Energy Resources (Resources).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Indian & World Geography; Mains GS1
Renewable energy for UPSC: solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy potential, the 500 GW target, PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, solar parks, storage, grid…
A PIB backgrounder of 19 October 2026 explains how pumped storage projects (PSPs) will store solar and wind power for India’s grid. India runs 7.43 GW of pumped storage today, is building 15.87 GW more and has an assessed potential of 345.38 GW. A roadmap aims to add about 100 GW between 2025-26 and 2035-36.
UPSC angle: Prelims: PSP types, CEA, ISTS waiver, IRENA ranking. · Mains GS-III: storage and the clean energy transition.
19 Oct 2026
The 7th High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-India Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 22 September 2026, co-chaired by the Petroleum Minister and OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais. Talks covered oil market stability, energy security and timely investment. The dialogue began in 2015; the 8th meeting will be in Vienna.
UPSC angle: Prelims: OPEC HQ; India not a member.
22 Sep 2026
On 17 September 2026 the Coal Ministry launched the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 25 blocks in nine States: 21 fully explored and four partially explored. Agreements were also signed for six mines sold in earlier rounds. Since commercial mining opened in 2020, 147 mines have been auctioned.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CMDPA; commercial coal mining since 2020.
17 Sep 2026
On 17 September 2026 the MEA said India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress and is watching what follows. It said India will keep securing energy for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing, and will take all steps needed to protect its trade and economic interests.
UPSC angle: Prelims: none. · Mains: secondary sanctions and strategic autonomy.
17 Sep 2026
The Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections, launched on 18 August 2026 and in force since 1 September 2026, rewards city gas companies for adding billed home connections. For each connection above a set threshold, a company gets 200 standard cubic metres of cheaper APM gas. India had 1.74 crore home PNG connections on 18 August 2026.
UPSC angle: Prelims: PNGRB role; CGD.
13 Sep 2026
On 5 September 2026 the Ministry of Coal said reports that its ₹37,500 crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects had no applicants were premature. The first round was open till 7 September, and Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC had applied. The scheme, approved on 13 May 2026, backs conversion of coal into syngas, methanol, ammonia and urea.
UPSC angle: Prelims: products of coal gasification.
5 Sep 2026