Secretary of MNRE Meets with Chief Secretary of Odisha to Review Progress
Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, recently convened a meeting with Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Shri Manoj Ahuja, and other senior officials to discuss two key initiatives: the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY). These programs are part of the Indian government’s strategy to promote renewable energy and enhance the country’s green hydrogen capabilities, with Odisha positioned as a potential leader in this transition.
Odisha’s Role in Green Hydrogen Transition
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized Odisha’s strategic advantages in leading India’s green hydrogen transition. He acknowledged the challenges the state faces, including water availability, the integration of large-scale renewable energy, and the development of necessary infrastructure. However, he pointed out that Odisha’s coastal location, strong industrial base, and proactive policy framework create favorable conditions for the state to emerge as a global exporter of green hydrogen derivatives. Secretary Sarangi echoed this sentiment, noting that Odisha is attracting significant interest from domestic investors for the production of green hydrogen derivatives, such as green ammonia and green methanol, particularly near key ports like Paradip and Gopalpur.
The meeting also brought together senior officials from various central ministries and leading green hydrogen developers to discuss the challenges involved in developing large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, especially at the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gopalpur. These discussions aim to create a comprehensive roadmap for India’s rapidly evolving green hydrogen ecosystem.
Commitment to Collaborative Ecosystem
The Government of Odisha reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that positions the state as a preferred investment destination for the production and export of green hydrogen derivatives. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to ensure timely implementation of projects that will enhance the state’s role in the green energy sector. The focus is on creating an environment conducive to investment and innovation, which is essential for scaling up green hydrogen production.
The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, private investors, and industry leaders. By working together, these groups aim to address the challenges facing the green hydrogen sector and unlock the potential for significant economic growth and job creation in Odisha.
Advancements in Rooftop Solar Initiatives
In addition to green hydrogen initiatives, the meeting also focused on the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY), a flagship program aimed at promoting rooftop solar adoption across India. The MNRE reviewed the performance of the state in this initiative alongside the Chief Secretary. Following the review, directives were issued to District Collectors to accelerate the pace of rooftop solar installations throughout Odisha.
Chief Secretary Ahuja stressed the need for regular State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meetings to engage with vendors and bankers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring prompt loan sanctioning and disbursement to facilitate the implementation of rooftop solar projects. Additionally, he recommended the adoption of a Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, particularly targeting low-income households that wish to install systems below 1 kW capacity.
The Ministry also shared best practices from other states regarding agricultural solarization under the PM KUSUM scheme. In response, the Chief Secretary directed the State Nodal Agency to implement feeder-level solarization to extend the benefits of clean energy to the farming community, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Future Prospects for Renewable Energy in Odisha
The discussions during the meeting reflect a significant commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives in Odisha. With a focus on green hydrogen and solar energy, the state is poised to play a crucial role in India’s transition to a sustainable energy future. The collaborative efforts between the state government, central ministries, and private sector stakeholders are expected to pave the way for innovative solutions and investments in the renewable energy sector.
As Odisha continues to develop its capabilities in green hydrogen production and rooftop solar installations, it is likely to attract further investment and interest from both domestic and international players. This could not only enhance the state’s economic prospects but also contribute to India’s broader goals of achieving energy security and sustainability.
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