Renewable Energy: OCF Signs MoU With AIC-NITF To Promote Entrepreneurs In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Corporate Foundation (OCF) and AIC Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation (AIC-NITF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote entrepreneurship in the field of renewable energy in Odisha.

OCF, a non-profit organisation dedicated to social service prioritising development of Odisha, also announced its partnership with Atal Incubation Centre Nalanda (AICN).

The MoU was signed between AICN’s chief executive officer Durga Prasad Gouda and OCF chairman Hrushikesh Behera on the occasion of virtual inauguration of Solar Energy Conclave 2020 organised by AICN. 

Participating in a panel discussion titled, ‘Renewable Energy for Inclusive Development – Policies and Strategies,’ International Solar Alliance’s Director General Upendra Tripathy, who was the chief guest on the occasion, discussed different ways to promote and utilise renewable energy in Odisha. He emphasised on steps to make renewable energy accessible to each household and generating employment opportunities in the field.

The MoU will broaden the arena of entrepreneurship and take the state on the path of progress so far as solar energy is concerned, said Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) Director (Human Resources) Santanu Rath.

“So far as utilising solar energy is concerned, there are many issues and challenges in our state which need to be addressed. If we can address these issues, we can be self-reliant in energy needs and face natural disasters more effectively,” said Nalco’s former chairman-cum-managing director Dr Tapan Kumar Chand.

Former secretary of the Centre Maheswar Sahu said the start-up scenario of Odisha is changing fast and the youths are now keen on becoming entrepreneurs. “We need to encourage them to work for utilising solar power,” he noted. 

ORERA Chairperson Siddhant Das said solar power holds enormous potential for development of the country. It is the best substitute of coal-fired energy, he added.

Highlighting the challenges associated with producing and utilising renewable energy, Prof Saroj Kumar Nayak of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) said production of low-cost solar panels is a challenge. “If we can produce solar panels at reasonable cost, all households can be self-sufficient in energy need,” he pointed out.

Innolia Energy’s Market Consultant Tapan Kumar Mohanty said since renewable energy creates less pollution, it is a sustainable way to meet energy requirements. OCF is playing an important role in developing this sector by promoting start-ups, he added.

Chirasthaee Urja Samadhaan (CUS) Director Banamali Dash praised the initiatives of OCF to inform and make aware the investors about the solar power sector.