The 25th CII Energy Efficiency Summit 2026 concluded in Hyderabad, bringing together government stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers, cleantech startups, academia, researchers and sustainability experts to discuss the next phase of India’s energy transition. Held under the theme “Accelerating the transition to a Net Zero economy through energy efficiency, clean technologies, and sustainable practices”, the three-day Summit focused on the role of energy efficiency in strengthening industrial competitiveness and advancing India’s Net Zero ambitions.
The discussions highlighted that energy efficiency has evolved from a cost-saving and compliance measure into a strategic driver of economic growth and decarbonisation. Participants emphasised the need to integrate energy efficiency with electrification, renewable energy, clean technologies, digital intelligence, innovative financing and resource efficiency to build a more competitive and resilient industrial economy.
The Summit also hosted the 27th CII National Award for Excellence in Energy Management 2026, recognising organisations and professionals for leadership and innovation in energy efficiency. The awards recorded 315 recognitions, with 263 industries across more than 15 sectors sharing best practices, technologies and approaches. Recognition was presented across categories including National Energy Leader, Excellent and Energy Efficient Units, Most Innovative Project and Useful Presentation, and Young and Emerging Leaders in Energy Efficiency.
Sector-focused platforms further expanded the agenda. The 22nd CII Power Plant Summit examined thermal power plant efficiency, flexibility, sustainability and digitalisation, alongside the release of the CII Thermal Power Plant Benchmarking Report 2026. The 20th CII PaperTech 2026 explored technology, innovation and operational excellence in the pulp and paper sector and released the Best Practice Manual in Paper Sector – Volume 14, featuring 11 case studies from manufacturers and technology providers in India and five other countries.
Other platforms addressed green steel, CBAM implications, AI and digitisation, industrial electrification, heat pumps, cleantech, MSME decarbonisation and industry-academia collaboration. The CII Heat Pump Alliance launched the India Heat Pump Atlas, mapping more than 2,200 installations representing around 288 MW of thermal capacity, based on installation records contributed by 13 technology partners.
The Summit also saw the launch of the MSME Marketplace and the CII-JK Cement Industrial Innovation Accelerator. The publication The Energy Efficiency Imperative: Lessons from the Past, Leadership for the Future was also released, bringing together insights from more than 30 policymakers, industry leaders, regulators and institution-builders.
CII2,500 stakeholders and over 60 national and international speakers, the Summit provided a platform for collaboration and action. An exposition featuring more than 75 innovative technologies and solutions showcased emerging opportunities across energy efficiency, clean technology and sustainable growth.
