Bhubaneswar, Dec 24 (Representative) Odisha government is committed to achieving 7.5 GW of solar capacity by 2030, as part of the state’s larger vision to add 10.95 GW of renewable energy capacity by the same year. This was disclosed at the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave, organized here by GRIDCO Limited and iFOREST (International Forum for Environment Sustainability and Technology). Delivering his keynote address, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister K V Singh Deo said Odisha government is committed to renewable energy. Solar, he said is a key driver for the state’s growth and Odisha has everything possible going for it. Singh Deo said “ Our investment climate is conducive, we have a robust system in place and we have the will power to harness it”. The conclave, brought together over 150 commercial and industrial consumers, more than 100 solar developers and 400 participants to explore investment opportunities, foster partnerships, and discuss the enabling policy framework designed to transform Odisha into a solar energy hub.
Principal Secretary, Energy Vishal Kumar Dev said, “Odisha is on the cusp of a transformative energy transition. The demand for clean and affordable energy has never been more important to address the global challenge of climate change. This conclave, he said is a testament to our commitment to clean energy. Solar power currently accounts for 21 percent of Odisha’s total 2,938 MW renewable energy capacity, including hydro. This includes 508 MW of ground-mounted, 58 MW of rooftop, and 42 MW of off-grid solar capacity. Nearly 28 percent of the 1,343 MW of renewable energy in the development pipeline.Top districts for solar potential include Sundargarh (15.23 GW), Angul (14.06 GW), Balangir (11.62 GW), Jharsuguda (11.45 GW), and Dhenkanal (9.70 GW) and these districts are also Odisha’s key industrial hubs. Speaking about the Odisha Solar Conclave being a precursor to Utkarsh Odisha or Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, Managing Director, GRIDCO Ltd, Trilochan Panda said, “We have found that a modest potential of 200 GW is available in the state currently.
He said a large chunk will come from floating solar, rooftop solar and PM Kusum. A lot of incentives have been given by the state to promote renewable energy. The ecosystem is very encouraging.” President and CEO of iFOREST, Dr. Chandra Bhushan said, “A green environment is only possible if we build a green economy.There is demand, potential to supply and favourable conditions for the sector to grow. Five years from now, the potential of renewable energy will expand”, he said. The conclave demonstrated that a massive market is right here within the state. The event saw robust participation from solar developers, consumers, investors, government and civil society, who discussed roadmaps to solar expansion, solar integration, and building a policy ecosystem that prioritizes ease of doing investments.