In a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s position as a frontrunner in India’s energy landscape, the global energy team from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) held a high-level meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo here today.
The TBI delegation, led by Mr. Vivek Agrawal, Country Director for India, included Mr. Gareth Walsh, Global Director for Energy & Climate; Mr. Pierre Noel, Senior Advisor for Asia, Energy; and Mr. Amar Jyoti Mahapatra, Strategic Communications Adviser. The discussions centered on key priorities and emerging opportunities in Odisha’s energy sector, with a strong focus on aligning efforts with the state’s ambitious renewable energy targets outlined in Odisha Vision 2036 & 2047.
Mr. Agrawal emphasised TBI’s commitment to streamlined coordination for the effective implementation of initiatives. The institute is actively partnering with Odisha’s Energy Department to develop a comprehensive Energy Strategy that supports the state’s energy transition goals, including scaling up renewables, enhancing grid reliability, and integrating emerging technologies.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the progressive policies already in place under the Odisha government, such as the Pumped Storage Policy, Renewable Energy Policy, and initiatives in green hydrogen projects. He stressed the importance of prioritising cleaner energy sources while ensuring an uninterrupted and reliable power supply to domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Dy CM Singh Deo directed the team to place greater emphasis on cleaner energy adoption and directed efforts to further solidify Odisha’s leadership in the energy domain. He underscored the need to incorporate emerging trends, including nuclear energy and green hydrogen, to future-proof the state’s power ecosystem.
Dr. Debi Dutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Special Secretary of the Energy Department, briefed participants on a recent coordination meeting involving various partners and the TBI team. This collaborative approach aims to enable the state to implement a cohesive and comprehensive energy strategy more effectively.
The meeting concluded on a warm note, with Deputy Chief Minister gifting a book on Men’s One-Day Cricket World Cup to all TBI members as a token of appreciation.
This engagement builds on Odisha’s ongoing partnership with TBI, which has already seen milestones such as the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit and targeted reforms for sustainable energy solutions. The collaboration is poised to play a pivotal role in positioning Odisha as a major hub for green energy in India.
