The proposal would extend local sourcing requirements across the entire solar manufacturing chain, reinforcing earlier rules that already require the use of locally assembled solar panels in state-run projects.

Under current regulations, companies must use domestically produced solar panels, though key upstream components such as cells, wafers, ingots and polysilicon can still be imported. The new proposal seeks to close that gap by mandating local production of critical inputs.

India has already directed firms to use domestically manufactured solar cells starting June 2026, marking a phased approach toward building a fully integrated domestic supply chain.

Major energy firms including Waaree Energies, Tata Power and Indosol Solar have announced plans to invest billions of rupees to expand manufacturing capacity, aligning with policy signals favoring local production.

The push comes as India targets 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030, a goal that requires rapid scaling of solar installations alongside domestic industrial capability.

India currently depends heavily on China for imports of key solar components, including cells, wafers, ingots and polysilicon. The proposed mandate is expected to reduce that dependence while strengthening domestic manufacturing resilience.

The policy reflects a broader strategy to secure supply chains and support local industry as global competition in renewable energy technologies intensifies.

The supply disruption has pushed authorities to intervene through subsidies, reserve releases and regulatory measures aimed at stabilising fuel availability and protecting consumers from rising prices.

In India, authorities invoked emergency powers last week and directed refiners to maximise production of liquefied petroleum gas to prevent shortages of the cooking fuel widely used by households. The government also cut LPG sales to industry to ensure adequate supply for roughly 333 million homes connected to the system.

Officials have also urged consumers to avoid panic buying of cylinders and encouraged a shift to piped natural gas where available to ease pressure on LPG distribution.

Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea said it is considering additional energy vouchers for vulnerable households while preparing to increase electricity output from nuclear and coal-fired plants.

China announced it would release fertilisers from national commercial reserves ahead of the spring planting season, citing supply disruptions tied to the energy crisis.

Malaysia said it will increase spending on petrol subsidies to 2 billion ringgit ($510 million) from 700 million ringgit to maintain fixed retail fuel prices, according to government statements.

In Philippines, authorities said they plan to curb rising electricity bills linked to higher liquefied natural gas prices by increasing coal-fired power generation and regulating electricity tariffs.

Australia said it will release petrol and diesel from domestic reserves to address shortages affecting rural supply chains as well as the mining and agricultural sectors.

Meanwhile, the European Commission said it will advise member governments to exercise flexibility in enforcing European Union rules on gas imports, amid concerns that strict compliance could slow the delivery of liquefied natural gas shipments needed to stabilise supply.

The proposed development would involve large solar and wind installations across remote desert landscapes near Namibia’s southwestern coast. Supporters say the project could transform the country into a leading exporter of green hydrogen an energy source viewed as crucial for reducing global carbon emissions.

However, environmental groups argue that the development could threaten rare plant species and wildlife, including the endangered African penguin.The initiative forms part of Namibia’s national strategy to become a global hub for green hydrogen production. Hydrogen itself is a highly flammable gas that, when burned, produces heat and water rather than carbon dioxide.

This makes it an attractive alternative fuel for industries seeking to lower emissions.Hydrogen is already widely used in sectors such as petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing and fertiliser production.

However, the majority of hydrogen currently produced around the world relies on fossil fuels. When hydrogen is generated using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, it is known as “green hydrogen” because of its lower environmental footprint.

The massive project in Namibia is being led by Enertrag through a joint venture known as Hyphen Hydrogen Energy. The company believes Namibia possesses some of the best natural conditions on Earth for producing green hydrogen at scale.

According to project developers, the region benefits from intense sunlight and powerful coastal winds, creating ideal conditions for renewable electricity generation. By combining these natural advantages with large-scale electrolysis facilities, the project aims to produce hydrogen fuel for export to international markets, particularly in Europe.

Yet the chosen location for the project has sparked intense debate. The development is planned within Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park, a vast protected area covering approximately 26,000 square kilometres along Namibia’s southern coastline.

The park’s name means “Soft Sands” in the Nama language and reflects the unique desert terrain that defines the region. Established in 2004, the park occupies land once known as the “Sperrgebiet,” a German term meaning “Restricted Area.”

During the early 20th century, German colonial authorities sealed off this region after diamonds were discovered there. Strict controls prevented most human activity for decades in order to protect mining interests.When the diamond rush eventually subsided, the long period of isolation allowed an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life to flourish.

Today the region is considered one of the most biologically unique desert environments in the world.Environmental organisations say this fragile ecosystem could be severely disrupted by the introduction of large industrial facilities.The Namibian Chamber of the Environment has warned that construction of solar panels, wind turbines and supporting infrastructure may damage habitats that support rare desert species.

