The UK Government, in collaboration with the Energy Department of Odisha and GRIDCO, recently hosted a high-level workshop titled ‘Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar.’ The event focused on exchanging knowledge, encouraging cooperation among various stakeholders, and developing a roadmap for Bhubaneswar’s transition into a low-carbon, sustainable city.
Key Stakeholders and Knowledge Partner
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) played a key role as the knowledge partner for the workshop, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts. Their collective goal was to craft a clear and actionable strategy for Bhubaneswar to achieve net-zero emissions.
Alignment with National and State Goals
This initiative aligns with India’s national target of reaching net zero by 2070 and Odisha’s ambitious goal of adding 10.9 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2029-30.
Call for Collaborative Action
In her opening speech, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, stressed the importance of teamwork in achieving Odisha’s sustainability objectives. She pointed out that to make real progress, efforts must focus on bridging technological gaps, strengthening policies, and securing funding for clean energy solutions. She also praised the state’s initiative to introduce electric buses for public transport and its plan to pilot hydrogen-powered buses.
Odisha’s Clean Energy Commitment
GRIDCO’s Managing Director, Trilochan Panda, reinforced Odisha’s commitment to clean energy and highlighted the state’s specific energy transition goals set for 2036 (Odisha’s centenary year) and 2047 (marking 100 years of India’s independence). He also emphasized the need to power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations entirely with green energy to ensure a sustainable transportation shift.
UK’s Support and Insights
Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, shared insights from the UK’s urban sustainability initiatives. He commended Odisha’s efforts in adopting renewable energy despite being a coal-rich state and drew parallels between Bhubaneswar and cities like Coventry in the UK.
Dr. Fleming expressed confidence in Bhubaneswar’s ability to meet its energy transition goals with decisive action and timely measures. He also highlighted Odisha’s potential to become a leader in EV innovation, suggesting that some of the state’s brightest minds could benefit from exposure to Coventry’s expertise in this area.
Focus Areas of the Workshop
The workshop focused on key sectors such as energy and transportation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable urban mobility solutions. Participants engaged in discussions on challenges and opportunities in Bhubaneswar’s journey to net-zero emissions, leading to several key takeaways:
- Learning from the UK’s Best Practices: Insights on sustainability policies and technology adoption.
- Exploring Financing Mechanisms: Identifying ways to support Bhubaneswar’s transition to net-zero emissions.
- Industrial Decarbonization and Green Hydrogen Promotion: Strategies to reduce industrial emissions.
- Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Climate Resilience: Strengthening energy management across key sectors.
- Sustainable Transport Solutions: Reducing carbon emissions in the city’s transportation sector.
International Expert Contributions
International experts, including Shamla Gadgil from Coventry City Council and Jacob Roberts from Cenex, shared insights on EV adoption and infrastructure strategies from the UK.
Strategic MoU Signing
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TERI’s Director General, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, and Dr. Debi Dutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary to the Government of Odisha. This agreement strengthens Odisha’s commitment to clean energy transition and reinforces knowledge-sharing efforts to advance renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable urban development.
A Milestone for Bhubaneswar’s Future
The workshop marks a critical step in Bhubaneswar’s journey toward a greener, more resilient future. By fostering strategic partnerships and leveraging global expertise, Odisha is positioning itself as a leader in India’s transition to a sustainable and net-zero future.
