NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of the Government of India, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have jointly released a pioneering report titled ‘LNG as a Transportation Fuel in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle.’ This landmark report was unveiled on February 6, 2024, during the India Energy Week, marking the first outcome of their collaborative efforts under the Statement of Intent (SoI) partnership established since 2020.
The report delves into the challenges and barriers hindering LNG adoption in India while proposing actionable solutions. It underscores the need for a transparent implementation framework, emphasizing near-term goals of demand creation and market seeding.
The launch event, graced by distinguished dignitaries including Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, and H.E. Frederik Wisselink, Energy Envoy of the Netherlands, underscored the commitment of both nations to foster sustainable energy solutions.
Bery highlighted the report’s significance in customizing LNG utilization in commercial vehicle segments and its potential in addressing coordination challenges among stakeholders, drawing lessons from global experiences.
Mr. Frederik Wisselink echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Netherlands’ expertise in clean energy initiatives and its readiness to collaborate with India in achieving international climate goals. Noting the Netherlands’ position as a leading hydrogen producer, he expressed enthusiasm for joint efforts in unlocking green hydrogen solutions.
The report received commendation from Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, who emphasized its alignment with national energy objectives, aiming for a 15% gas share in primary energy supply and achieving Net Zero by 2070. He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to a multipronged approach towards LNG adoption.
H.E. Mrs. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving innovation towards a greener future, citing Shell India as a prime example. She hailed the report as a testament to both nations’ commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Looking ahead, NITI Aayog and the Dutch Embassy aim to deepen their collaboration, extending beyond energy transition to encompass sustainability and the circular economy.
