The inaugural edition of Global Cleantech Expo-Odisha kicked off at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step forward for India’s Net Zero goal. The two-day event was launched by Gokulananda Mallik, the Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSME Department, Government of Odisha.
While addressing the audience, Minister Mallik said, “Odisha is actively supporting MSMEs through subsidies, credit guarantees, and policy incentives to accelerate clean energy adoption. We want every home to be solarized, realizing that nearly 5,000 MSMEs are already part of the clean energy ecosystem in the state.”
India’s Net Zero commitment:
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, India is rapidly becoming a global leader in the cleantech sector, with a commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070. This initiative encourages development for MSMEs and startups through the Startup India initiative, which encourages innovation in the clean energy sector. The government’s focus is on the need to shift to clean energy to fight climate change with its “5J” vision for sustainable development. A recent expo in Odisha, with participation from over 200 companies in 20 countries, showcases the potential of the region for innovation and investment in clean energy.h
Key speakers and special guests:
The summit began with opening addresses by Debi Prasad Dash, Executive Director of NETRA, and talks by Amlan Kanti Das of Luminous Power Technologies. Special guests included CEOs of Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency and TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd, and the Managing Director of GRIDCO Ltd and State General Secretary of BJP Odisha. The summit ended with a vote of thanks by Prashant Panigrahi, President of OCTA.
Highlights of the expo and industry perspectives:
Debi Prasad Dash, Principal Advisor, Global Cleantech Expo-Odisha, and Executive Director, NetZero Energy Transition Association (NETRA), said, “With the success of the event, Eastern India has marked its presence in the international clean energy map. This event is triggering investments, collaborations, and technology transfer for a sustainable future.”
Top clean energy firms such as Saatvik Green Energy and Navitas Solar demonstrated their latest innovations in solar energy, battery storage, green hydrogen, and electric mobility.
Odisha as an energy strategic hub:
Amlan Kanti Das, Sr Vice President-Operations and R&D, Luminous Power Technologies (P) Ltd, said, “Odisha is a strategic hub for Luminous to achieve global leadership in energy storage, as it contributes 40 to 59 percent of India’s mineral supply. We have 30 acres of land in Odisha and access to critical minerals, which helps us accelerate innovation in advanced energy storage solutions.”
Ambitious renewable energy plans:
The Global Cleantech Expo in Odisha represents the state’s ambitious energy plans, including its 10 GW renewable energy target, along with developments in battery storage, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen. The expo focuses on important technologies like tidal energy and floating solar. The event saw the presence of over 10,000 business delegates, along with dedicated pavilions for the latest technology, a Clean Energy Leadership Conference, and B2B meetings. The expo is expected to trigger investments, facilitate technology transfer, and establish Odisha as a manufacturing destination for the renewable energy sector in India.
