Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Solar Investor Conclave, organized by GRIDCO Limited and iFOREST (International Forum for Environment Sustainability and Technology), showcased the state’s ambitious renewable energy goals and its commitment to achieving 7.5 GW of solar capacity by 2030. This initiative is a crucial step towards Odisha’s larger vision of adding 10.95 GW of renewable energy capacity by the same year.
The event brought together over 150 commercial and industrial consumers, 100 solar developers, and more than 400 participants to discuss investment opportunities and foster partnerships.
Key districts like Sundargarh (15.23 GW), Angul (14.06 GW), Balangir (11.62 GW), Jharsuguda (11.45 GW), and Dhenkanal (9.70 GW) are identified as hubs for solar energy development.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized Odisha’s commitment to renewable energy and highlighted the state’s conducive investment climate and robust system to harness solar energy. He stated, “Our Prime Minister has shown the way forward for 2070. Solar is a key driver for the state’s growth and Odisha has everything possible going for it. Our investment climate is conducive, we have a robust system in place and we have the willpower to harness it.”
Principal Secretary of Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, reiterated the state’s focus on clean and affordable energy, emphasizing that the demand for sustainable energy solutions is essential to combat climate change.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan, President and CEO of iFOREST, stressed the importance of a green economy, with clean energy serving as the primary driver for sustainable growth. He projected that the potential for renewable energy in Odisha will continue to expand significantly over the next five years.
Trilochan Panda, Managing Director of GRIDCO Ltd, highlighted the substantial potential of 200 GW for solar energy in Odisha, pointing out that incentives and an encouraging ecosystem are fostering the rapid development of the renewable energy sector.
The Odisha Solar Investor Conclave effectively brought together key stakeholders—solar developers, consumers, investors, government officials, and civil society—to create a roadmap for expanding solar capacity, fostering integration, and building a supportive policy framework for renewable energy growth.
