Bhubaneswar sets sights on net-zero emissions, collaborates with UK for city’s transformation

A high-profile workshop was convened today in Bhubaneswar, uniting experts and stakeholders to draft a strategic roadmap towards achieving Net-Zero emissions for the city by 2070. Organised by the UK government in collaboration with Odisha's Energy Department and the Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO), the event underpinned the city's transformation to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The high-level workshop on ‘Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar’ aimed to facilitate knowledge, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and outline the strategic roadmap for Bhubaneswar’s transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable future.

Collaborative Vision for Change:

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) acted as the knowledge partner, hosting a range of influential participants from government, academia, industry, and relevant sectors. The workshop aligns with Odisha's broader goal towards Net-Zero emissions by 2070, with Odisha setting a specific target to enhance its renewable energy capacity by 10.9 gigawatts by the fiscal year 2029-30. 

Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, opened the event by highlighting the crucial need for cooperative efforts to meet Odisha's sustainability goals. "We must embrace collective action to navigate the journey towards a cleaner, greener Odisha," she stated.

Commitments to Renewable Energy:

Trilochan Panda, Managing Director of GRIDCO, reaffirmed his commitment to clean energy, stressing the urgency of innovating energy solutions and expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure powered by renewable sources.

Offering a comparative international perspective, Dr Andrew Fleming, the British Deputy High Commissioner to East & Northeast India, shared insights from the UK's experiences in urban sustainability. Despite Odisha's rich coal resources, he lauded the state's adoption of renewable energy strategies akin to Coventry’s efforts in the UK, and expressed optimism about Bhubaneswar's energy transformation.

Focus on Urban Mobility and Energy Transition:

Discussions centered around critical areas including energy and transportation, with a special emphasis on sustainable urban mobility. The exchange provided actionable insights for Bhubaneswar to tailor its Net-Zero plans effectively.

From the UK, Shamla Gadgil of Coventry City Council and Jacob Roberts from Cenex brought expertise on EV adoption and infrastructure, highlighting strategies that could be employed by Bhubaneswar in its sustainability drive. 

Formal Agreement for Future Action: 

Concluding the workshop, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr Vibha Dhawan of TERI and Dr. Debi Dutta Tripathy from the Odisha government, marking a decisive step in fortifying Odisha's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. 

This progressive initiative sets a significant cornerstone for Bhubaneswar's journey to sustainability, establishing it as a leader in India's efforts towards a Net-Zero future.