Faced with acute power shortage, thanks to its over-reliance on hydro and thermal sources, the Odisha Government is looking to tap solar energy in a big way to meet the challenge. It has finalised a Solar Policy as part of its new strategy of sourcing renewable energy.
The Government has sought feedback from various administrative departments, private agencies, voluntary organisations and public for the draft Solar Policy 2013. Given Odisha’s climatic condition, the State can source solar power on 300 out of 365 days a year. Experts claim the State has potential to generate about 10,000 MW solar energy and another 53,000 MW from other non-conventional sources. This can meet the challenge of power crisis and facilitate a cleaner energy generation system.