11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting Outcomes
India successfully hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting on June 25, 2026, in Gurugram, Haryana, under India's BRICS Chairship 2026 with the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The meeting brought together Energy Ministers, Vice Ministers, and senior officials from BRICS member countries along with representatives from international organizations including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), and New Development Bank (NDB).
Discussion Priorities and Outcomes
The discussions focused on three priority areas guided by the theme "Energy for All" (सर्वेषां ऊर्जम्): Energy Security and Sustainability (resilient energy systems, diversified energy sources, critical minerals, supply chain resilience, grid modernization); Energy Access and Equity (universal access to affordable energy, clean cooking solutions, affordable financing); and Technology and Innovation (smart grids, energy storage, hydrogen value chains, digitalization, AI, biofuels).
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Joint Communiqué, reflecting collective consensus on strengthening cooperation in energy security, sustainability, innovation, resilient infrastructure, and capacity building.
India's Energy Transformation Showcase
Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal highlighted India's energy transformation, noting the country has emerged as the world's third-largest producer and consumer of electricity with installed power capacity reaching nearly 540 GW, with non-fossil sources accounting for more than half of this capacity. Solar capacity has increased from about 3 GW in 2014 to more than 154 GW currently, accelerated by initiatives like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar adoption.
India announced ambitions to achieve over 400 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2032 and 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, alongside achieving 20% ethanol blending ahead of schedule. The country also showcased its leadership in the Global Biofuels Alliance and International Solar Alliance.
Key Deliverables and Institutional Framework
A major outcome was the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage (https://brics-dcoe.global/) under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP). This voluntary collaborative platform will facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, exchange of policy and regulatory best practices, and development of pilot initiatives among BRICS countries.
The meeting adopted BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage, recognizing the importance of modern, resilient, and digitally enabled power systems. Ministers appreciated ongoing efforts to finalize the BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains 2026, which provides a foundation for enhanced cooperation on hydrogen technologies, standards, and industrial applications.
The updated Terms of Reference of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP) were endorsed, strengthening the institutional framework for research, technical cooperation, and knowledge exchange. The outcomes were supported by multiple rounds of consultations at the Senior Energy Officials level, including side events on Clean Coal Technologies and Raising Electrical Appliance Standards.
Joint Communiqué Commitments
The Joint Communiqué reaffirmed that energy security remains a cornerstone of BRICS cooperation, emphasizing the need for diversified, resilient, and transparent energy systems and supply chains. Ministers emphasized that access to secure, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is fundamental to economic development, job creation, and industrialization.
The Communiqué underscored the importance of balanced and diversified energy mixes, promotion of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, and cooperation in areas including fossil fuel technologies, renewable energy, biofuels, hydrogen, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture technologies, digitalization, and energy efficiency while reaffirming the importance of affordable financing.
Ministers supported the convening of the BRICS Youth Energy Summit during India's Chairship and reaffirmed commitment to expanding collaboration through the ERCP. They appreciated India's leadership and looked forward to continuing cooperation under China's Chairship in 2027.