Bhubaneswar: Notwithstanding a vast coastline of around 480kms, wind energy, a form of renewable energy, is still a non-starter in Odisha unlike many other states where the clean energy source was tapped for power generation.
According to available data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the state has a total of 8134.47 MW of total installed capacity of energy by the end of June 2021. Out of which, close to 66 percent comes from thermal energy, while some portion comes from hydro energy but the renewable energy source is only close to 549.57 MW (around 6 percent).
The contribution of wind energy among the clean energy sources is almost negligible as the potential has never been tapped in the state. This comes when several other coastal states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu installed a good quantity of wind power stations to tap the potential of the clean energy source.
According to the OREDA (Odisha Renewable Energy Development Authority) attempts were indeed made to tap its potential but the geo morphology and climate of the coastal state did not support boosting wind energy or installing wind power generation windmills in the state.
“There was a feasibility study done by the state government in Odisha with the help of experts. The study found that the climate and local conditions in the state is such that the air here is either negligent or on the other side cyclonic storms. Both these conditions are not suitable for the installation of wind mills for commercial wind energy in Odisha,” a source from OREDA told Orissa POST requesting anonymity.
Another practical issue according to experts is the need for dedicated land where special renewable energy parks could be opened. Unlike other states, Odisha failed to establish such a centre. While several states host solar parks, wind energy parks or mixed versions, the state even failed to dedicate special solar parks to boost solar energy in the state.
Data suggests that in Odisha, the state majority of the renewable energy is generated through solar energy but it is only a small part of the overall part of the total installed capacity of energy in the state.
The Union government however has been trying to boost development of clean energy across the state through several schemes like PM KUSUM (Kisan Urja Surakshya Uthan Mahaabhiyan) and other subsidies. While the Union government has planned to cut down emissions and ensure installation of 175GW of total energy from renewable energy by 2022, the state has made a target of installation of 2.2GW renewable energy by 2022.
This comes when Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier made an announcement of installing 175 GW of clean energy by 2020 and cutting down emissions. The nation now aims to achieve a 450GW renewable energy target by 2030. It has also planned to cut down the emissions upto 35 percent till 2030. The country has already made its commitment clear at the international platforms.
