28/11/2012
The Newborn Corporation most likely to be named as Odisha Green Energy Development Corporation will serve as a road map for mainly solar energy development by establishing solar energy zones. The streamlined approach is intended to make for faster, better permitting of large-scale solar projects through this Corporation, which is 100% subsidiary of OHPC Limited.
“This Corporation will be facilitating faster, smarter utility-scale development of Solar energy, Wind energy, Tidal energy & mini/micro hydro power generation plants across the state of Odisha.
This new road map builds on that commitment by identifying areas that are best suited for such non-conventional energy projects, improving the permitting process and creating incentives to deliver more renewable energy to homes and businesses of Odisha.
Now the existing lands in the existing Hydro Power Project under OHPC are identified as priority areas for utility-scale solar development, with the potential for additional zones through ongoing and future regional planning processes. It will identify best practices for the most non-conventional environmentally responsible energy development.
The November 12th Board of Directors Meeting of OHPC finalized through a Record of Decision, the formation of the new 100% subsidiary Corporation, after which the Odisha Assembly shall pass the same in the ongoing winter session.
A joint statement is yet to be released by multiple groups, praising the process and responsiveness of the OHPC & Govt. of Odisha.
The formation of this Corporation marks the beginning of a new era for how energy can be developed on our Hydro Power Projects' un-utilized lands for both people and nature.
The newborn Corporation will surely demonstrate that we don’t have to choose between clean alternative energy and a healthy environment. “We can have the future we want – one where we enjoy a healthy climate and where birds and other wildlife thrive.”
All are are hopeful that the detailed environmental analysis will dramatically speed the permitting process and bring more solar online to serve the people of Odisha.