In particular, scientists are concerned about unusual succulent plants that have evolved remarkable survival strategies to endure the harsh environment.These plants often store water in their tissues or reflect sunlight to reduce heat absorption adaptations that allow them to thrive in one of the planet’s most unforgiving climates.

Conservationists fear that large-scale development could push many of these species closer to extinction.Chris Brown, head of the Namibian Chamber of the Environment, has argued that the project should not be described as “green hydrogen” at all. Instead, he suggests it could become “red hydrogen,” referring to the risk that the development could push vulnerable species onto the biodiversity “red list.”

Brown also accuses wealthier countries supporting the project of applying double standards.According to him, nations such as Germany would be unlikely to permit similar industrial developments inside their own most protected natural areas. Yet they appear willing to support such projects abroad in countries seeking economic investment.“The Germans would never allow their premier national parks to become industrial zones,” Brown said.

“But they seem comfortable exporting the environmental risks to Namibia.”The environmental concerns extend beyond land ecosystems. Namibia’s southern coastline forms part of the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area, one of the largest marine conservation zones in Africa.

This coastal stretch extends roughly 400 kilometres along the South Atlantic and supports an extraordinary variety of marine life. Among its most notable inhabitants are the critically endangered African penguins, whose populations have declined sharply in recent decades.The Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds has raised alarms about the potential impact of the hydrogen project on marine ecosystems.

The organisation operates from the small port town of Lüderitz, historically known for its fishing industry. If the hydrogen project proceeds, the town could undergo dramatic expansion to support new shipping and industrial infrastructure.Neil Shaw, a representative from the seabird conservation group, warns that proposed port expansions could damage especially sensitive marine habitats.

He notes that the planned development areas include regions where penguins and other coastal birds depend on rich marine ecosystems for food.From his office overlooking a lagoon where flamingos gather, Shaw says even relatively small disruptions could have significant consequences for wildlife populations.“If development occurs in these highly sensitive zones, the impacts on marine ecosystems could be severe,” he said.

Project developers insist they are aware of the environmental risks and are working to minimize them.Representatives from Hyphen Hydrogen Energy say environmental impact assessments are currently underway. According to the company, careful planning will ensure that the project avoids the most ecologically sensitive areas within the park.

Toni Beukes, the company’s head of environmental, social and governance initiatives, says the southern region of Namibia offers a rare combination of wind and solar resources that are essential for producing green hydrogen at globally competitive prices.She argues that if Namibia hopes to establish itself in the emerging hydrogen economy, it must take advantage of locations where renewable energy potential is strongest.

“The south offers an exceptional overlap of wind and solar resources,” Beukes explained. “If Namibia wants to compete with other hydrogen projects around the world, that’s where the country’s advantage lies.”The debate reflects a broader global challenge: balancing urgent efforts to transition toward cleaner energy with the need to protect fragile ecosystems.

Supporters of the project emphasize the potential economic benefits. Large-scale hydrogen production could create jobs, attract international investment and help Namibia position itself as a major player in the future energy market.

Opponents argue that renewable energy projects should not come at the cost of irreplaceable natural environments.As Namibia weighs its ambitions for a green energy future, the fate of its rare desert plants and endangered penguins may become a defining test of how the world pursues sustainability without sacrificing biodiversity.

“We see actions by the United States aimed at trying to stabilize energy markets. In this respect, our interests coincide,” Peskov said in remarks carried by Russian media.

The comments followed an announcement by Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury secretary, who said Washington had issued a temporary authorization allowing countries to purchase Russian oil cargoes already in transit at sea. The measure extends a similar waiver that had previously applied only to refiners in India.

Bessent said the authorization was narrowly designed to ease market volatility without significantly benefiting the Russian government.

“This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government,” he said in a statement posted on social media.According to Bessent, most Russian energy revenue is generated through taxes assessed at the point of extraction rather than through shipments already in transit.

The decision comes as oil markets react sharply to rising geopolitical risks linked to the widening conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

The waiver has drawn mixed reactions in European capitals, where officials have warned that any easing of restrictions on Russian energy exports could indirectly support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.Katherina Reiche, Germany’s economy minister, said she was concerned the measure could help finance Russian military operations.

“I am concerned that we are further filling Putin’s war chest,” Reiche said in Berlin.At the same time, she acknowledged that the U.S. administration faced mounting domestic pressures linked to rising energy costs.“It seems to me that domestic political pressure in the United States is very, very high,” she said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a firmer stance, saying it was wrong to ease sanctions on Russia for any reason. Similar concerns were voiced by Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, who said sanctions should remain in place.

Oil prices remained elevated above $100 per barrel on Friday as investors reacted to intensifying geopolitical risks. Markets have been particularly sensitive to threats involving the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies.

