Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward accelerating Odisha’s renewable energy goals, a high-level meeting on wind energy was held today at the Lokseva Bhavan conference hall under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The meeting focused on exploring the state’s wind energy potential, addressing challenges, and laying out a roadmap to boost capacity in line with India’s clean energy targets.
Speaking at the meeting, Singh Deo emphasized that combining wind and solar energy is essential to building a stable and reliable energy grid. He noted that Odisha, with its long coastline, barren hilltops, and favorable wind corridors, is uniquely positioned to harness wind power in a significant way. India’s experience with wind energy stretches back more than four decades, and Odisha is now looking to leverage its natural advantages to contribute meaningfully to the country’s green transition.
The meeting included a detailed discussion on the production potential of wind energy, the infrastructural and logistical challenges involved, and feasible strategies to overcome them. The state’s efforts are aligned with India’s nationally determined commitments (NDCs), which aim to achieve 50 percent of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by South Africa-based renewable energy firm Eveready. The company outlined its proposal to establish wind turbines in select districts of Odisha, presenting technological solutions and investment plans suited to the state’s topography and energy needs. Arijit Das, South Asia Business Head of Eveready, elaborated on their international experience and expressed interest in collaborating with the Odisha government to develop long-term clean energy infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Principal Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev; GRIDCO Managing Director, Dr. Satyapriya Rath; FA-cum-Special Secretary Debidutta Tripathy; and Additional Secretary Saidutta Biplab Keshari. Senior officers from the departments of irrigation and water resources, agriculture and farmers’ empowerment, and energy also participated in the deliberations.
The discussions reflect Odisha’s proactive approach to diversifying its energy mix and tapping into the global momentum toward renewables. With strategic partnerships and sustained government support, the state is positioning itself to emerge as a leader in wind energy generation in eastern India.
