Odisha’s Angul to plan transition to green energy

Context

Researchers have urged policymakers to switch to green energy in Odisha’s Angul – one of India’s largest coal producing districts – before power grade coal reserves are exhausted.

Current status

• Angul currently accounts for 12% of India’s and 56% of Odisha’s coal production. 
• The coal production in Angul is expected to increase nearly three times in the next 10 years, reaching over 300 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2033. 
• The sector has given direct employment to 1,68,000 — nearly 69% of them are informal.  

Need

• After 2035, the district should move to green energy and industries, based on growth of the renewable energy sector and technology advancements and viability. Alternatives that can be considered are:
  • Renewable-based electricity
  • Hydrogen-based steel and urea production
  • Production of green aluminium using renewable energy
  • Enforcing circular economy practices
• About 33,000 hectares of land will be available from closure of coal mines and power plants over the next 3-4 decades.