Odisha has huge potential to tap renewable energy

By Swagatika Bhutia

BHUBANESWAR, FEB. 9: The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) on Thursday released a report on Odisha’s renewable energy (RE) potential using the latest data and methodology.

The report titled ‘Odisha Renewable Energy Potential Re-assessment: Focus on Solar, Wind and Biomass’ was released at a meeting chaired by Nikunja Bihari Dhal, additional chief secretary, Odisha.

“Our report essentially highlights that in contrast to the general perception, Odisha has significant RE generation potential and can emerge as a major RE state. Our research shows that even with modest use of wasteland and reservoir area, Odisha can install over 170 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity. This is six to seven times higher than the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) estimate,” said Chandra Bhushan, CEO and president, iFOREST at the release event.

In some districts like Koraput, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, Angul and Keonjhar, the solar potential is as good as states like Karnataka and Gujarat, which are currently dominating the RE industry, added Mr Bhushan

Speaking at the meeting, the additional chief secretary Mr Dhal said, “The OREP 2022 is a very ambitious policy. We have given best in class incentives to enable RE in the state. We want Odisha to become a leading player in the RE sector. And from the iFOREST report it is clear that there is enough potential in the state to achieve the policy goals and beyond.”

Odisha’s new industrial policy resolution which was released in the recently held ‘Make in Odisha Conclave 2022’ aims at transforming the state into the most preferred investment destination for green mining and manufacturing. Green manufacturing will create renewable energy jobs and lead the next phase of economic growth in the state, said the additional chief secretary.

Also speaking at the function Mr Trilochan Panda, Managing Director, GRIDCO Limited said, that “the partnership with iFOREST is designed to deliver cutting edge research and ensure capacity development of the sector. We look forward to working together to achieve the goals set under of the OREP, 2022.”

The iFOREST report aims to support RE sector growth in the state, aligned with the objectives of the recently released Odisha Renewable Energy Policy (OREP), 2022. As per the policy, Odisha needs 21,700 megawatts (MW) of new RE capacity by 2029-30 to meet the new renewable purchase obligations (RPO). Of this, about 16,000 MW is required by industries for captive use and 5,700 MW by the utility.

RPO is a central government policy under which all obligated entities, distribution companies, captive power generators and open-access consumers must meet a minimum amount of their electricity requirement through RE. The RPO target for 2029-30 is 43.33%. So, in 2029-30, nearly 45% of utility and captive electricity demand in Odisha has to be met from renewable sources.