Odisha stands today at the forefront of India’s energy transformation — pioneering reforms, scaling renewable capacity, and building long-duration storage solutions that will shape India’s clean energy future. Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Odisha, in an exclusive interaction with Abhineet Kumar & Elma Fatima of Elets News Network (ENN), reflects on the State’s achievements, policy direction, and long-term vision. Edited excerpts:

Odisha’s power sector has been showcased as a national model. How would you describe the State’s energy landscape today?

Odisha’s power sector has undergone a profound transformation grounded in structural reforms, innovation, and institutional strengthening. The State today maintains a power-surplus status, meeting its peak demand of 6,242 MW without load shedding — supported by 9,000 MW of contracted capacity, close to 12,000 MW of captive capacity, and a diversified supply mix where renewables contribute nearly 43% of the energy basket.

On the transmission side, Odisha has consistently maintained 99.9% system availability, with 16,964 CKm of lines and 26,944 MVA transformation capacity, projected to expand to 21,824 CKm and 50,169 MVA by 2035.

Distribution reforms have been equally remarkable. With DISCOMs serving 98 lakh consumers, Odisha’s AT&C losses have reduced from 29.48% to 16.55%, and three DISCOMs have secured top national rankings for access, affordability and reliability. GRIDCO continues to anchor bulk power procurement and renewable energy development.

Odisha’s long-term planning — including Vision 2036 and 2047 — envisions non-fossil capacity growing from 61% in 2036 to 74% by 2047, firmly positioning the State as a clean energy champion.

Renewable energy is central to Odisha’s development agenda. How is the State advancing solar, wind, small hydro, floating solar, and pumped storage?

Odisha has laid out a robust renewable energy roadmap through the OREP 2022 and the Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) Policy 2025, targeting 10.96 GW RE capacity addition by 2030 — including 7,500 MW solar, 2,000 MW wind, 260 MW small hydro, and 1,200 MW PSP capacity.

With over 33,000 MW of pre-feasibility floating solar potential, the State issued January 2025 Operational Guidelines to streamline reservoir allocation, technical feasibility, safety, and project approvals. Key reservoirs like Hirakud, Rengali, Upper Indravati, and Upper Kolab have been earmarked for large-scale FSPV deployments. Floating solar reduces land pressure, lowers evaporation, and enhances reservoir productivity.

The PSP Policy 2025 aims to harness Odisha’s significant pumpedstorage potential—including 45 State-identified PSP sites and additional self-identified sites proposed by developers, together representing nearly 50 GW of prospects. The policy establishes a transparent framework for site allocation, Right-of-First-Refusal provisions, competitive bidding, VGF eligibility, and BOOTbased development, ensuring that long-duration storage becomes a central pillar of Odisha’s renewable balancing strategy.

OHPC is executing 1,700 MW of PSP capacity across Upper Indravati, Upper Kolab, and Balimela, while private players have proposed over 11,000 MW of storage.

Wind assessments are underway for 1,600 MW potential, and small-hydro schemes (93.95 MW) have been tendered. Together, these initiatives diversify Odisha’s RE profile and strengthen energy resilience.

The PSP Policy 2025 has drawn industry-wide attention. What makes this policy vital for Odisha’s future grid stability?

The PSP Policy 2025 reflects the State’s recognition that longduration storage is indispensable for a renewable-driven future. Pumped storage is the most cost-effective option for managing peak demand, frequency fluctuations, and renewable intermittency

As the policy notes, PSPs provide black start capability, spinning reserves, peak shifting, and instantaneous response to load changes.

Key Policy Provisions

• 45 State-identified PSP sites to be allocated via nomination or competitive revenue-share/tariff-based bidding.
• Self-identified PSPs permitted, with a revenue share starting at ₹0.10/unit, escalating 10% every five years.
• RoFR: State holds 80% RoFR for State-identified projects and 50% RoFR for self-identified ones.
• Zero water cess, no cross-subsidy surcharge on input energy, and BOOT model (40-year concession).

Odisha’s peak demand is projected to rise to 10,023 MW by 2036 and 16,730 MW by 2047. PSPs will enable firm, round-the-clock renewable supply, support industrial green power, and accelerate the State’s ambitions in green hydrogen, green ammonia, and lowcarbon manufacturing.

Odisha is deploying rooftop solar, solar irrigation, and distributed renewables at scale. How do these support the State’s inclusive energy vision?

Odisha is committed to making clean energy accessible, affordable, and inclusive through a range of distributed renewable initiatives.

PM Surya Ghar — Muft Bijli Yojana

The State is targeting 3 lakh rooftop solar installations by FY 2026– 27 with a ₹1,800-crore outlay. Households receive up to ₹1,38,000 in combined CFA + State aid for 3 kW systems. DISCOMs have already commissioned 17,376 rooftop systems. The innovative ULA Model caps consumer contribution at ₹5,000 per kW, ensuring universal affordability.

Solar Irrigation Under PM-KUSUM

• 7,561 solar pumps installed, with 8,150 more being commissioned.
• 50 MW under Component-A already tied up.
• 40.53 MW under feeder solarisation (C2).

Rural Energy & Livelihood Improvement

• Solar cold rooms: 28 operational, 27 upcoming
• Mini-grid and streetlight rehabilitation across over 9,000 rural assets

E-Mobility & Pilots

• 112 EVs deployed in DISCOM operations
• Solar-powered electric boats being piloted in Chilika
• Green hydrogen buses being introduced on key routes — Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark and Cuttack — marking one of India’s early hydrogen mobility pilots.

These programmes ensure that Odisha’s energy transition uplifts farmers, households, and rural communities alongside industry.

What is your long-term vision for Odisha’s energy future, and how does GELS Puri 2025 contribute to this direction?

Odisha’s Vision 2036 and 2047 establish a bold, future-ready energy roadmap focused on sufficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

Vision 2036

• Total capacity: 22,276 MW
• 61% non-fossil share
• Peak demand: 10,023 MW

Vision 2047

• Total capacity: 29,993 MW
• 74% non-fossil share
• Peak demand: 16,730 MW

A major part of this transition hinges on:

• Large-scale floating solar parks
• Reservoir-based solar + PSP hybrid systems
• Offshore and onshore wind
• Distributed rural renewables
• Modernised transmission & digital grids
• Green hydrogen centres and RE R&D ecosystems

Role of GELS Puri 2025
GELS Puri 2025 is a landmark platform that brings together India’s state energy ministers, global innovators, investors, and sector leaders.

Also Read | Odisha Is Reinventing Energy for a Net-Zero Future

Through high-level dialogues, technical deep dives, and ministerial roundtables, it will:

• Shape national consensus on energy transition
• Facilitate cross-state learning
• Establish a Community of Practice for continuous collaboration
• Lead to the Puri Declaration, a shared blueprint for India’s energy future

The summit strengthens Odisha’s leadership in steering India’s energy pathway and positions the State as a national centre for clean-energy innovation.

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