Fast Tracking of Sustainable Energy for Human Development

Integrate conventional power distribution through grid system with that of decentralized power generation and distribution from non-conventional sources advised Chief Secretary Sri Gokul Chandra Pati while presiding over a consultative workshop on “Fast tracking of sustainable energy for human development” held in Secretariat Conference Hall today. Sri Pati said that such integration will facilitate expansion of grid system to remote areas, create opportunities for entrepreneurship in rural areas and will help in production of clean and renewable energy. Sri Pati has directed Secretary, Science and Technology Sri Surendra Kumar, present in the meeting, to constitute a technical committee for suggesting about available technological options, institutional arrangement and financial implications of this integration. Chief Secretary has also asked the Deptt. to identify different sectors and activities in which non-conventional energy can be applied cost effectively.

This consultative workshop with Govt. of Odisha was organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with support from UNDP and UKAID. The Director, TERI Sri I.H. Rehman made a power point presentation on renewable energy for human development in Odisha. The presentation shows that across developing countries, the average electrification rate is 76% varying between 92% for urban areas and 62% for rural areas; whereas the average electrification rate in Odisha is around 88%. In domestic use, around 76% of households in Odisha use bio-mass for cooking. Dependence on bio-mass for cooking in traditional manner adds to the indoor air pollution and disease burden. Domestic use of clean and renewable energy will reduce these burdens and will contribute towards environmental conservation.

Chief Secretary, Sri Pati further advised the Science and Technology Department to prepare a definite action plan with technical inputs from OREDA and TERI for encouraging the individual households to use solar hitting system and modern clean cooking devices.   Development Commissioner Sri U.N. Behera, Principal Secretary, Energy Sri S.C. Mahapatra, Secretary, School & Mass Education Smt. Usha Padhee, Secretary, Tourism & Culture Dr. Arabind Padhee, along with Revenue Divisional Commissioners, Collectors and senior officers from concerned Departments participated in the deliberations. The Managing Trustee of Human Development Foundation, Bhubaneswar Sri Sudarshan Das coordinated the workshop.