Odisha to Lead National Energy Ministers’ Forum as State Signs Tripartite Pact with IIT Kanpur and Tony Blair Institute

Bhubaneswar: In a major development aimed at accelerating India’s clean energy transition, the Government of Odisha today signed a tripartite Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) at an event held at New Delhi. The agreement was formalized in the presence of Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister K.V. Singh Deo and former UK Prime Minister and TBI Executive Chairman, Tony Blair.

Under the LoI, Odisha will take the lead in establishing a “Community of Practice” comprising Energy Ministers from various Indian states. The initiative aims to foster collaboration, policy exchange, and joint action on energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, and climate goals. A national-level conference of State Energy Ministers is scheduled to be held in Odisha later this year as the first step towards operationalising the platform.

Tony Blair acknowledged Odisha’s pioneering efforts in the energy sector, especially its proactive reforms and growing investments in renewables over the past year. He noted the unique challenges Odisha faces due to its concentration of mineral-based industries and thermal power plants and emphasized TBI’s continued support to help the state achieve sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.

Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to building a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. “Odisha is adopting a strategic and globally aligned approach to its energy transition goals, including achieving net-zero emissions. Our leadership in convening this platform reflects our determination to collaborate, innovate, and lead from the front,” he said.

The meeting also included discussions on the issue of distress migration, particularly from western Odisha, and explored how sustainable energy development can play a role in addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region.

The Tony Blair Institute has previously supported Odisha in formulating its Artificial Intelligence Policy, which has already received cabinet approval, further strengthening the state’s reputation as a forward-looking governance model.

Vivek Agarwal, TBI’s Country Director for India, lauded Odisha’s progressive stance on energy and technology. “The launch of this Energy Ministers’ Community of Practice is a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a sustainable future. Odisha’s leadership is setting new benchmarks for other states to follow,” he said.

The LoI was formally signed by Professor Sachidanand Tripathy, Dean at IIT Kanpur, Vivek Agarwal on behalf of TBI, and Debidutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary of the Odisha Energy Department.