Central Minister K.V. Singh Deo of Odisha advocates for federal aid to construct strong, eco-friendly power infrastructure that is resilient.
Revamped Energy Vision for Odisha: A Green, Resilient, and Future-Ready State
Step into the power-packed journey of Odisha, a state redefining its energy sector with a bold, green, and resilient approach. At a recent conference in Patna, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and energy minister K.V. Singh Deo emphasized Odisha's commitment to transform its power infrastructure for a more sustainable future.
Embracing the Chair of Union power minister Manohar Lal, Singh Deo declared, "Odisha has evolved from power-sufficient to power-empowered. We are strategically investing in renewables, grid resilience, transmission planning, and financial reforms." The state aims to set an example, becoming a model in energy transformation.
Elevating RenewablesOdisha's ambitious targets center around non-fossil fuel power sources, with a whopping 61% of the state's power capacity planned to hail from renewables by 2036. The state intends to add 11,294 MW of green energy capacity, with a chunk (3,904 MW) already under contract. Renewable power corridors, like Hirakud-Kolabira-Duburi and Indravati-Theruvali-Gopalpur, are under development to fuel this transformation.
Power Boost and Distribution ExcellenceSingh Deo showcased Odisha's achievements in power distribution with a notable drop in AT&C losses—plummeting from 29.5% in FY21 to 16.5% in FY25. Impressively, three distribution companies (DISCOMs) have earned A+ ratings, ranking among the top 10 performing utilities in India.
Asking for a Helping HandThe Deputy CM appealed to the Union government for funding assistance, requesting Rs 6,284 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Additionally, he sought viability gap funding for green projects and allocation of 800 MW from the NLC Talabira II project.
key officials, including energy principal secretary Vishal Dev and Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) chairman and managing director Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, were among the attendees.
In the broader scheme, Odisha's power sector vision aligns with the state's goal to become a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2047, concentrating on sustainability, equity, and climate resilience. By focusing on renewables, energy storage, infrastructure resilience, rural electrification, governance reforms, and green urban planning, Odisha aims to create a power sector that is predominantly renewable, technologically advanced, climate-resilient, and inclusive by 2036.
- In line with Odisha's goal to become a leading state in renewable energy, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the strategic investment in environmental science, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy to 61% of the state's power capacity by 2036.
- As part of the energy transformation in Odisha, the state is focusing not only on the production of renewable energy but also on the financing of such projects, with requests for funding assistance from the Union government and allocations for green projects.
- The renewable energy industry in Odisha is not only about generating power but also about ensuring its efficient distribution, with significant improvements in power distribution statistics, such as a drop in AT&C losses, and top-performing distribution companies in the country.