Equity markets also declined amid fears that an extended conflict could disrupt energy flows and intensify inflationary pressures on the global economy.

With the conflict entering its third week and no resolution in sight, analysts say investors are increasingly focused on the potential economic consequences of prolonged instability in energy markets.

The Paris-based agency is expected to publish the recommendation at 1300 GMT on Wednesday, shortly before leaders of the Group of Seven hold a virtual meeting chaired by Emmanuel Macron to discuss coordinated measures to stabilize energy markets.

A source said the proposed release would be spread over at least two months. Sara Aagesen, Spain’s energy minister, said participating countries could have up to 90 days to release the volume if the plan is adopted.

Aagesen described the proposal as unprecedented in scale compared with previous coordinated actions. During the energy shock following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, around 182 million barrels were released from strategic reserves, she said.

The current proposal would more than double that amount, reflecting concerns among major economies about the impact of the Iran conflict on global oil markets and energy security.

The International Energy Agency coordinates emergency oil stockpiles among major consumer nations, a system established after the oil shocks of the 1970s to provide a buffer against severe supply disruptions.

Leaders of the Group of Seven are scheduled to discuss the proposal in a meeting led by France on Wednesday after the bloc’s energy ministers voiced support for using strategic reserves to counter market volatility.

“In principle, we support the implementation of proactive measures to address the situation, including the use of strategic reserves,” G7 energy ministers said in a joint position.

A G7 source told Reuters that while there is currently no physical shortage of crude oil among member states, sharply rising prices and market volatility have prompted governments to consider coordinated intervention.

Oil prices initially surged following the escalation of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, though markets later rebounded as traders questioned how effective a large reserve release would be in easing supply concerns.

Tomas Kaberger, chair of the Tokyo-based institute’s executive board, said the crisis had underscored Japan’s exposure to supply disruptions and rising fuel costs as tensions in the region intensify.

Japan relies on the Middle East for about 95% of its crude oil imports and roughly 11% of its liquefied natural gas supplies, according to industry estimates. Around 70% of its oil shipments and 6% of LNG imports typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.

The halt in tanker traffic through the strait has triggered sharp increases in fuel prices, placing additional pressure on energy-importing economies such as Japan.

“When fossil fuel imports are cut, the power plants stop and your cars stop running,” Kaberger told Reuters in an interview last week, describing the risks posed by reliance on overseas fuel supplies.

He said the current crisis involving Iran served as a reminder that fossil-fuel dependence exposes economies to geopolitical tensions and price volatility.

The renewed focus on energy security comes as Japan marks 15 years since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which transformed public attitudes toward nuclear power and reshaped the country’s energy policy.

Kaberger cautioned against viewing nuclear energy as a long-term solution, arguing that large centralized power plants could be vulnerable to modern military threats such as drones and precision strikes.

He pointed to damage inflicted on energy infrastructure during the Russia-Ukraine war as evidence that large facilities can be targeted during conflicts.

Instead, Kaberger said decentralized renewable systems including solar, wind and battery storage could provide stronger resilience because they distribute generation across multiple locations.

He added that advances in renewable technology have altered Japan’s long-standing perception of resource scarcity. While the country was historically considered resource-poor due to limited reserves of oil, coal, gas and uranium, falling costs of solar and wind power have shifted the landscape.

“In the 21st century, with solar, wind and battery technologies becoming the world’s cheapest forms of power generation, Japan is resource-rich,” Kaberger said.

Authorities said the directive applies nationwide and is intended to cut electricity consumption and reduce traffic congestion, which officials say contributes to higher fuel use. University campuses in the country consume large amounts of electricity for residential halls, classrooms, laboratories and air-conditioning systems, placing additional strain on the national power grid.

Officials said the early closure of universities is part of emergency measures designed to ease pressure on the country’s power system as energy supplies tighten.

Government and private schools in Bangladesh are already closed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, meaning most educational institutions across the country will remain shut during this period.

The decision comes as Bangladesh faces growing uncertainty over fuel and gas supplies following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The country relies on imports for about 95% of its energy needs, making it highly vulnerable to volatility in international fuel markets.Authorities imposed daily limits on fuel sales on Friday after panic buying and stockpiling intensified pressure on domestic supplies.

As part of wider efforts to reduce electricity consumption, the government has also asked foreign-curriculum schools and private coaching centres to suspend operations during the same period.

Severe gas shortages have already forced Bangladesh to halt operations at four of its five state-run fertiliser factories, redirecting available gas to power plants to prevent widespread electricity outages. The country has also turned to the spot market to purchase liquefied natural gas at sharply higher prices while seeking additional cargoes to bridge supply gaps.

“We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies,” a senior energy ministry official said.