Odisha is gearing up for a major clean energy boost as Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced the rollout of 1.5 lakh rooftop solar units under the newly approved Utility Led Aggregation ULA model. Speaking at the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Puri, the Minister highlighted India’s record breaking clean energy progress, revealing that the country added its highest ever non fossil fuel capacity of 31.25 GW this financial year, including an impressive 24.28 GW of solar power.

The new rooftop solar initiative under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana aims to benefit 7 to 8 lakh citizens across Odisha, particularly targeting economically weaker households. Each of the 1.5 lakh rooftop systems will have a capacity of 1 kW, making it easier for families to access affordable renewable energy and reduce electricity expenses. Joshi emphasized that Odisha is already making remarkable strides in clean energy adoption. With over 3.1 GW of installed renewable capacity, the state now sources more than 34 percent of its power from clean energy. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, 1.6 lakh households in Odisha have applied for rooftop solar, 23,000 systems have been successfully installed, and more than 19,200 families have already received subsidies totaling over Rs 147 crore directly into their bank accounts.

Highlighting India’s rapid renewable energy advancement, Joshi noted that the world took nearly 70 years to reach 1 terawatt of renewable capacity in 2022 but added the second terawatt by 2024 in just two years. India alone contributed 46 GW to global solar expansion between 2022 and 2024 and has seen its own solar capacity jump from 2.8 GW to nearly 130 GW in just 11 years, growing by more than 4500 percent. He stressed that even with India’s vast coal reserves, the fifth largest globally, and its position as the second largest coal consumer, the country is steadily balancing conventional and renewable energy as global competitiveness shifts toward low carbon systems.

Joshi credited the visionary ecosystem built under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, improved ease of doing business, investor confidence, strong policy frameworks and robust Centre State coordination for accelerating India’s clean energy revolution. He expressed confidence that Odisha is poised to lead in the coming years, praising the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and the people of the state for embracing green technology.

The Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Puri marks the beginning of a major collaborative effort to accelerate India’s clean energy transition. Held from December 5 to 7, the summit brings together Union and State Energy Ministers, global industry leaders, innovators and policymakers to shape the future of sustainable energy through high level discussions, innovation showcases and strategic collaborations.