A recent study has found that Odisha, a state on the eastern coast of India, has a solar potential that is seven times more than the estimates made by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), revealed that the state has the potential to generate 124 GW of solar power.
The estimates made by the MNRE had suggested that the state had a solar potential of only 17 GW. The study found that the state’s high solar potential was due to its vast coastline, which receives high levels of solar radiation, and its flat terrain, which makes it ideal for the installation of solar panels.
The findings of the study have significant implications for the renewable energy sector in India. The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of solar energy capacity by 2022, and the new estimates suggest that Odisha alone has the potential to generate more than 100 GW of solar power.
The state government has already taken several steps to promote the use of renewable energy, including solar power. The government has launched various schemes and policies to encourage the installation of solar power systems, including rooftop solar systems and solar power plants.
The new estimates of Odisha’s solar potential will help in further accelerating the growth of the renewable energy sector in the state and the country. The use of renewable energy is vital for reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and meeting its commitments to combat climate change.
The study has highlighted the need for accurate and up-to-date data on solar potential in different regions of the country. The accurate estimation of solar potential will aid in the planning and implementation of renewable energy systems, allowing for the efficient use of resources and the optimization of power generation.
