Odisha to Host National Energy Ministers’ Conference, Lead Community of Practice

Bhubaneswar, June 19 (UNI): In a major step toward fostering collaborative energy governance, Odisha will host a national conference of Energy Ministers later this year and take the lead in establishing a Community of Practice for state-level Energy Ministers across India.

A tripartite Letter of Intent (LoI) formalizing the initiative was signed in New Delhi on Thursday by the Energy Department of the Government of Odisha, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI).

The LoI was signed by Vivek Agarwal, TBI’s Country Director for India, Professor Sachidanand Tripathy, Dean at IIT Kanpur, and Devidutta Tripathy, FA-cum-Additional Secretary, Odisha Energy Department. The event was graced by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K. V. Singh Deo and Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister and Executive Chairman of TBI.

Blair applauded Odisha for its pioneering role in electricity sector reforms and recent strides in renewable energy investments. He acknowledged the state’s complex energy landscape shaped by its mineral-based industries and thermal power plants, and reaffirmed his commitment to support Odisha in accelerating sustainable energy solutions.

Deputy Chief Minister K. V. Singh Deo emphasized Odisha’s dedication to a low-carbon future and achieving net-zero emissions, stating that the state will pursue a strategic roadmap aligned with global best practices.

The proposed Community of Practice will serve as a knowledge-sharing platform for state energy departments to collaborate, innovate, and address common challenges in transitioning to clean energy systems.

The meeting also touched upon broader developmental issues, including distress migration from western Odisha, indicating an integrated approach to sustainable development.

Odisha’s leadership was also recognized in the field of emerging technologies. The Tony Blair Institute has supported the Odisha government in drafting its Artificial Intelligence Policy, which recently received cabinet approval.

TBI India Country Director Vivek Agarwal hailed Odisha’s dual leadership in energy and technology. “The launch of the Energy Ministers’ Community of Practice is a significant milestone, and TBI is proud to be a part of this journey,” he said.

This initiative marks a significant step toward coordinated and sustainable energy policymaking, placing Odisha at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition.