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Odisha’s Angul to plan transition to green energy

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Environment
  • Published
    26th Aug, 2022

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. 

About Angul

  • Angul is situated in the center of the State and also regarded as the heart of Odisha. 
  • It gives the highest revenue to the state exchequer.
  • It is also one of the most advanced districts of the State. 
  • The largest coal mine MCL (Mahanadi Coalfields Limited) is situated in the district. 
  • Apart from this industrial scenario, Angul is also famous for Satkosia gorge, beautiful natural dense forest, hills, rivers (Mahanadi, Brhamani) etc. 
  • The land is fertile due to the flowing river Mahanadi & Bramhani  and its tributaries. 
  • Rengali Reservoir on the river Brahmani also helped irrigation facilities not only in Angul but also other districts like Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Jajpur and Keonjhar.

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