Odisha targets 10.96 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. What are the key hurdles and emerging technologies being explored?The target includes 7,500 MW solar, 2,000 MW wind, 1,200 MW pumped storage and 260 MW small hydro. We have already approved renewable projects of more than 11,500 MW through the state’s single window clearance committee.The biggest hurdle is availability of contiguous land for utility-scale solar. We are, therefore, focusing on floating solar and Agri-PV. Odisha has awarded 1,000 MW floating solar capacity at Rengali reservoir, while a tender for 225 MW floating solar plus battery storage at Upper Indravati will be floated soon. We have also awarded a 125 MW/500 MWh standalone battery storage project.For wind energy, our immediate focus is onshore potential. Three wind-resource assessment masts have been installed and initial observations are encouraging. Offshore wind can be progressively evaluated as technology and infrastructure mature.We are also exploring geothermal and nuclear power, green hydrogen mobility and surface hydrokinetic turbines. Five hydrogen-powered buses are being introduced.What improvements can consumers expect in reliability, service and tariffs?Odisha met peak demand of 6,242 MW this year without a single minute of scheduled load shedding, while transmission availability has remained above 99.97% since 2020-21. Expansion of SCADA, distribution and feeder automation will help detect and resolve faults faster. Faster rollout of prepaid smart meters will improve billing transparency and give consumers greater control over consumption.How critical is reliable and affordable power to Odisha’s industrial push?Reliable, quality power is fundamental to industrial growth. Steel, aluminium and chemicals, besides emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and green ammonia, need uninterrupted and increasingly clean, competitively priced electricity.We are preparing to facilitate round-the-clock renewable power for upcoming green hydrogen and ammonia projects at Paradip and Gopalpur. Odisha is targeting around 4.5 MMTPA green ammonia production by 2030.Will coal remain Odisha’s energy backbone over the next decade?Odisha’s transition will be progressive, not abrupt. Coal will continue providing stability and energy security in the medium term, but its role will steadily reduce as renewable energy backed by storage expands. Thermal power’s share is expected to decline from around 48% in FY 2030 to 39% in FY 2036 and about 26% by FY 2047.What role do you see for nuclear power in Odisha?We will need not only more renewable energy, but also firm, low-carbon power that can be available round-the-clock. And nuclear energy has the potential to play an important role in that transition. Along with pumped storage and battery storage, nuclear can complement solar and wind and provide the reliability required for a diversified, low-carbon electricity system.The state intends to work closely with the Centre on site identification, feasibility assessment and appropriate partnership structures. Odisha has also provided in-principle approvals to NTPC and Adani Power to undertake site surveys and feasibility studies for potential nuclear power projects in the state. Ultimately, Odisha’s objective is clear — to combine renewable energy, storage and firm low-carbon generation to deliver clean, reliable and competitive power for our industries and our people.How is Odisha making its power infrastructure cyclone-resilient?Successive cyclones since the 1999 Super Cyclone have shown that stronger assets, reliable early warnings and advance mobilisation are critical.OPTCL has planned infrastructure upgrades of around Rs 15,950 crore by 2030, including cyclone-resilient towers designed for basic wind speeds of 55 metres per second, selective underground cabling, modern substations and ring networks providing alternative supply paths. DISCOMs have planned Rs 6,750 crore capex over the next five years.What would define a successful transformation of Odisha’s power sector by 2030?Three achievements — delivering 10.96 GW of renewable energy addition across solar, wind, small hydro, pumped storage and battery storage; creating a resilient, future-ready grid capable of providing reliable electricity despite extreme weather; and using green power to drive Odisha’s next wave of industrialisation, particularly green hydrogen, green steel and low-carbon manufacturing.The real measure will be turning clean energy into reliable power for people and a long-term competitive advantage for Odisha’s industries.