Odisha Green Energy Roadmap: Trillion-Dollar Vision by 2047
Odisha, the mineral-rich eastern state of India, has unveiled one of the country’s boldest renewable energy strategies, aspiring to become a $500 billion economy by 2036 and a $1.5 trillion powerhouse by 2047. With a clear focus on solar, wind, green hydrogen, and pumped hydro projects, the Odisha Green Energy roadmap positions the state as a potential clean energy leader, capable of reshaping India’s energy future.
The strategy, prepared in collaboration with NITI Aayog under the “Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat” initiative, promises to increase renewable energy share from the current 18% to 70% by 2047. With investments worth ₹2.5–3 lakh crore planned over the next 12–15 years, the roadmap is a mix of ambition, innovation, and strategic foresight—though not without challenges.
Solar at the Core of Odisha’s Energy Future
Solar energy forms the backbone of Odisha’s green vision. The state has identified its vast water reservoirs as prime hubs for Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects. By 2030, Odisha plans to add 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity, tapping into a potential of 33 GW spread across seven large and 51 medium reservoirs.
Already, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and GRIDCO are collaborating on a 1,000 MW FSPV project, with an additional 1,500 MW planned across medium reservoirs. Under the central government’s PM-KUSUM scheme, Odisha also targets 100% solarisation of agricultural land by 2047. Encouragingly, industries have proposed over 15 GW of solar projects in the state.
This aggressive solarisation not only supports industrial demand but also holds the potential to empower farmers by reducing dependence on conventional electricity grids, provided decentralisation is prioritised.
Wind, Hydrogen, and Hydro: Expanding the Energy Mix
Beyond solar, Odisha is gearing up to harness its 12 GW wind potential, with 2,000 MW targeted by 2030. Around 490 MW of wind projects have already been approved, signalling early momentum.
The state also wants to emerge as a green hydrogen hub, aiming to produce 3–5 million metric tonnes annually. This aligns with India’s national hydrogen mission and could make Odisha a cornerstone of global clean energy supply chains.
On the hydro front, Odisha has received proposals worth 9,500 MW for pumped storage projects, with 5,200 MW planned by 2030. Districts like Gajapati, Angul, Koraput, Keonjhar, and Kalahandi, along with reservoirs like Kolab and Indravati, are being considered as sites. Additionally, small hydro projects are expected to scale from 110 MW to 260 MW by 2030, unlocking potential across 185 identified sites.
Transforming Industries, Services, and Transport
The state government has set phased green energy adoption targets across sectors. Industrial consumption of renewable power is projected to grow from less than 10% today to 15% by 2029, 25% by 2036, and 33% by 2047.
The service sector is expected to run on 33% clean power by 2036 and 50% by 2047. Meanwhile, transport decarbonisation is on the cards, with Odisha aiming for 80% electric vehicle penetration and 100% green-powered river vessels by 2047.
These targets are complemented by a strong focus on job creation. With energy transition and skilling initiatives, employment in the sector is projected to triple by 2047.
The Challenge: Rural Inclusion vs Industrial Growth
While Odisha’s renewable roadmap inspires optimism, experts point to structural challenges. The state’s promise of 24/7 rural electrification by 2047 looks ambitious given persistent deficits in power supply across western and southern districts.
The “Model Village Mission” proposes energy access for over 50,000 villages, yet clear interim milestones are missing. Similarly, achieving 100% solarisation of farmland under PM-KUSUM requires massive coordination across socio-economic and geographic divides.
Critics argue that Odisha’s emphasis on large-scale floating solar and wind farms may inadvertently perpetuate energy centralisation, limiting the benefits of decentralised village-level projects. The doubling of the transmission-to-generation ratio, from 3.2 to 6, reflects this tilt toward centralised distribution.
Moreover, with 70% of investments expected from private players, there is concern that corporate capital will flow disproportionately into profitable industrial hubs, sidelining rural communities.
Innovation and R&D: The Missing Link
Odisha’s roadmap is forward-looking, but its investment in research and development remains below 1% of its Gross State Domestic Product. Without stronger innovation ecosystems, the ability to design and implement decentralised solutions at scale may remain limited.
Regional inequalities also pose risks. If development is concentrated in coastal and urban belts, Odisha may achieve industrial green growth while rural areas remain energy-poor. The success of the strategy will depend on bridging these divides.
A Balanced Path Forward
Odisha’s green energy ambitions are commendable for their scale and clarity of purpose. The state has outlined one of the most comprehensive renewable energy plans in India, blending solar, wind, hydro, and hydrogen. If implemented with an inclusive approach, Odisha could well emerge as the face of India’s clean energy revolution.
However, the success of the Odisha Green Energy vision will depend on how effectively it balances large-scale industrial projects with decentralised rural systems. Ensuring equitable energy access, incentivising small-scale solar, and strengthening rural infrastructure will be critical.
In many ways, Odisha’s journey represents a microcosm of India’s broader renewable energy challenge—how to scale big, move fast, and yet leave no community behind. The dream of a $1.5 trillion economy powered by clean energy may seem ambitious today, but with inclusive planning and resilient execution, it could well be a reality by 2047.
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