Industries of Odisha

Odisha was the pioneer in initiating power sector reforms in India in 1996. According to the Economic Survey 2017-18, the state had an installed capacity of 5509.37 MW in 2016-17, divided among hydropower (39.31%), thermal power (38.04%), and other renewable sources (22.65%). Together, industrial and domestic consumption make up around 73.98% of the total power consumption in the state, with the industrial sector consuming the most energy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend the diverse energy sources in Odisha.
2. Identify key power plants and their capacities.
3. Recognize non-conventional energy initiatives.
4. Understand government institutions managing Odisha’s energy sector.

Energy Sources in Odisha

Odisha’s energy infrastructure includes thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, and non-conventional energy sources.

Thermal Power Plants in Odisha

Thermal power plants use coal as the main raw material. The state houses three major plants:

1. Talcher Thermal Power Plant: Located in the Talcher sub-division of Angul district, commissioned in February 1968. It uses coal from Jagannath Mines of Mahanadi Coalfield Limited. Managed by NTPC, this plant has a total capacity of 460 MW.
2. Ib Thermal Power Plant: Established by Odisha Power Generation Corporation in 1994, situated in Jharsuguda district. Coal and water are sourced from the Ib valley coalfield and Hirakud dam respectively, with an installed capacity of 420 MW.
3. Hirakud Thermal Power Plant: A captive thermal power plant operated by Hindalco Industries, located near Hirakud in Sambalpur district. It supplies power to the Hirakud Smelter and utilizes coal from Talabira captive coal mines. It has an installed capacity of 467.5 MW.

Hydroelectric Power Plants in Odisha

Hydroelectric power contributes significantly to Odisha’s energy sector, with several major plants in operation:

1. Hirakud Hydroelectric Power Plant: Situated 15 km from Sambalpur, it has 7 units with a total installed capacity of 275.5 MW. This plant was initiated in 1948 and became functional in 1957. Managed by Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Limited (OHPCL), the Hirakud Dam stands 80.96 meters tall.
2. Balimela Hydroelectric Power Plant: Located 35 km from Malkangiri district, it is a joint venture between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The plant has 8 units with a total capacity of 510 MW. The earth fill gravity dam has a height of 70 meters and a length of 1823 meters. It was first commissioned in 1973 and completed in 2009. Managed by OHPC.
3. Rengali Hydroelectric Power Plant: Positioned on the Brahmani River near the Talcher sub-division of Angul district, with a capacity of 250 MW. This gravity masonry dam comprises 5 units, commissioned between 1985 and 1992. Managed by OHPC.
4. Upper Kolab Hydroelectric Power Plant: Located in Koraput district, it has 4 units totaling 320 MW. Commissioned from 1988 to 1993, it is managed by OHPC.
5. Upper Indravati Hydroelectric Power Plant: Positioned on the Indravati Dam near Bhawanipatna, Mukhiguda, and Kalahandi, this plant has a capacity of 600 MW. Commissioned from 1999 to 2001, it is a masonry gravity dam managed by OHPC.
6. Minor Hydroelectric Projects: Includes Machkund Project on Machkund River in Koraput district, Chiplima Project on Mahanadi River in Sambalpur district, and Potteru Hydroelectric Project in Koraput district.

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

Renewable energy sources like biogas, biofuel, solar energy, wind energy, and biomass are gaining prominence in Odisha.

Solar Energy

Odisha aims to harness solar power through multiple projects:

1. Plans to establish a 1000 MW Solar Park in Sambalpur and Boudh districts.
2. GEDCOL (Green Energy Development Corporation of Odisha Limited) aims to develop solar grid sub-stations in Duburi, Balangir, Baripada, Koraput, and Rairangpur.
3. Various initiatives for rooftop solar systems and photovoltaic systems. The solar plant at Rengali has been operational since 2014.

Odisha Solar Policy, 2013

This policy promotes the use of solar energy in the state:

1. Energy Security: Contributes to long-term energy and ecological security.
2. Sustainable Solution: Offers a long-term strategy for fulfilling energy needs.
3. Utilization of Wastelands: Turns non-industrialized areas with abundant sunshine into solar power hubs.
4. Incentives for Manufacturing: Encourages solar manufacturing capabilities.
5. Manpower Development: Focuses on creating a skilled workforce.

Bio-Diesel

Odisha possesses oil seed-bearing trees such as Karanj, Mahua, and Neem, providing a significant potential for bio-diesel production, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Wind Energy

As a coastal state, Odisha has an enormous wind power potential of 1700 MW. Current installation capacity stands at 2 MW. Floating windmills in coastal areas are also viable.

Biogas

Biogas, primarily composed of methane, is an environment-friendly energy source. It is produced from organic wastes like cattle dung and human excreta, providing a clean alternative for cooking.

Biomass

The state’s biomass power potential is estimated at 300 MW. The State Technical Committee has approved eleven projects totaling 138 MW, of which nine developers signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with GRIDCO for 118 MW.

Important Note: The first 20 MW biomass project in Dhenkanal has been operational since December 2011.

Nuclear Fuel

Traces of uranium reserves are found in Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda. A Nuclear Power Plant is planned in Pati Sonapur, Chikiti block, Ganjam district.

Government Institutions in Odisha for Energy Sector

Odisha’s power sector is managed by several government entities:

1. GRIDCO (Grid Corporation of Odisha): Incorporated on April 20, 1995, under the Companies Act of 1956. It manages the transmission and bulk supply of electricity, with its headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
2. OPTCL (Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited): Established in 2005, it develops an intra-state and inter-state transmission network for smooth electricity flow.
3. OHPC (Odisha Hydro Power Corporation): Set up in 1995, it oversees six hydroelectric projects with a total installed capacity of 2063.50 MW, offering the cheapest power to the state grid.
4. OPGC (Odisha Power Generation Corporation): The sole thermal power generation company in Odisha, established in 1984. It operates two units of 210 MW power plants at Ib Thermal Power Station in Jharsuguda.
5. OREDA (Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency): Formed in 1984 under the Department of Science and Technology, it promotes the use of renewable energy sources in Odisha. Major initiatives include:

• National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP): Constructs biogas plants for cooking and lighting.
• Solar Water Pumping Programme: Provides pumps to support irrigation.
• Off-Grid Rooftop Solar Programme: Supplies solar electricity to households and offices.
• Unnat Chullah Abhiyan: Promotes cleaner cooking energy.
• Solar City Programme: Draft plan for Bhubaneswar to boost solar energy use.
• Renewable Energy Awareness Park: The Biju Patnaik Energy Park spreads awareness about renewable energy.

Government Initiatives in the Energy Sector

Odisha has launched several schemes to ensure energy access:

1. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY): A central government initiative since 2005, aiming to provide electricity to rural and BPL households, implemented by REC.
2. Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana: Launched in 2007-08 to electrify villages/habitations with a population below 100, not covered under RGGVY.
3. Biju Saharanchal Vidyutikaran Yojana: Introduced in 2010-11 to electrify unelectrified areas in urban local bodies. It includes villages/yards with a minimum population of 100.
4. Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme: Initiated in 2011-12 to enhance the power distribution network and improve power quality while reducing transmission and distribution losses.

Comparative Table: Major Power Plants in Odisha

Important Concept: OREDA facilitates the use of renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and sustainable energy ecosystem in Odisha.

MCQ: Which institution primarily manages hydroelectric projects in Odisha?

1. GRIDCO
2. OPTCL
3. OHPC
4. OPGC
   Answer: 3. OHPC