Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy during his keynote address at the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave in Bhubaneswar.
Organized by GRIDCO Limited and iFOREST, the conclave spotlighted Odisha’s goal of achieving 7.5 GW of solar capacity by 2030, as part of its larger vision to add 10.95 GW of renewable energy capacity within the same timeframe.
“The Government of Odisha is committed to renewable energy. Our Prime Minister has shown the way forward for 2070. Solar is a key driver for the state’s growth, and Odisha has everything possible going for it. Our investment climate is conducive, we have a robust system in place, and we have the willpower to harness it,” Singh Deo emphasized, underlining the state’s ambition to become a solar energy leader.
Principal Secretary of Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, echoed the sentiment in his inaugural address, describing Odisha as being on the verge of a transformative energy transition. He highlighted the rising demand for clean and affordable energy to combat global climate change, positioning the state as a beacon of renewable energy development.
The conclave brought together over 150 commercial and industrial consumers, more than 100 solar developers, and over 400 participants. Discussions centered on investment opportunities, fostering partnerships, and enabling policy frameworks to position Odisha as a solar energy hub.
With solar power currently accounting for 21% of Odisha’s 2,938 MW renewable energy capacity, the state’s potential remains untapped. Districts like Sundargarh, Angul, Balangir, Jharsuguda, and Dhenkanal emerged as key areas with high solar potential, aligning with their status as industrial hubs.
Trilochan Panda, Managing Director of GRIDCO Ltd, revealed that Odisha’s renewable energy potential stands at a modest 200 GW, with significant contributions expected from floating solar, rooftop solar, and the PM-KUSUM initiative. The event set the stage for robust collaboration between stakeholders to drive Odisha’s solar ambitions forward.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan, President and CEO of iFOREST, emphasized the critical link between clean energy and a green economy, noting the favorable conditions and demand for renewable energy to propel the sector’s growth in the coming years.
