ANNOUNCEMENTS
In recent times, the talks around coal transition have intensified across the globe, particularly in India, with an intention to reduce dependency on conventional fossils and develop renewables capacity to meet the increasing energy requirements in a sustainable manner. Solar energy has gained the limelight to be the most sought-after renewable source owing to multiple factors in its favour. The state of Odisha, which is one of the most coal-dominated regions in the nation, lies at a position of concern primarily due to high GHG emissions alongside a heavily coal-dependent energy mix and this makes it critical to look at the state’s transition trajectory to renewables such as solar. This study is focused on understanding the scenario of adoption with regards to solar energy in Odisha, feasibility aspects of the same from the lens of technical, economic, policy, and regulatory factors, and the possible barriers for its penetration in the state across the dimensions of policy and governance, regulatory, techno-economic, and finance and investment. Through a multidimensional perspective integrating a holistic set of factors, the situation that prevails in Odisha has been deconstructed to gain deeper insights. As far as methodological approach is concerned, different methods have been employed through a mixed methods approach which includes extensive secondary data review coupled with an expert survey and incorporating composite index, multi criteria decision analysis, situation analysis, thematic analysis, and SWOT policy analysis. Results indicate that in terms of current performance pertaining to solar energy landscape, Odisha’s performance is underwhelming when compared to the benchmarked states. In fact, different policy and regulatory provisions are in place in the state but the issue lies with the implementation aspect coupled with state-specific complexities such as supply chain obstacles, lack of alignment among the stakeholders, and financing concerns. Given the fact that the state is a coal dominated belt, the transition strategy becomes convoluted and therefore, a balanced approach with careful consideration of interests across all stakeholders is essential. Besides, awareness, localized efforts, adequate incentivization, appropriate regulatory mechanism, and collaborative approach remain some of the most critical factors going forward.
Keywords: Solar energy, Odisha, barriers, adoption, multi criteria, composite index.
