BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026 Focuses on Clean Energy, Innovation and Energy Access

New Delhi, August 19, 2026; India brought together young energy professionals from across the BRICS grouping for the eighth BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026, held virtually on August 17 as part of the country’s BRICS Chairship.

The summit witnessed participation from more than 100 young professionals representing academia, government bodies and energy ministries of BRICS member countries. Representatives of the BRICS Youth Energy Agency, Sustainable Energy for All, the International Solar Alliance and the International Renewable Energy Agency also took part in the discussions.

India’s BRICS Chairship this year is centred on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, while the energy track carries the theme “सर्वेषां ऊर्जम्” or “Energy for All”. The approach places universal, affordable and inclusive access to energy at the heart of cooperation among BRICS nations.

The summit highlighted the growing role of young professionals in shaping the future of the global energy sector. Participants discussed how youth-led research, entrepreneurship, technological development and cross-border cooperation could contribute to building stronger and more sustainable energy systems.

More than 20 youth speakers presented perspectives from their respective countries during discussions organised around three broad areas — energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.

Participants examined a range of issues, including diversification of energy sources, strengthening energy supply chains, expanding access to electricity, innovative funding mechanisms and the application of emerging technologies. Digital transformation of energy systems also featured prominently in the deliberations.

The discussions pointed towards the need for energy systems that can withstand disruptions while remaining affordable and accessible. Participants also stressed the importance of combining technological progress with dependable energy data, compatible digital systems, cybersecurity measures and a workforce equipped with the necessary skills.

Indian youth representatives used the summit to showcase several initiatives undertaken to improve the country’s energy security and expand clean energy adoption. These included PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, the SHANTI Act and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

India’s experience with the India Energy Stack was also highlighted, particularly in the context of digitalisation and improvements across the power sector. Participants further discussed the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy, strengthen electricity distribution networks and promote decentralised clean-energy solutions.

The BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence on Smart Grids and Energy Storage was presented as another avenue for cooperation among participating countries. The platform is aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and developing expertise in smart grids, energy storage and grid resilience.

The summit also called for greater opportunities for young professionals to collaborate through joint research programmes, technology demonstrations, knowledge-sharing initiatives and capacity-building activities.

The Eighth BRICS Youth Energy Summit concluded with an emphasis on giving young people a stronger role in international energy cooperation. The discussions reflected a shared focus on building energy systems that are secure, sustainable, inclusive and capable of meeting future demands under the broader vision of “Energy for All”.