India Becomes IEA's 6th Association Country

The International Energy Agency welcomed India as an association country at an event in New Delhi on March 30 hosted by IEA chief Fatih Birol. "We can't talk about the future of the global energy markets without talking with India," he said

Thanks to rising income, population growth and urbanisation, the IEA sees huge potential for energy demand growth in India, home to about a fifth of the world's population but consumer of only 6% of the world's energy. Nonetheless it is the world's third largest energy market, with its energy demand expected to more than double over the next 25 years, according to the IEA's India Energy Outlook. 

Petronet's Dahej LNG terminal (Credit: Petronet LNG)

Piyush Goyal, India's minister of state for power, coal, new and renewable energy, and mines, said: "IEA association will help India plan better and serve the needs of Indians better, ensuring energy security." Dhamendra Pradhan, minister of state for petroleum and natural gas added, "I am confident that association status for India will bring mutual benefit for both IEA and India."

The IEA's other association countries are China, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Morocco.

Much of India's recent gas market growth has been driven by LNG imports. These increased by 30% in 2016 to 19mn metric tons, according to data published earlier this week by the International LNG Importers Association (GIIGNL).

Mark Smedley