Odisha's Energy Revolution: A Year of Transformative Progress and Sustainable Development
A Year of Commitment to Energy Reform
By Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo
Since taking office in June 2024, our administration has prioritized energy reform as a cornerstone of our development strategy. As we mark our first anniversary, I am excited to highlight how the Energy Department has not only met this commitment but has also established Odisha as a leader in sustainable development within eastern India.
Transforming the Power Sector
The evolution of Odisha's power sector is a testament to our progress. Once facing challenges in meeting electricity demands, we now adeptly handle a peak load of 6,200 MW, bolstered by a robust 12,000 MW of captive generation and 9,000 MW secured through long-term contracts.
A key aspect of this achievement is our dedication to clean energy. Currently, 43% of our total capacity is derived from renewable sources, with an ambitious goal to add an additional 15,000 MW by 2036. This initiative is not merely about fulfilling energy requirements; it is about ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Public Sector Initiatives in Infrastructure
Our public sector enterprises have played a crucial role in this transformation:
The Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) operates 1,740 MW of thermal capacity and is expanding with plans for 1,320 MW of coal-based power and 50 MW of solar energy.
The Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) oversees 2,100 MW of hydroelectric capacity and is leading the way with 1,700 MW of pumped storage projects. We have also identified nine additional sites with a potential of 11,380 MW, showcasing our strategic approach to integrating renewable energy with necessary storage solutions.
Ambitious Green Goals with Global Significance
Our clean energy strategy is highly ambitious. By 2030, we aim to achieve 10.96 GW of renewable capacity and produce 6.3 million metric tons of green ammonia annually, a vital step in reducing carbon emissions in both industrial and transportation sectors.
The outcomes are evident: since June 2024, our Single Window Committee has approved 1,160 MW of renewable projects, attracting investments exceeding Rs 95,000 crore. This financial influx not only enhances our energy infrastructure but also generates thousands of jobs throughout the state.
Strengthening the Grid Network
Reliable power delivery is essential to our development agenda. The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) boasts an impressive network with 99.9% availability across 16,512 Circuit Kilometres of transmission lines. Strategic enhancements, such as the 220kV Ring System in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, have significantly improved our grid's resilience.
Looking ahead to 2035, OPTCL plans to expand its network to 50,169 MVA and 21,824 CKM, with transformative projects like the Green Energy Evacuation Corridor and a 765kV high-voltage line already underway.
Excellence in Distribution and Rural Empowerment
Our accomplishments in power distribution are equally noteworthy. We have achieved 99% household electrification, serving over 97 lakh consumers statewide. Our Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses have decreased to 17.71%, indicating substantial operational improvements.
The recognition has been significant: three of our DISCOMs received A+ ratings from the Power Finance Corporation, and NITI Aayog ranked Odisha third nationally for access, affordability, and reliability of power services.
Grassroots Initiatives for Sustainability
Our dedication to sustainability reaches every part of Odisha:
We have installed over 4.5 lakh solar irrigation pumps, benefiting our agricultural community. Additionally, 485 government buildings have been solarized, along with 561 solar streetlights and 50 solar water kiosks in rural areas.
The PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been particularly successful, with over 5 lakh rooftop solar systems benefiting 2.4 lakh homes. Our goal is to solarize 3 lakh households by 2026-27.
In our commitment to sustainable transportation, we have integrated 112 electric vehicles into our DISCOM fleet and are replacing 1.1 lakh conventional fans and 2,800 air conditioners in government offices with energy-efficient alternatives.
Attracting Investments and Industry Collaborations
At the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025, we showcased our appeal to major investors by signing nine MoUs with central PSUs, securing commitments worth Rs 1.24 lakh crore for projects totaling 18,316 MW.
Our co-hosting of the ‘Chintan Shivir’ by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Solar Investor Conclave in late 2024 attracted over 100 solar developers and 150 commercial entities, solidifying Odisha’s status as a prime destination for clean energy investments.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for a Developed Odisha
As we move forward, our achievements in the energy sector symbolize more than just numbers—they reflect our vision of a developed Odisha contributing to a developed Bharat. Each megawatt of clean energy we produce, every household we electrify, and every green job we create brings us closer to this vision.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sri Mohan Charan Majhi, we have demonstrated that a state can achieve energy security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship simultaneously. Our success story is being observed and emulated across the nation.
The energy revolution we have initiated in this first year is merely the beginning. With transparent governance, strategic investments, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Odisha’s energy sector will continue to illuminate new opportunities for a prosperous future.
As we progress, we remain dedicated to our foundational principle: development that is inclusive and environmentally conscious for future generations. This is not just our promise to the people of Odisha; it is our contribution to India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in sustainable development.
Author's Note
The author is the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha in charge of Energy and Agriculture & FE Department.