Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, announced the formation of a dedicated task force involving all stakeholders to achieve India’s ambitious goal of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Power, was unveiled during the valedictory session of the two-day Chintan Shivir held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Minister emphasized the urgent need to install 288 GW of renewable energy in the next six years, requiring an estimated investment of ₹42 lakh crore, including transmission infrastructure. To overcome challenges in the renewable energy sector, he called for collective efforts from all stakeholders.
The Chintan Shivir brought together 117 industry leaders, 67 state and PSU representatives, and 12 key renewable energy-producing states. Reiterating India’s commitment to the “Panchamrit” goals announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Joshi stressed the importance of achieving the 2030 target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity. He also announced the organization of hackathons for startups in the renewable energy sector to foster innovation and promote the indigenization of technologies. Plans for a new Joint Centre of Excellence for R&D in collaboration with the Ministry of Power were also disclosed, along with measures to expedite Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and enforce Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).
Highlighting Odisha’s renewable energy potential, Shri Joshi noted the state’s 140 GW solar capacity and its strategic advantages for green hydrogen production due to its coastline and port infrastructure. The Minister also mentioned significant investments in Odisha’s renewable energy manufacturing sector, including a 6,000 MW solar manufacturing unit in Dhenkanal District with ₹9,000 crore investment and a 1,000 MW facility in Bhubaneswar with ₹730 crore investment. Additionally, he revealed the PM Surya Ghar Yojana’s milestone of over 5 lakh installations by November 2024 and ongoing discussions to expand the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for domestic solar module manufacturing.
Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, expressed the state’s commitment to supporting the Union Government in achieving the “Panchamrit” targets. Secretary MNRE, Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, and Principal Energy Secretary of Odisha, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, highlighted the Shivir’s role in fostering dialogue and inter-ministerial coordination. The two-day event, which commenced on November 14, 2024, included 17 sessions on critical topics such as solar and wind energy deployment, green hydrogen, energy storage, transmission planning, and policy development. These sessions featured participation from key stakeholders, including financial institutions, industrialists, government officials, and CEOs, aimed at advancing India’s renewable energy journey.
