Kendrapada: The National Institute of Wind Energy has identified Odisha as having significant wind power potential, with an estimated capacity of 12,129 MW at 150 meters above ground level. This was revealed by Union minister of state for new & renewable energy and power, Shripad Yesso Naik, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in response to a query from MP Anita Subhadarshini. Potential sites for wind power projects have been identified in nine districts— Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Balasore, and Kendrapara.
Currently, setting up a wind power project requires an investment of approximately Rs 8 crore per MW, but Odisha has yet to establish any grid-connected wind power projects. The announcement comes as India strives to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s COP26 commitment to achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Progress in wind energy installations has been noteworthy, with 2,275.55 MW added in FY 2022-23 and 3,253.38 MW in FY 2023-24.
In response to another query from MP Kalpana Saini, Minister Naik highlighted India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The strategy includes key transitions such as low-carbon electricity systems, efficient transport infrastructure, sustainable urbanization, and enhanced forest cover. To promote compliance with renewable energy targets, the government has implemented Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) trajectories until 2029-30. Non-compliance with these mandates carries penalties, ensuring accountability in India’s renewable energy journey.