Bhubaneswar: Shri Vishal Dev, Additional Chief Secretary for Energy and Electronics & Information Technology, is on an overdrive for Green Energy development in Odisha. Under his leadership, Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) is spearheading a massive shift toward a decentralized green energy ecosystem. Shri Dev is currently directing the strategic rollout of the Rooftop Solar Program and the PM-KUSUM scheme, ensuring that renewable energy becomes a cornerstone of the state’s industrial and rural development.
This mission has already seen the successful installation of 28.3 MW of rooftop solar capacity across government infrastructure. By utilizing public buildings as solar hubs, the state is actively reducing its reliance on conventional power while moving toward a 2036 target of meeting the entire electricity demand of government offices through clean energy.
In the agricultural landscape, the deployment of nearly 5,000 solar pumps under PM-KUSUM is transforming rural livelihoods. These installations provide farmers with a reliable, cost-effective irrigation solution that removes the burden of diesel costs and grid fluctuations. This effort is a key component of the state’s broader goal to reach one lakh solar installations within the next decade.
The scale of these initiatives is supported by a robust investment climate, with approximately 67,000 crore rupees earmarked for a diverse portfolio of renewable projects, including solar, wind, and pumped storage. Additionally, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is rapidly gaining traction in the residential sector, with tens of thousands of households in Odisha now producing their own power and achieving zero-cost electricity bills.
As Odisha approaches its centenary in 2036, the focus remains on building a sustainable and self-reliant energy future. Through the coordinated efforts of the Energy Department and OREDA, the state is successfully translating high-level policy into tangible economic and environmental benefits for its citizens.