Cooperation across borders key to harnessing collective action

In exclusive interview with India Energy Week News, Pankaj Kalra, CEO for Essar Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Ltd (EOGEPL) talks digital-delivered efficiencies, collaboration and policies ahead of India Energy Week 2025.

• How does global collaboration contribute to meeting breakthrough climate goals?

Global collaboration plays a crucial role in achieving climate goals, as climate change is a global crisis that transcends national borders. Its impact affects all nations, making it impossible for any single country to tackle the issue alone. International cooperation is essential for harnessing collective action to create large-scale solutions. The Paris Agreement illustrates the power of global collaboration by offering a framework for countries to unite resources, share technologies, and align efforts to limit global warming.

Beyond the exchange of knowledge and technology, financial collaboration is key - such collaboration will help secure the substantial investments necessary to scale innovative solutions and implement effective climate strategies. Additionally, research collaborations among countries and institutions accelerate development of new climate technologies and policy approaches. Through these partnerships, nations can leverage their collective expertise and resources, ensuring the funding, innovation, and support necessary for meaningful climate action.

• What are the critical policies needed to support the transition to clean energy?

To support India’s transition, it is essential to harness the untapped potential of unconventional energy sources like coal bed methane (CBM). It offers a cleaner alternative to coal, with potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security by reducing reliance on imports. Countries like the US, Canada, and Australia have successfully integrated CBM into their energy mix, and India is well-positioned to follow suit. By continuing to refine and evolve the regulatory environment, optimising fiscal regimes, and enhancing sector-specific incentives, India can unlock CBM’s full potential. Streamlining land acquisition processes and investing in necessary infrastructure will further accelerate CBM production, supporting the target of a 15% gas share in its energy mix by 2030.

• What role does digital technology play in improving efficiencies?

Digital technology plays a critical role by enabling real-time data monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smart grid management. Advanced analytics optimise operations, while machine learning helps prevent downtime and improve asset performance. Smart grids and demand response systems balance renewable energy sources with consumer demand, enhancing grid stability. Additionally, digital tools efficiently manage energy storage, integrate distributed energy resources, and empower consumers to monitor and reduce their energy consumption. Ultimately, these innovations drive both operational efficiency and sustainability, supporting the green energy transition.

Essar is investing in cutting-edge technologies and pioneering methods that have redefined our production capabilities. By integrating AI into our operations, we have optimised our assets and unlocked new levels of efficiency and sustainability. We have deployed AI and ML-based leak detection systems for proactive monitoring. This has helped in the formation of a closed-loop system by connecting all well pads and gas processing facilities through internal pipelines. We also use SCADA technology, a digital platform that enables real-time monitoring and optimisation of well operations.

• How does India Energy Week contribute to addressing the themes of collaboration, resilience, and transition in the global energy sector?

India Energy Week has served as a key platform for fostering collaboration among industry leaders, governments, and innovators, driving partnerships that create sustainable energy solutions. In 2025, the event will continue to emphasise resilience by exploring how the energy sector can adapt to challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and geopolitical uncertainties. It also supports the ongoing energy transition by promoting the adoption of cleaner, more efficient technologies, while accelerating the shift towards a sustainable energy future. Through knowledge-sharing, collaboration opportunities, and showcasing innovative solutions, the event will directly contribute to advancing the transition.

• What key messages do you want to highlight this edition?

We want to emphasise on our commitment to shaping a sustainable energy future by highlighting the importance of a diversified energy mix that incorporates both clean and bridge fuels. We believe achieving energy security and reducing emissions requires a balanced approach, as there is no single solution to these complex challenges. Essar is actively rebalancing its portfolio by transitioning existing assets to greener alternatives, demonstrating our dedication to aligning with climate goals while ensuring energy security. Additionally, we are building integrated energy ecosystems around hydrogen, renewables, LNG, and CBM, all of which are essential to enhancing India’s energy security and contributing to a more sustainable, diversified energy mix. Through innovation and collaboration, Essar is leading India’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future, advancing global climate objectives.