Odisha Poised to Lead India’s Green Economy, Creating 10 Lakh Jobs by 2030, Says CEEW Study

Bhubaneswar: A new study by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) reveals that Odisha has the potential to create approximately 10 lakh new full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs and attract INR 3.5 lakh crore (USD 42 billion) in investments by 2030 across key green sectors. These sectors include energy transition, circular economy, and bio-economy with nature-based solutions.

The study was launched today at the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave by Anu Garg, Development Commissioner cum Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department, Government of Odisha. The findings suggest that this transformation could directly contribute INR 2 lakh crore (USD 24 billion) to Odisha’s GDP, boosting it by 23 percent and positioning the state as a leader in India’s green growth.

The CEEW study titled “How a Green Economy Can Deliver Jobs, Growth and Sustainability in Odisha” identifies 28 green value chains, which span across seaweed cultivation, bamboo processing, floating solar, e-waste recycling, and more. These value chains hold immense economic potential for the state.

Among the 28 identified sectors, 14 value chains in the energy transition, such as solar, wind, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle manufacturing, could attract investments worth INR 1.5 lakh crore and generate 4 lakh new jobs by 2030. Further, the bio-economy and nature-based solutions sector—including initiatives like sustainable packaging, bio inputs for agriculture, mangrove restoration, agroforestry, and seaweed cultivation—has the potential to create over 5 lakh jobs, contributing INR 26,000 crore to the state’s economy.

In addition, sustainable tourism is highlighted as a major opportunity, leveraging Odisha’s rich cultural and ecological heritage to drive inclusive growth in underserved regions.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW, emphasized Odisha’s pioneering role in India’s green transition. “India’s transition to a green economy will be shaped by the vision and actions of its states, and Odisha is leading the charge,” he said. He pointed out that the state’s efforts in securing global climate funding and adopting climate budgeting demonstrate how bold policy innovation can drive transformative change.

Dr Ghosh highlighted the state’s potential to leverage its natural resources and critical minerals to become a hub for green industries, from solar to seaweed. He stressed that Odisha’s leadership offers a blueprint for aligning economic growth with climate resilience, which could influence India’s journey towards a sustainable and equitable future.

The study also delves into promoting a circular economy in Odisha, with initiatives in recycling and reuse expected to generate over 30,000 new jobs and INR 10,000 crore in market opportunities by 2030. Key value chains like lithium-ion battery recycling, plastic waste management, and electronic waste processing are seen as crucial to addressing environmental challenges while establishing high-value industries that align with global sustainability goals.

Abhishek Jain, Director of Green Economy and Impact Innovations at CEEW, pointed out that this study sheds light on green opportunities that are often overlooked by policymakers and industrialists. He stressed the importance of a whole-of-government approach through the Green Odisha Initiative, which aims to integrate resources and overcome challenges in scaling up green sectors. Success will rely on engaging the private sector and local communities to create new markets, expand skills, and ensure equitable development across the state.

One of the study’s key findings is the potential for higher jobs-to-investment ratios in sectors like the circular economy and bio-economy compared to renewables. With 12 times more FTE jobs per crore of investment in the circular economy and 9 times in the bio-economy, these sectors offer an attractive route to job-intensive growth and inclusive development.

The study also recommends the Green Odisha Initiative as a comprehensive plan to scale these green value chains across the state. By focusing on areas such as coastal regions for seaweed farming and industrial zones for urban waste recycling, the initiative will establish department-specific goals and prioritize green investments. It also proposes skill-building programs to prepare Odisha’s workforce for green jobs, while fostering private sector partnerships to channel investments into emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and battery recycling.

The CEEW study paints an optimistic picture for Odisha’s green future, with a focus on creating sustainable jobs and boosting economic growth. By combining policy coherence, resource mobilization, and stakeholder collaboration, the Green Odisha Initiative aims to deliver a sustainable and inclusive economic transition, benefiting all regions of the state.