DMF funds and coal cess should be used to divert investments inJust Energy Transition.

By Bijay Mishra
Bhubaneswar, November 5, 2024: 

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST), in partnership with Government of Odisha’s Department of Energy, organised a multi-stakeholder meeting on ‘Just Energy Transition to support Green Growth and Green Jobs in Odisha’. 

During the event iFOREST released a report on “Just Transition in Odisha for Green Growth and Green Jobs”. It is the first comprehensive assessment on the opportunities in Odisha to shift to a low carbon economy while boosting economic growth and jobs. The report also highlights key policies and targets that the state government can implement in the next 10 years.

In his inaugural address, Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, stated, “We have to be progressive. We will move with the times, with the thought process of our honorable Prime Minister and meet our net zero targets. We must move towards a greener, more sustainable Odisha and it won’t be possible without everybody’s collective effort.”

Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Govt. of Odisha, Hemant Sharma, emphasised that the foundation of a low-carbon economy in Odisha rests on three pillars: renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable industrial practices. Energy transition is imminent.It is a necessity and an imperative. If it doesn’t happen this civilization will not survive.“

iFOREST’s report reveals that Odisha is one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the country, accounting for 9.7% of India’s total GHG emissions. The coal-based power plants and the steel sectors contribute to 84% of the state’s total emissions. It’s per capita emission of 6.9 tonnes, is more than double of the country’s average of 2.8 tonnes.
 
“Odisha has a huge opportunity to become India’s hub of green minerals and metal industry, given its mineral wealth, massive renewable energy potential and human resources. To make this transition beneficial for all, the state needs to develop a comprehensive Just Transition policy. Such a policy can guide green investments in fossil fuel dependent districts, strengthen the ecosystem for skilling and jobs and mobilise finances,” said Dr. Chandra Bhushan, President and CEO of iFOREST . speaking on key policy recommendations.

Speaking at the event, Srestha Banerjee, Director, Just Transition at iFOREST said, “A Just Energy Transition will allow fossil-fuel dependent states like Odisha to build a green economy without compromising the welfare of workers and communities. ”

The report highlights seven top mining and industrial districts that are the hotspot of transition. These include Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur and Kendujhar districts. These districts together account for 100% coal production and a majority of coal-based power capacity and steel production.

The meeting was participated  by the representatives of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, Tata Steel, Jindal Steel & Power Limited, The Utkal Chamber of Commerce,  Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited, GRIDCO and Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency, World Skills Centre & Skill Council for Green Jobs .

iFOREST’s report recommended  for Development of Just Transition policy and regional Just Transition plans for Angul-Dhenkanal and Jharsuguda-Sundargarh-Sambalpur mining and industrial clusters.

It recommended for Streamlining of  policies and procedures to meet 11 GW renewable energy target by 2030 and to Enforce Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) target of 43.33% by 2030 for Captive Power Plants.