Can New Wind Energy Projects Transform Odisha’s RE Portfolio?

Can New Wind Energy Projects Transform Odisha's RE Portfolio?

Odisha, traditionally considered one of India’s less developed states in renewable energy, is now poised to emerge as a key player in wind energy. Despite currently having no wind energy capacity, the coastal state is attracting interest from wind energy companies, signaling a shift in its renewable energy landscape.

At present, wind energy is concentrated in just nine states across India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. Odisha’s limited engagement with wind energy has been attributed to less favorable natural conditions. However, this scenario is changing, thanks to updated resource assessments, supportive state government policies, and increased interest from green energy companies.

In total, Odisha has a total of 8.2 GW of installed electricity capacity. The majority of this comes from thermal power sources like coal. Coal-fired thermal power plants comprise 5.35 GW capacity. Odisha has a total of 2.93 GW of installed capacity of non-fossil fuels.  This comprises 2.15 GW of large hydro projects, 608 MW of solar projects,  59.22 MW of biopower and 115.63 MW of small hydro projects.  

On December 4, 2024, Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State (MoS) for New and Renewable Energy, informed Parliament that Odisha has a total estimated wind power potential of 12.12 GW. This was in response to a query by Odisha MP Balabhadra Majhi regarding the state’s wind energy projects during a Lok Sabha session.

Odisha’s fuel-wise capacities.

Wind Potential in Odisha

“The wind resource assessment conducted by the National Institute of Wind Energy indicates an estimated wind power potential of about 12,129 MW at 150 meter above ground level in the state of Odisha. It indicates wind potential sites in the district of Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Balasore and Kendrapara,” Naik said.

He further added, “The ‘Renewable Energy Policy 2022’ issued by Government of Odisha inter alia provides allotment of wind power projects on first come first serve basis and procurement of up to 500 MW power at generic tariff determined by Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission.”

India’s wind energy capacity

Entry of Wind Firms

Several wind energy companies have already committed to investing in Odisha following discussions with the state government. Recently, the Single Window Committee of the state Energy Department approved multiple renewable energy projects, including three wind energy projects with a combined capacity of 148.5 MW by ONGC Tripura Power Company Ltd (OTPCL).

Earlier in June 2024, the state approved two wind energy projects in the districts of Nabarangpur and Puri. These projects were led by HPCL Renewable and Green Energy Limited and ONGC Tripura Power Company Limited, respectively. HPCL is planning a 48 MW wind energy plant in Nabarangpur, while ONGC Tripura Power Company is set to establish a 49.5 MW project in Puri. This growing wave of investments and policy support is expected to significantly boost Odisha’s wind energy prospects.

Favorable Conditions

A report from New Delhi-based energy think tank iFOREST suggests that Odisha has greater wind energy potential than traditionally estimated. “iFOREST’s assessment of publicly available wind resource maps available at the Global Wind Atlas (GWA 3.1) has identified 86 sites reporting average wind speeds of 6.19 m/s to 8.78 m/s at 150 m hub height. These are located across 16 districts, with nearly 65% of the sites in Koraput, Kalahandi, Angul, Rayagada, Gajapati and Kandhamal,” the report said.

iForest report on the potential of wind energy in Odisha.

The report highlights 16 potential sites with wind speeds ranging from 7.6 m/s to 8.6 m/s, capable of generating capacity utilization factors (CUF) of up to 22% to 29%.

“Detailed assessment of 16 highest potential sites with wind speed of 7.6-8.6 m/s at 150m hub height, which can generate CUF of 22% to 29%, shows that these are mostly located on hilly terrains with an average elevation of 968 m, and highest elevation of 1,410 m. The peak wind speed months at these sites are April to September, which aligns with the peak demand months of July to September in Odisha. The peak wind speed hours typically start in the evening till after midnight, which aligns with the state’s evening peak from 1800 hours to 2100 hours,” the report said.