image credits: TERI
On March 18, 2025, Bhubaneswar hosted a high-level workshop titled ‘Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar,’ organized by the UK Government, Odisha’s Energy Department, and GRIDCO, with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) as the knowledge partner. This event marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s journey to achieve net-zero emissions.
Charting Bhubaneswar’s Path to Sustainability
The workshop aimed to create a strategic roadmap for Bhubaneswar to transition into a low-carbon, sustainable city, aligning with India’s national goal of net-zero by 2070 and Odisha’s target of adding 10.9 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2029-30. It brought together government officials, industry leaders, academics, and experts to discuss actionable steps. Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “To accelerate progress, we must bridge technology gaps, strengthen policy frameworks, and unlock financing for clean mobility solutions.” She also highlighted the importance of electrifying transport, modernizing the grid, and integrating renewable energy as key enablers of a net-zero future, expressing satisfaction with Odisha’s deployment of EV buses and plans to pilot hydrogen buses for public transport.
Odisha’s Renewable Energy Milestones
Odisha has set clear and ambitious targets to lead in India’s clean energy transition, with intermediary goals for energy transition by 2036. This initiative aligns with India’s national commitment to achieve Net-Zero by 2070. In December 2024, the Odisha government approved seven renewable energy projects worth Rs 13.86 billion, with a combined capacity of 192.41 MW. These include a 99 MW wind project, five solar projects totaling 91.77 MW, and a 1.64 MW rooftop solar project, all aligned with the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022.
Mr. Trilochan Panda, Managing Director of GRIDCO, underscored the state’s focus on innovative solutions, particularly in decarbonizing the transport sector. He stressed that EV charging stations must operate on 100 percent green power to ensure a truly sustainable transition. Odisha’s plans to introduce electric vehicle (EV) buses and pilot hydrogen buses reflect a forward-thinking approach to cleaner urban mobility, especially in cities like Bhubaneswar.
UK’s Support in Odisha’s Green Transition
The UK Government has become a vital partner in Odisha’s sustainability efforts, sharing expertise in policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, industrial decarbonization, and green hydrogen promotion. Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East & Northeast India, expressed confidence in Bhubaneswar’s potential to lead in EV innovation. Drawing parallels with Coventry, a UK city known for sustainable urban practices, he stated, “There is real potential for Odisha to emerge as a leader in EV adoption.” International experts, including Ms. Shamla Gadgil from Coventry City Council and Mr. Jacob Roberts from Cenex, shared insights on EV infrastructure strategies and urban sustainability practices from the UK.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed during the event between TERI and the Odisha government, represented by Dr. Debi Dutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary. This agreement strengthens Odisha’s commitment to clean energy by fostering collaboration in renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable urban development.
Building a Net-Zero Roadmap for Bhubaneswar
The workshop focused on key sectors like energy and transport, with a special emphasis on sustainable urban mobility for Bhubaneswar. Discussions covered strategies for grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and enhancing energy efficiency in industries. Participants also explored innovative financing mechanisms to support Bhubaneswar’s net-zero transition and deliberated on climate resilience measures. The emphasis on sustainable transport solutions, such as EVs and hydrogen buses, highlights Odisha’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in urban areas. The event also facilitated the sharing of UK best practices in policy frameworks and technology adoption, providing a strong foundation for Bhubaneswar’s net-zero journey.
