Bhubaneswar: A conference of state Energy Ministers will be held in Odisha later this year.

The Energy Department of the state government signed a tri-partite letter of intent (LoI) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur and Tony Blair Institute of Global Change today.

Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair were present on the occasion at Delhi.

As agreed in the LoI, the Energy Department of the state government will take the leadership for organizing the Energy Ministers’ conference in Odisha.

On the occasion, the former British Prime Minister, who is the executive chairman of the Tony Blair Institute of Global Change (TBI), expressed his readiness to collaborate with Odisha for accelerating sustainable energy solutions.

It is worth mentioning here that Odisha had been a pioneer in electricity reforms in the past. The state has attracted significant investments in the renewable energy sector in the last one year.  

Singh Deo, who also holds the Energy portfolio, reiterated the state government’s commitment to a low carbon future and achieving net zero. The issue of distress migration, particularly from the western parts of Odisha also was discussed in the meeting.

It is worth mentioning here that the Tony Blair Institute is assisting the Odisha government with regard to its Artificial Intelligence Policy.  

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