Odisha Govt and Global Energy Alliance Sign MoU to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

Strategic Partnership Sealed in Presence of Deputy Chief Minister

The Energy Department, Government of Odisha, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance Odisha’s clean energy transition. The agreement was executed in the presence of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive collaboration across planning, technical support, pilot implementation and financing facilitation to convert the state’s energy ambitions into actionable and measurable outcomes.

“Committed to Reliable Power for All,” Says Deputy CM

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said the partnership formalises a strategic alignment designed to accelerate Odisha’s shift towards a resilient, equitable and investment-ready clean energy future.

He emphasized that combining technical expertise, policy support and financing pathways with ground-level implementation will significantly strengthen the state’s journey toward energy security.
“We are committed to provide reliable power to all,” he added.

Focus on Energy Transition Planning and Grid Modernisation

Under the MoU, Odisha and GEAPP will work jointly on:

• Energy transition planning across multiple sectors

• Grid modernisation and utility digitisation

• Improved renewable energy integration

• Demand-side management for optimised consumption and peak-load reduction

These steps aim to enhance system efficiency while delivering better outcomes for consumers.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to be Fast-Tracked

A major highlight of the partnership is fast-tracking deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Odisha.

GEAPP will assist the state with:

• Techno-economic feasibility studies

• Identification of substations and use cases such as peak shifting and ancillary services

• Preparation of procurement documents (RFPs)

• Implementation oversight and Project Management Unit support

• Designing performance monitoring frameworks

This support aims to maximise the technical and economic value of BESS projects across the state.

Renewable-Led Livelihood Initiatives to Boost Rural Economy

The MoU also commits both parties to promoting renewable-powered livelihood opportunities, including:

• Solarisation of irrigation systems under PM-KUSUM through state nodal agencies

• Expansion of the Decentralised Energy for Women’s Economic Empowerment (DEWEE) programme to support women-led enterprises with decentralised renewable solutions

• Solarisation and energy-efficiency upgrades in MSMEs to increase productivity, reduce power costs and scale green livelihoods

Balangir Named Model District

As part of the programme, Balangir has been selected as a model district by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, signalling the beginning of district-level pilots and innovations.

Energy Department to Lead Multi-Stakeholder Coordination

The Energy Department will steer the programme, ensuring robust coordination across government departments, industry, academia and civil society, while closely tracking progress of all initiatives.

Key Officials Present

The signing event was attended by:

• Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary, Energy

• Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, CMD, OPTCL

• Representatives from GEAPP, the Energy Department and OPTCL

The partnership marks a significant step in Odisha’s pursuit of transformative clean energy solutions and sustainable development.