MNRE and IREDA conference highlight Odisha’s green energy potential

The MNRE and IREDA hosted a pre-event for Global Wind Day in Bhubaneswar, highlighting India’s renewable energy progress and Odisha’s significant potential.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), in partnership with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), hosted a pre-event conference for Global Wind Day at the Welcome Hotel in Bhubaneswar.

Dr B. K. Mohanty, Director (Finance), IREDA, read Lalit Bohra’s speech, in which he emphasised the rapid development of renewable energy across India and the initiatives taken by the Government of India, including Odisha. Bohra was unable to attend the conference in person due to various unforeseen circumstances. According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), India’s onshore wind potential is estimated at 1,164 GW at 150 metres above ground level, with Odisha’s potential of 12 GW.

In his keynote talk, Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of IREDA, emphasised Odisha’s tremendous green energy potential and exciting opportunities. He highlighted Odisha’s ability to lead in green hydrogen projects, emphasising the state’s essential role in furthering sustainable energy efforts. As of March 31, 2024, IREDA had disbursed a total of ₹ 1,25,917 crores in renewable energy loans, including ₹ 26,913 crores to wind power projects around the country. Specifically, IREDA has disbursed a loan of ₹ 1,637 crore for renewable energy projects in Odisha.

Das also emphasised Odisha’s Renewable Energy Policy 2022, which seeks to stimulate investment in clean energy, with a particular emphasis on RE manufacturing and developing technologies such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, and floating solar. He reiterated the critical importance of harnessing renewable energy for long-term national growth and urging renewable energy developers to exploit growing opportunities in Odisha and other states.