Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday highlighted Odisha’s vision to become a Green Energy State by 2036 with a strong focus on reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
Inaugurating the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 (GELS 2025) in Puri, the Chief Minister said Odisha has made the energy supply chain a major component of its development strategy. This strategy is set to transform Odisha into a green energy state with drastic reduction in use of fossil fuel, he said.
Stating that uninterrupted electricity in rural areas is crucial, he said the state is investing substantially in the energy sector to secure the future of its youth. “Electricity is critical infrastructure that will always help make us self-reliant,” he said.
Like Odisha, all states must prioritise their own energy production and conservation, the Chief Minister said, describing GELS 2025 as a pioneering initiative which brings together central and state governments, industries, researchers, institutions, and global energy experts to chart a clear national roadmap for sustainable and clean energy.
On India’s energy landscape, Majhi said that before 2014, the country struggled with inadequate power generation and prolonged outages, especially in rural regions. Now, with robust policy support and rapid infrastructure development, India has achieved significant growth in both conventional and renewable energy over the past 11 years.
The CM also underlined the need to balance generation with efficient distribution infrastructure. With thermal power now accounting for only 51% of India’s total power generation—and expected to fall further—Odisha has devised a long-term strategy for sustainable growth. The state is committed to contributing to India’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and renewable energy has been given priority in Odisha’s industrial policy, where it is recognised as a household industry.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, speaking at the summit, appreciated Odisha’s progress in clean energy and announced the approval of 1.5 lakh solar homes for the state, expected to benefit nearly eight lakh people. He said India’s solar capacity has risen from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 130 GW, with Odisha playing a significant role in the country’s energy transition.
Addressing the summit, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair congratulated Odisha and emphasised that successful energy transitions require sustained, multi-government efforts over time—a core purpose of GELS 2025.
Welcoming delegates, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the Konark Sun Temple stands as India’s timeless symbol of its connection with energy. He said Odisha aims to achieve widespread renewable energy adoption in industry and agriculture by 2030 and emerge as a major hub for clean energy, manufacturing, and green hydrogen by 2036, when the state completes 100 years.
Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood, Rajasthan Energy Minister Heera Lal Nagar, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Energy Department Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, and several national and international energy experts attended the event.
