Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 (GELS 2025) in Puri, highlighting Odisha’s vision to become a Green Energy State by 2036 through a strong focus on clean energy, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
Addressing the summit, the Chief Minister said Odisha has made the energy supply chain a central pillar of its development strategy. He stressed that uninterrupted electricity in rural areas is crucial and that the state is investing heavily in the energy sector to secure the future of its youth. “Electricity is critical infrastructure that will always help make us self-reliant,” he said.
Majhi noted that like Odisha, all states must prioritise their own energy production and conservation. Describing GELS 2025 as a pioneering initiative, he said the summit brings together central and state governments, industries, researchers, institutions, and global energy experts to chart a clear national roadmap for sustainable and clean energy.
Reflecting on India’s energy landscape, the Chief Minister said that before 2014, the country struggled with inadequate power generation and prolonged outages, especially in rural regions. He credited the last decade’s improvements to the vision of the Prime Minister and proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Power. With robust policy support and rapid infrastructure development, India has achieved significant growth in both conventional and renewable energy over the past 11 years.
He also underlined the need to balance generation with efficient distribution infrastructure. With thermal power now accounting for only 51% of India’s total power generation—and expected to fall further—Odisha has devised a long-term strategy for sustainable growth. The state is committed to contributing to India’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and renewable energy has been given priority in Odisha’s industrial policy, where it is recognised as a household industry.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, speaking at the summit, appreciated Odisha’s progress in clean energy and announced the approval of 1.5 lakh solar homes for the state, expected to benefit nearly eight lakh people. He said India’s solar capacity has risen from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 130 GW, with Odisha playing a significant role in the country’s energy transition.
Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, addressing the summit virtually, congratulated Odisha and emphasized that successful energy transitions require sustained, multi-government efforts over time—a core purpose of GELS 2025.
Welcoming delegates, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the Konark Sun Temple stands as India’s timeless symbol of its connection with energy. He said Odisha aims to achieve widespread renewable energy adoption in industry and agriculture by 2030 and emerge as a major hub for clean energy, manufacturing, and green hydrogen by 2036, when the state completes 100 years.
The event was attended by Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood, Rajasthan Energy Minister Heera Lal Nagar, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Energy Department Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, and several national and international energy experts.
