Odisha has announced its transition from a power-sufficient state to a "power-empowered" one, unveiling an ambitious energy roadmap aimed at enhancing renewable capacity, bolstering grid resilience, and transforming transmission infrastructure. Speaking at a regional energy ministers’ conference in Patna, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo outlined a vision to derive 61% of Odisha’s power from non-fossil sources by 2036. The state has already contracted nearly 3,904 MW of new capacity and plans to invest in pumped storage, floating solar, offshore wind, and tidal energy, while requesting Central support for funding and power allocations to sustain momentum in its energy transformation.
A Shift from Power Sufficiency to Empowerment
Odisha is redefining its role in India’s energy landscape. Once content with meeting its energy needs, the state is now pursuing power empowerment—becoming a self-reliant and resilient energy hub with a strong tilt toward sustainability.
Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, who oversees Odisha’s power portfolio, announced this shift during the Eastern Regional Conference of Energy Ministers and Secretaries, chaired by Union Power Minister Manoharlal in Patna.
“Our current peak demand of 6,242 MW is being fully met,” Singh Deo stated, “but we are now focused on building capacity that ensures not only sufficiency but strategic empowerment through green energy and resilience.”
Renewable Ambitions: 61% Non-Fossil Energy by 2036
Odisha is targeting a 61% share of non-fossil energy sources in its power portfolio by 2036, marking a bold pivot toward cleaner energy. The roadmap involves:
- 11,294 MW of new generation capacity to be added by 2036.
- A breakdown that includes solar, wind, hydro, pumped storage, and distributed renewable energy (DRE).
- Of this, 3,904 MW has already been contracted, signifying tangible progress.
This renewable push aligns Odisha with India’s national commitments under international climate agreements and supports the Centre’s goal of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Grid Resilience and Infrastructure Upgrades
To ensure that this expanded energy portfolio is supported by robust infrastructure, Odisha is focusing on grid modernization and transmission efficiency. By 2030, the state will have:
- 225 substations.
- 20,939 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines.
- A total transformation capacity of 45,369 MVA.
The government has also implemented islanding schemes for major grids to prevent large-scale blackouts in the event of system failures—an approach gaining relevance amid increasingly erratic climate-induced disruptions.
Power Evacuation Corridors and Renewable Integration
Odisha is developing renewable power evacuation corridors to streamline the transmission of electricity from its renewable energy projects. Key projects include:
- Hirakud–Kolabira–Duburi
- Indravati–Theruvali–Gopalpur
- Theruvali–Jayanagar 400 kV LILO at Jayanagar Pooling Station
- Balimela to Kolab to Jayanagar Pooling Station
These corridors are critical in transmitting solar and wind power to demand centers and enabling grid balance.
Efficiency Gains and DISCOM Performance
A major achievement has been the reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, which dropped from 29.5% in FY21 to 16.5% in FY25. This is a notable improvement in the efficiency of power distribution and revenue collection.
In addition, three out of four DISCOMs (distribution companies) in Odisha earned A+ ratings in the 12th and 13th Annual Rankings of Power Distribution Utilities, placing them among the top 10 utilities nationwide.
These outcomes reflect stronger operational governance, enhanced metering systems, and customer service improvements across the state’s power ecosystem.
Odisha’s Requests to the Central Government
While the state’s progress is commendable, its future trajectory depends on collaborative federal support. Odisha has sought Central assistance on multiple fronts:
- Rs. 6,284 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
- Financial support for disaster-resilient power infrastructure.
- Allocation of 800 MW from the NLC Talabira Phase II project.
- Approval under the Green Energy Transmission Corridor Projects.
In addition, Odisha has asked for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for emerging renewable ventures, including:
- Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs).
- Floating solar and offshore wind installations.
- A tidal energy feasibility study for the state’s coastline.
These proposals underscore the state’s ambition to become a renewable energy innovation hub, leveraging both land-based and marine assets.
Final Thoughts: Odisha's Vision for Energy Leadership
Odisha’s energy strategy is an instructive model for other Indian states navigating the energy transition. The state's multi-pronged approach—spanning renewables, resilience, and reform—illustrates how regional governments can play a decisive role in India’s decarbonization and energy security agenda.
By aligning state planning with national vision and proactively seeking public-private partnerships and central support, Odisha is not just keeping the lights on—it is illuminating a new pathway to sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready power governance.
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