Odisha today stands at the threshold of a historic transformation— one driven not merely by economic ambition, but by a deep commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and inclusive development. As a Member of Parliament representing Jajpur, one of India’s fastest-growing industrial districts, I have witnessed firsthand how the state’s bold policy direction is reshaping its energy and industrial landscape. The Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 (OREP-2022) has set the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient power ecosystem, targeting nearly 10.96 GW of renewablecapacity by 2030. This vision is not just forward-looking—it is imperative for a state with rapidly expanding industrial corridors and surging power demand. One of the most transformative pillars of this transition is the Floating Solar and Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) framework. Odisha has innovatively turned its natural and industrial assets— reservoirs, water bodies, and mining landscapes—into engines of green growth. The Floating Solar Guidelines 2025 recognise more than 5,000 MW of immediate floating solar potential, with a broader technical potential of up to 33,000 MW across the state’s reservoirs. Floating solar is not merely a renewable energy solution; it conserves water, avoids land conflicts, reduces algae formation, and enhances irrigation security— benefits that profoundly impact rural communities.
In parallel, the Odisha PSP Policy 2025 positions our state as India’s largest green energy battery. PSPs offer the longduration storage required to integrate large volumes of solar and wind energy, helping the grid withstand intermittency while ensuring 24×7 power reliability. The policy outlines a transparent allocation model—balancing nomination routes for public sector undertakings with competitive bidding and revenuesharing structures for private developers, beginning at 10 paise per unit of energy sent out. With 45 identified PSP sites, Odisha is poised to lead India in storageled renewable integration. This is crucial for industrial hubs like Jajpur, Kalinga Nagar, the Steel Capital of India and Paradip, where uninterrupted power is the backbone of economic growth.
Jajpur’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse—embedded in the Kalinga Nagar–Gopalpur Green Industrial Corridor—makes this energy transition even more essential. The corridor integrates steel, ferrochrome, chemicals, and emerging green hydrogen capacities with renewable energy solutions. It has attracted investments exceeding ₹1.15 lakh crore and promises more than 36,000 jobs in its latest phase alone. As energyintensive industries expand, renewable energy must shoulder the responsibility of keeping power affordable, reliable, and sustainable.
This is where Odisha truly excels— by aligning its industrial vision with its energy strategy. The state’s Industrial Policy Resolution 2022 embeds incentives for renewable energy, green manufacturing, floating solar parks, and climate-resilient infrastructure, creating a seamless link between economic ambition and environmental responsibility. Today, Odisha is India’s fastest-growing industrial investment hub, with an industrial GSVA CAGR of 10%, contributing 51% to the state economy, and attracting over ₹1.8 lakh crore in approvals in the last year alone.
Equally inspiring is Odisha’s leadership in green hydrogen, backed by world-class port infrastructure at Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra. With more than ₹2 lakh crore committed to upcoming hydrogen and ammonia projects, Odisha is emerging as a national and global hub for clean fuels—strategically linked to Japan, Korea, and Europe through our eastern coastline. This shift aligns perfectly with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and strengthens Odisha’s position as a future-ready industrial state.
As we march toward Odisha Vision 2047, the message is clear: the state is committed to building a clean, competitive, and climate-resilient economy. This roadmap calls for green energy adoption, circular industrial practices, climate adaptation measures, and a skilled workforce capable of driving the green transition—an agenda essential not just for Odisha’s prosperity but also for the well-being of future generations.
For me, as the representative of Jajpur, this journey is personal. Our district, with its dynamic industrial growth and deep cultural heritage, must also become a model for sustainable development. The people of Odisha have always lived in harmony with nature. Today, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure that our growth strengthens this bond rather than strains it.
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In this spirit, I firmly believe that Odisha’s energy transition will not only power our industries but also empower our citizens. It will create new livelihoods, reduce environmental risks, make power more affordable, and position Odisha as a global leader in clean energy and green manufacturing.
Insights shared by: Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, Member of Parliament (LS), Jajpur, Odisha
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