The Global Wind Day pre-event conference highlights the potential of Odisha in renewable energy

IREDA and MNRE host a pre-event, Global Wind Day, to highlight Odisha’s renewable energy potential.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) joined forces to host a significant pre-event conference at the Welcome Hotel in Bhubaneswar in celebration of Global Wind Day.

Despite the absence of Joint Secretary (MNRE) Lalit Bohra due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr. B. K. Mohanty, Director (Finance) of IREDA, delivered his compelling speech. Dr. Mohanty underscored India’s rapid progress in renewable energy, particularly highlighting initiatives in Odisha undertaken by the Indian government.

The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) shared groundbreaking statistics, revealing that India possesses a substantial onshore wind potential of 1,164 GW at a height of 150 metres above sea level, with Odisha alone contributing 12 GW to this estimate.

Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of IREDA, expressed optimism about Odisha’s untapped potential in green energy, envisioning the state as a future hub for green hydrogen projects. He emphasised the pivotal role of Odisha in advancing sustainable energy efforts and reiterated its significance in the national landscape.

As of March 31, 2024, IREDA has disbursed loans totaling ₹1,25,917 crores to the renewable energy sector nationwide, with ₹26,913 crores specifically allocated to wind power projects across various states. Notably, Odisha has received a substantial ₹1,637 crore in loans for renewable energy initiatives.

Das highlighted the pivotal role of the Renewable Energy Policy 2022 in Odisha, designed to attract investments in clean energy ventures, including the manufacturing of clean energy technologies such as floating solar, green hydrogen, and green ammonia. He encouraged stakeholders in green energy technology to seize the burgeoning opportunities available in Odisha and other states, emphasising their critical role in India’s sustainable energy future.