Bhubaneswar, Mar 19 (UNI) A high-level workshop organized by the UK government in collaboration with the Odisha government and GRIDCO on Wednesday, focused on developing a comprehensive roadmap for Bhubaneswar’s journey towards Net Zero.
The workshop aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and outline a strategic roadmap for Bhubaneswar’s transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable future.
It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, academicians, and experts, to develop a structured approach to achieving Net Zero.
This initiative aligns with India's national commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and Odisha’s ambitious target of adding 10.9 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2029-30.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) served as the knowledge partner for this significant event.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in achieving Odisha’s sustainability goals.
“To accelerate progress, we must bridge technology gaps, strengthen policy frameworks, and unlock financing for clean mobility solutions,” she stated. She further highlighted that the electrification of transport, grid modernization, and renewable integration will be key enablers of a Net Zero future.
Dr. Dhawan also expressed her satisfaction with the deployment of electric buses for the public transportation system and the state government's plan to roll out hydrogen buses on a pilot basis.
GRIDCO Managing Director, Trilochan Panda, in his special address, reiterated the state’s commitment to a clean energy transition.
“In line with the country’s Net Zero commitment, Odisha has set its own intermediary targets for energy transition by 2036 (the centenary year of Odisha’s statehood) and by 2047 (100 years of India’s independence),” he said.
Panda further emphasized that, in addition to innovative energy transition solutions, the decarbonization of the transportation sector must be prioritized. He stressed that EV charging stations should be powered by 100 percent green energy.
In his keynote address, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East & Northeast India, shared insights from the UK's experiences in urban sustainability.
Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting India’s green transition, he appreciated Odisha’s proactive adoption of renewable energy, despite being a coal-rich state.
Drawing a parallel between Bhubaneswar and UK cities like Coventry, he expressed confidence that Bhubaneswar could achieve energy transition through stricter action plans and timely corrective measures.
Dr. Fleming highlighted Odisha’s potential to become a leader in EV innovation and adoption. He also expressed hope that Odisha would support its brightest minds in this field and facilitate knowledge exchange, including visits to Coventry, a city known for its EV expertise.
The workshop primarily focused on key sectors such as energy and transport, with special emphasis on sustainable urban mobility solutions for Bhubaneswar.
Shamla Gadgil from Coventry City Council and Jacob Roberts from Cenex were among the international experts who presented insights on EV adoption strategies and EV infrastructure development in the UK.
The workshop marked a significant milestone in Bhubaneswar’s journey toward sustainable urban development.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, and Dr. Debi Dutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary to the Odisha Government.
This MoU signifies a major step toward strengthening Odisha’s commitment to accelerating its clean energy transition while leveraging expertise in renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable urban development.
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