India and Norway Partner on Clean Energy and Gas Security

India and Norway are proving that energy security and climate action don't have to be enemies.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway in May, the two countries elevated their relationship to a "Green Strategic Partnership." The timing couldn't be better for India, which imports 90 percent of its cooking gas and 60 percent of its natural gas from West Asia.

Recent disruptions at Qatar's massive Ras Laffan production facility have exposed the risks of depending on one region for essential fuels. Millions of Indian households rely on this imported gas for cooking, while fertilizer and petrochemical plants need it to keep running.

Norway sees an opportunity to expand beyond its European markets. As the world's fourth-largest natural gas exporter, it ramped up production after sanctions limited Russian supplies to Europe.

The partnership is already producing results. Norwegian energy giant Equinor signed a 15-year gas supply deal with Indian fertilizer company Deepak Fertilisers in February 2024. A year later, Equinor added a one-year agreement with state refiner Bharat Petroleum for cooking gas supplies.

Norwegian company Crown LNG committed $1 billion to build a gas processing terminal in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. These deals give India more supply options while opening new markets for Norway.

The Ripple Effect

The partnership goes far beyond fossil fuels. Norway generates over 90 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and leads the world in floating offshore wind technology.

In 2023, Norway commissioned the world's largest floating wind farm in the North Sea, producing nearly 95 megawatts of clean power. India currently gets 19 percent of its electricity from renewables but leads globally in solar energy production.

The two countries signed agreements for joint research on offshore wind, carbon capture systems, and clean energy innovation. Norwegian expertise in floating wind turbines could unlock India's vast coastline for renewable energy generation.

India is gradually building its renewable capacity while still needing reliable gas supplies for the transition period. Norway can provide both the bridge fuel today and the clean technology expertise for tomorrow.

This partnership shows how countries can work together on practical solutions that address immediate needs while building toward longer-term climate goals.