Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, Vishal K Dev, Principal Secretary Energy and E&IT chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from NITI Aayog to solidify Odisha’s energy transition agenda. The national think tank has proposed ten key workstreams to drive this program, with a strong focus on:
- Scaling Up Renewable Energy: A major goal is to boost renewable energy generation to 4.5 GW.
- EV and Battery Storage: The plan includes strengthening the ecosystem for electric vehicles and associated battery storage solutions.
- Industrial Decarbonization: Promoting the use of green hydrogen and electrification to reduce emissions in industrial sectors.
- Grid Modernization: Enhancing both distribution and transmission grids to accommodate the influx of new energy sources.
The roadmap also includes strategies for improving coordination with central government initiatives, increasing energy efficiency, and expanding pumped hydro storage. The development of a skilled workforce aligned with Odisha’s skill development plans is also a key component. A robust financing and risk framework, along with the identification of pilot areas, has been suggested to fast-track implementation.
Under Shri Dev’s leadership, Odisha is positioning itself as a model for energy transformation. The state is actively working towards its “Renewable Energy Policy 2022,” which aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy. Odisha has set aggressive targets, aiming to meet 33% of its power needs from renewable sources by 2036 and an impressive 50% by 2047. The state’s energy department, with Dev at the helm, is mobilizing investments and implementing projects to achieve these goals, including significant pumped storage projects and other renewable energy initiatives.
Shri Dev has consistently highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach that extends beyond the energy department. The state’s strategy calls for an integrated effort involving various government departments, including Industry, Health, Urban Development, and Agriculture, to ensure their respective strategies are aligned with the state’s green energy objectives. This holistic approach is designed to drive accountability, foster innovation, and deliver measurable progress in Odisha’s journey toward a sustainable and empowered energy future. Sources