Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is committed towards achieving 7.5 GW of solar energy by 2030 as part of its renewable energy policy, said KV Singhdeo, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy on Monday.
“The government 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 will power to harness it,” said Singhdeo in his keynote address at the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave, organized in Bhubaneswar.
The government’s target of 7.5 GW solar capacity by 2030 is part of the state’s larger vision to add 10.95 GW of renewable energy capacity by the same year, he added.
The conclave was organised by GRIDCO Limited and iFOREST (International Forum for Environment Sustainability and Technology). It brought together more than 150 commercial and industrial consumers, 100 solar developers and 400 participants to explore investment opportunities, foster partnerships, and discuss the enabling policy framework designed to transform Odisha into a solar energy hub.
In his inaugural address, Vishal Kumar Dev, principal secretary, Energy department, said, “Odisha is on the cusp of a transformative energy transition. The demand for clean and affordable energy has never been more important to address the global challenge of climate change. This conclave is a testament to our commitment to clean energy.”
Solar power currently accounts for 21% of Odisha’s total 2,938 MW renewable energy capacity, including hydro power. This includes 508 MW of ground-mounted, 58 MW of rooftop, and 42 MW of off-grid solar capacity. Around 28% of the 1,343 MW of renewable energy is in the development pipeline.
Top districts for solar potential include Sundargarh (15.23 GW), Angul (14.06 GW), Balangir (11.62 GW), Jharsuguda (11.45 GW), and Dhenkanal (9.70 GW).
Speaking about the Odisha Solar Conclave being a precursor to Utkarsh Odisha or Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, Managing Director, GRIDCO Ltd, Trilochan Panda said, “We have found that a modest potential of 200GW is available in the state currently. A large chunk will come from floating solar, rooftop solar and PM Kusum. A lot of incentives have been given by the state to promote renewable energy.”
President and CEO of iFOREST, Chandra Bhushan said, “A green environment is only possible if we build a green economy. And clean energy is its biggest driver. There is demand, potential to supply and favourable conditions for the sector to grow. Five years from now, the potential of renewable energy will expand.”
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