Odisha Partners with NTU Singapore and IIT Bhubaneswar to Lead Renewable Energy Innovation

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has taken a monumental step toward renewable energy leadership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar. Spearheaded by Odisha’s Energy Department, this partnership aims to drive innovation, decarbonize industries, and position Odisha as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

This landmark initiative aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2070 and Odisha’s vision for a Viksit Odisha (Developed Odisha). The collaboration is expected to address critical challenges in energy security and sustainability while contributing significantly to India’s broader energy transition goals.

The partnership will focus on pioneering advancements in solar, wind, hydro, and waste-to-energy technologies. It also aims to explore innovations in energy storage systems, including battery energy storage systems, pumped storage projects, and green hydrogen technologies. In addition, the initiative will promote research in microgrid technology using distributed renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building designs, grid integration strategies, and climate sciences, creating a robust ecosystem for renewable energy development in Odisha.

A vital component of this collaboration is capacity building, which includes professional training programs and opportunities for student and faculty exchanges. These efforts aim to cultivate a globally competitive workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges in the renewable energy domain, ensuring that Odisha becomes a hub for expertise and innovation in this critical sector.

The MoU signing coincided with the visit of Singapore’s President, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is in India from January 14 to 18, 2025, to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. As part of this strengthened partnership, Singapore has also been announced as the first Country Partner for Odisha’s flagship event, the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025, scheduled for January 28-29.

The signing ceremony in Bhubaneswar was graced by several dignitaries, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat, and Odisha’s Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo and Prabhati Parida. Senior officials from NTU, IIT Bhubaneswar, and the Odisha Government also participated, underscoring the significance of this collaboration.

This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Odisha’s journey toward sustainability, innovation, and energy independence. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering international partnerships, the state is poised to become a global leader in renewable energy, setting an example for the rest of India and the world. The MoU reaffirms Odisha’s commitment to creating a greener, more prosperous future for its citizens while contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.