Bhubaneswar : The Energy Department of the Odisha Government and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance the State’s clean energy transition. The agreement, executed in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, charts out an integrated roadmap of support that spans planning, technical expertise, pilot demonstrations and facilitation of financing to convert Odisha’s renewable energy vision into measurable outcomes.
Addressing officials and stakeholders, the Deputy Chief Minister said the partnership cements a long-term collaboration focused on building a resilient, inclusive and investment-ready clean energy ecosystem in Odisha. “This MoU strengthens our commitment to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable power to every citizen while accelerating the State’s clean energy journey,” he added.
Under the terms of the MoU, both sides will work together on comprehensive energy transition planning and modernisation of the power grid. This includes the preparation of multi-sector transition strategies, enhanced utility digitisation and advanced demand-side management initiatives to optimise energy consumption and manage peak loads more efficiently.
A key priority of the collaboration is the accelerated rollout of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across Odisha. GEAPP will support the Department of Energy, GRIDCO, OREDA and DISCOMs through techno-economic assessments, identification of suitable substations, evaluation of use cases—such as renewable integration, peak shifting and ancillary services—and development of procurement documents including RFPs. The Alliance will also extend implementation oversight, set up a Project Management Unit during commissioning, and help design monitoring frameworks to enhance the operational and financial performance of BESS projects.
The MoU also emphasises renewable-powered livelihood development. This includes support for solar-powered irrigation under the PM-KUSUM scheme, promotion of the Decentralised Energy for Women’s Economic Empowerment (DEWEE) initiative, and scaling decentralised renewable solutions for women-led enterprises. Additionally, the partnership seeks to boost MSME competitiveness through solarisation and energy-efficiency measures to reduce energy costs and expand green livelihood opportunities.
The Energy Department will steer the collaboration, ensuring coordinated engagement with government agencies, industry bodies, academic institutions and civil society, while monitoring progress closely.
GEAPP has selected Balangir as its model district for implementing integrated clean energy and livelihood interventions.
The event witnessed the presence of Principal Secretary, Energy, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev; OPTCL CMD Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma; senior officials of the Energy Department; OPTCL; and representatives from GEAPP.
