Gurugram, June 25 (IANS) The 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ meeting, chaired here by India, adopted the Joint Communique on Thursday reflecting the collective vision and consensus of the grouping’s countries on strengthening cooperation in the areas of energy security, sustainability, innovation, resilient infrastructure and capacity building.

A major outcome of India’s Chairship 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). The Centre will serve as a voluntary collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, exchange of policy and regulatory best practices, and development of pilot initiatives among BRICS countries.

BRICS Energy Ministers reaffirmed the importance of respecting national circumstances, development priorities and energy pathways.

In another significant milestone, the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage were adopted, recognising the growing importance of modern, resilient and digitally enabled power systems in supporting reliable and affordable energy access while facilitating the integration of renewable energy and emerging technologies.

Addressing the Ministerial Meeting, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal highlighted that energy remains fundamental to economic growth, social progress and human development. He emphasised that developing countries require adequate time, resources, and policy space to pursue sustainable development while meeting the legitimate aspirations of their people, as he underlined India’s commitment to building resilient, future-ready and people-centric energy systems guided by the principle of ‘Energy for All.’

The Ministers also appreciated the ongoing efforts in finalisation of the BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains 2026, which provides a foundation for enhanced cooperation on hydrogen technologies, standards, industrial applications and future value chains.

The meeting further endorsed the updated Terms of Reference of the BRICS ERCP, strengthening the institutional framework for research, technical cooperation and knowledge exchange among BRICS countries.

The Joint Communique reaffirmed that energy security remains a cornerstone of BRICS cooperation and emphasised the need for diversified, resilient and transparent energy systems and supply chains.

Ministers highlighted that access to secure, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is fundamental to economic development, job creation, industrialisation, and human dignity.

The Ministers also underscored the importance of balanced and diversified energy mixes, promotion of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, and cooperation in areas such as new technologies in fossil fuels, renewable energy, biofuels, hydrogen, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture technologies, digitalisation, and energy efficiency, while reaffirming the importance of affordable financing.

Recognising the role of research and youth engagement in shaping future energy systems, the Ministers supported the convening of the BRICS Youth Energy Summit during India’s chairship and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration through the BRICS ERCP.

The Ministers appreciated India’s efforts in successfully hosting the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting and its leadership in advancing BRICS energy cooperation during its Presidency. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in support of secure, affordable, sustainable and resilient energy systems and looked forward to continuing cooperation under the Chairship of China in 2027.

–IANS

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