Global Energy Meet begins in Puri; Odisha targets major leap with Rs 75,000cr Budget

The two-day Global Energy Meet commenced in Puri on Saturday, bringing together national and international experts to discuss the future of renewable energy and sustainable technologies. Union Minister for Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, addressing the inaugural session, said the event would achieve great success with the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Highlighting the rapid global transition toward clean power, Joshi noted that while it once took nearly 70 years to generate a single terawatt of energy, the world has now produced 2,000 gigawatts in just two years, underscoring the unprecedented pace of technological advancement.

The Union Minister praised Odisha’s progress in the renewable energy sector, acknowledging the state's growing focus on green technology, solar capacity expansion, and eco-friendly industrial practices.

Also Read: Odisha Police given free hand to act, political protection for criminals ended: CM Majhi

CM Mohan Majhi, who also addressed the meet, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable development. He said that the government has prioritised renewable energy over the last one and a half years under the leadership of the Prime Minister, keeping environmental concerns at the forefront. 

In the 2024–25 state budget, Odisha has allocated a massive Rs 75,000 crore exclusively for the energy sector, marking one of the largest investments in recent years.

The Chief Minister further revealed that a draft roadmap has been prepared to transform Odisha into a major renewable energy hub. The state is poised to become India’s third-largest green energy producer after Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. As part of this vision, Gopalpur and Paradip will be developed as major centres for green hydrogen production, a key element in India’s future clean fuel landscape.

The ongoing meet is expected to pave the way for significant policy collaborations, technological partnerships, and investment opportunities in Odisha’s fast-growing renewable energy ecosystem.