Prof. Sood noted that a country’s HDI closely links to energy use; India’s 0.67 HDI requires 56 GJ per person to match developed nations
New Delhi
India is supporting nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population while steadily moving towards its ambitious goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, said on Sunday.
Speaking at the First DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards in the national capital, Prof Sood highlighted the close link between economic development and energy consumption. He said innovation in the energy sector will play a decisive role in shaping India’s future growth and overall well-being.
Prof Sood pointed out that a country’s Human Development Index, or HDI, is strongly connected to how much energy it uses. He noted that India’s average HDI is around 0.67, while developed nations record levels close to 0.9. At present, India consumes nearly 21 gigajoules of energy per person each year, but bridging the development gap would require almost 56 gigajoules per person.
He stressed the need for urgent action and said India’s innovation ecosystem is rapidly evolving. Special focus is being placed on deep-tech research through initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, which aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
During the event, Prof Sood felicitated innovators who have contributed to technologies that address India’s growing energy needs while supporting long-term sustainability.
The Energy Innovation Awards were presented in two categories. The first category recognised young innovators below the age of 38, while the second honoured individuals and organisations for major contributions to energy technology.
Former Union Minister and Chairman of the DV Kapur Foundation, Dr Suresh Prabhu, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the changing energy landscape in India and praised the visionary leadership of Dr D V Kapur, the founder Chairman of NTPC.
