By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today inaugurated the “Chintan Shivir” in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a significant two-day event organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The gathering of key government leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders aims to develop strategies for achieving India’s ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
In his inaugural address, Shri Pralhad Joshi emphasized that the target of 500 GW by 2030 is not merely a goal but a clarion call for action. He highlighted India’s progress, noting that the country has already achieved 212 GW from non-fossil fuel sources, placing it on track to exceed the 2030 target. The Minister stressed the importance of concerted, collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to overcome challenges and expedite progress in the renewable energy sector.
Shri Joshi further outlined key issues raised by stakeholders, including challenges related to land acquisition, transmission infrastructure, power purchase agreements, energy storage, and other critical factors affecting the sector. Minister Joshi said, “Chintan Shivir should arrive at a comprehensive solution to all issues and create a roadmap ahead with its collective experience and wisdom to achieve the target of 500 GW by 2030”.
Addressing the ongoing efforts of the government, Shri Joshi noted that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has earned global trust for its stability and potential, positioning the country as a land of opportunity in the renewable energy sector. He highlighted government initiatives such as PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yoajana and PM Kusum, which not only contribute to the country’s renewable energy ambitions but also create employment opportunities. The Minister proposed the formation of a task force, in consultation with the Ministry of Power, to align the efforts of all stakeholders towards meeting the 500 GW target.
Shri Joshi also expressed optimism regarding the commitments made during the RE-Invest Summit, which collectively amount to over ₹32 lakh crore and 540 GW of renewable energy projects. He emphasized that these commitments could be translated into reality through concerted collaboration among industry players, government bodies, and financial institutions.
In his remarks, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, underscored the pivotal role of the renewable energy sector in India’s journey towards energy independence by 2047. He assured that the Government of India would continue to support technological advancements and innovations in the clean energy sector.
Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, highlighted the state’s substantial potential in solar, wind, battery storage, and pumped storage projects. He reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to working in close collaboration with the Central Government to meet India’s renewable energy targets.
Shri Pankaj Agrawal, Power Secretary spoke about the various challenges facing the sector, particularly in transmission and energy storage. He urged the Chintan Shivir participants to focus on identifying practical solutions to address these issues.
Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, Secretary, MNRE, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges of the renewable energy sector. He also acknowledged that organizing the Chintan Shivir was one of the first priorities given to him by Union Minister Joshi, along with the RE-Invest initiative, to ensure the development of policies that are simple, clear, and implementable.
Additional Secretary, MNRE, Sudeep Jain extended a vote of thanks to all the stakeholders of the Chintan Shivir.
The Chintan Shivir is set to provide a platform for industry leaders, financial institutions, industrialists, CEOs, and key officials from Central and State Governments to deliberate on the emerging challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector through thematic sessions and collaborative discussions.The Chintan Shivir marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to transform its renewable energy landscape and achieve its long-term energy sustainability goals.
