A Milestone Achievement: Odisha inks landmark pact with Tony Blair Institute
The initiative expected to bolster energy sector reforms in Odisha and other states, as well.
By Sukanta Kumar Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, June 19: In a notable step towards advancing sustainable energy initiatives, the Government of Odisha on Thursday entered into a tripartite Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. The pact, designed to foster cooperation in the energy sector, was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of former UK Prime Minister and TBI executive chairman Tony Blair and Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
As per the agreement, Odisha will take a leading role in setting up a Community of Practice for Energy Ministers from various Indian states. The initiative seeks to build a dynamic forum for policy discussion and knowledge sharing on energy transition and sectoral reforms. The inaugural conference of state energy ministers under this platform is scheduled to be hosted in Odisha later this year.
Applauding Odisha’s progressive approach to power sector reforms, Mr Blair observed, “Odisha has a proven track record in pioneering electricity reforms and, in recent years, has positioned itself as an attractive destination for renewable energy investments. The challenges it faces, stemming from its mineral-based industries and coal-reliant power plants, are distinctive — but equally noteworthy is its commitment to a greener, low-carbon future.” He reaffirmed TBI’s continued partnership with the state in advancing sustainable and inclusive energy strategies.
Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo underlined Odisha’s strategic focus on achieving net-zero emissions while adopting international best practices in its energy transition journey. He also emphasised that addressing social challenges, including distress migration from western Odisha, would remain a central policy concern as the state charts a low-carbon development course.
The partnership builds upon TBI’s ongoing collaboration with the Odisha government. Significantly, the institute has already extended its support in drafting Odisha’s Artificial Intelligence Policy, which was recently approved by the state cabinet.
Speaking on the occasion, TBI’s India Country Director, Vivek Agarwal, lauded Odisha’s leadership in integrating energy and emerging technologies. “The creation of the Energy Ministers’ Community of Practice is a landmark initiative that positions Odisha prominently within India’s energy transition discourse,” he said.
The Letter of Intent was formally signed by Vivek Agarwal on behalf of TBI, Professor Sachidanand Tripathi, Dean of IIT Kanpur, and Debidutta Tripathy, Financial Advisor-cum-Additional Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Odisha.
Caption: Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) and Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo greet each other on the sidelines of the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and the Government of Odisha in New Delhi on Thursday.
