Pralhad Joshi Highlights Odisha’s Potential to Emerge as a Major Renewable Energy Hub

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has highlighted Odisha’s vast potential to emerge as a key player in India’s renewable energy sector, emphasizing plans for large-scale solar power and green hydrogen production.

Speaking at the concluding session of the two-day Chintan Shivir 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Joshi praised the state’s renewable energy capacity, which is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving India’s ambitious energy goals. He noted Odisha’s strategic importance, given its long coastline and robust port infrastructure, which make it an ideal location for solar and green hydrogen projects.

“Odisha holds a remarkable solar energy potential of 140 GW, with plans to further explore innovative solutions like floating solar panels. The state’s opportunities for green hydrogen production align perfectly with the national push to meet the ‘Panchamrit’ targets outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Joshi said.

The Union Minister also shared details of two major renewable energy projects underway in Odisha. A 6,000 MW solar module manufacturing facility is being established in Dhenkanal district with an investment of ₹9,000 crore. Another project in Khordha, Bhubaneswar, is set to develop a 1,000 MW capacity solar module and cell manufacturing unit, with an investment of ₹730 crore.

Joshi emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the domestic renewable energy sector, including organizing hackathons for startups, expanding the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar modules and cells, and ensuring assured offtake agreements to support the indigenization of renewable technologies.

Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the Union Government in meeting renewable energy targets, including the ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

The Chintan Shivir saw the participation of over 117 industry leaders, 67 representatives from states and PSUs, and 12 major renewable energy-producing states. The event included 17 sessions that covered critical topics such as solar and wind energy deployment, green hydrogen, energy storage, and policy development.

Concluding the event, Minister Joshi expressed optimism about the collaborative roadmap developed during the sessions. He stressed the importance of finalizing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in a timely manner, enforcing Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), and fostering inter-ministerial coordination to overcome challenges in the renewable energy sector.