Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 (GELS 2025) here emphasising the State’s commitment to strengthening its energy supply chain for a prosperous future.
The summit aims to unite central and state governments, industry leaders, researchers, institutions, and global energy experts to foster self-reliance and sustainability in the energy sector.
In his address, Majhi highlighted Odisha’s strategic focus on energy as a key driver of development. “By 2036, Odisha will emerge as a green energy hub, reducing costs associated with fossil fuel production and usage,” he said. He stressed the need for uninterrupted power supply in rural areas and underscored that energy infrastructure is a top priority for making the state self-reliant.
The Chief Minister also outlined ambitious long-term goals, stating that Odisha has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. “We are investing in the future generations through energy production and conservation,” Majhi added. He noted that every state, like Odisha, must prioritise its own energy generation and storage to ensure sustainable growth. GELS 2025, he described, is a pioneering national initiative to create a clear roadmap for clean energy transitions.
Reflecting on national progress, Majhi pointed out that prior to 2014, uninterrupted power supply for domestic consumers and industries was a major challenge across India. Power shortages led to frequent blackouts in rural areas and hampered industrial growth. However, over the past decade, significant improvements have been made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and the Ministry of Power’s visionary policies. India’s energy sector has seen rapid growth, supported by increased demand, infrastructure development, and strong policies for both conventional and renewable sources.
Majhi further explained that adequate energy is essential for the continuous development of any nation, state, or society. While thermal sources currently account for 51% of India’s power generation—a figure expected to decline—Odisha has prepared a unique strategy for sustainable advancement. The state’s industrial policy places a strong emphasis on energy production, particularly renewables, which have been integrated as a core domestic industry.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, who attended the event, praised Odisha’s progress in renewable energy and announced the approval of 1.5 lakh solar homes for the state. This initiative is expected to benefit seven to eight lakh people. Joshi highlighted India’s solar capacity growth under PM Modi’s leadership, from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 130 GW today, and affirmed Odisha’s crucial role in the country’s clean energy transition.
Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair addressed the summit via video conference, congratulating Odisha on its efforts. “Energy transitions succeed not when one government acts, but when multiple governments align over time,” he said, aligning with the summit’s objective of collaborative global action.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo delivered the welcome address, drawing inspiration from the Konark Sun Temple to illustrate India’s centuries-old connection with energy. “By 2030, we aim for widespread adoption of renewable energy in industry and agriculture. By 2036, when Odisha completes 100 years, we will be a leading hub for clean energy, manufacturing, and green hydrogen,” he stated.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood, Rajasthan Energy Minister Heera Lal Nagar, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary of Energy Vishal Kumar Dev, Senior Energy Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Pierre Noel, and Professor Anoop Singh from IIT Kanpur’s Center for Energy Regulation and Energy Analytics Lab.
This summit marks a significant step toward Odisha’s vision of becoming a self-sufficient green energy leader, aligning with national goals for sustainable development.