The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has outlined a series of measures taken to expand access to renewable energy in tribal and remote districts of Odisha, including Kandhamal, Boudh, and Rayagada. A key initiative being implemented is the New Solar Power Scheme for Tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations and villages. This scheme is being rolled out under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and the Dharti Aabha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JGUA).
The focus of the programme is to provide off-grid solar solutions such as Solar Home Lighting Systems and Solar Mini Grids in areas where grid-based electrification is not technically or economically viable. These systems are being deployed to benefit tribal and PVTG households, multi-purpose community centres, and public institutions in remote locations.
In addition to central schemes, the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has been actively implementing solar mini-grid projects under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY). Under this initiative, a total of 64 solar mini-grids with a combined capacity of 1,229 kW have been installed across various districts, providing electricity to 4,013 households. District-wise implementation highlights include eight mini-grids with a capacity of 135 kW in Gajapati district, electrifying 469 households. Ganjam district has seen the installation of 28 mini-grids with a capacity of 428 kW, benefiting 1,288 households, while Rayagada has four mini-grids with a capacity of 226 kW, supplying electricity to 734 households. The details were shared in the Lok Sabha as part of the Government’s response on efforts to improve energy access in underserved regions.
The state has also taken steps to support livelihood-related infrastructure through renewable energy. OREDA has installed 28 solar cold storage units across Odisha, aimed at strengthening storage facilities, particularly in rural and tribal areas. These installations are expected to support local communities by reducing post-harvest losses and improving access to cold storage solutions.
Under PM JANMAN and DA-JGUA, electricity access has been further expanded through off-grid solutions. DISCOMs in Odisha have electrified 8,359 unelectrified tribal households using off-grid solar systems. In addition, 2,364 tribal households that previously lacked electricity access have been connected through micro-grid systems.
The Ministry also shared details of achievements and financial assistance released to Odisha between the financial years 2022–23 and 2024–25 under key renewable energy programmes. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme for standalone off-grid solar agricultural pumps, 4,925 systems were installed, with a central financial assistance of Rs. 3.44 crore released. The Rooftop Solar Programme supported the installation of 3,844 rooftop solar systems, backed by CFA amounting to Rs. 28.97 crore. Under the Biogas Programme, 241 biogas plants were installed, with financial assistance of Rs. 40.64 lakh provided.
Regarding future plans, the Government clarified that there is currently no proposal under consideration to establish renewable energy clusters or solar livelihood hubs in the tribal districts of Odisha to support agriculture, rural enterprises, or community livelihoods.
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