime is being adapted to meet transition challenges. From upstream legislative changes to power-sector policy shifts, the emphasis was on mobilising investment while fulfilling environmental commitments.