New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, today met with former UK Prime Minister and Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) here to forge a significant partnership aimed at accelerating sustainable energy solutions and a low-carbon future for India.
The meeting at the Taj Palace Hotel culminated in the signing of a tripartite Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Energy Department of the Government of Odisha, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. This collaboration marks a crucial step in Odisha’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and adopting strategic approaches aligned with international best practices.
Under the terms of the LoI, Odisha will take the lead in establishing a “community of practice” for Energy Ministers from various Indian states. This initiative will culminate in a conference of State Energy Ministers to be held in Odisha later this year, positioning the state at the forefront of national discussions on energy policy and sustainable development.
Mr. Blair acknowledged Odisha’s pioneering efforts in electricity reforms and its success in attracting significant investments in the renewable energy sector over the past year. He also recognized the unique challenges faced by the state due to its mineral-based industries and thermal power plants, expressing TBI’s readiness for continued collaboration to overcome these hurdles.
Deputy CM Singh Deo reiterated Odisha’s unwavering commitment to a low-carbon future. The discussions also touched upon the issue of distress migration, particularly from the western parts of Odisha, highlighting the broader socio-economic considerations intertwined with the state’s development agenda.
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has been a consistent partner in Odisha’s developmental journey, having previously supported the state’s Artificial Intelligence Policy, which recently received cabinet approval.
Vivek Agarwal, TBI Country Director for India, emphasized Odisha’s leadership in both energy and technology, calling it a “new benchmark for Indian states.” He added that the launch of the Energy Ministers’ Community of Practice is a “significant milestone” and that TBI is proud to be part of this endeavor.
The Letter of Intent was officially signed by Sri Agarwal on behalf of TBI, Professor Sachidanand Tripathy, Dean, IIT Kanpur, and Debidutta Tripathy, Additional Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Odisha.