Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the state’s power infrastructure by inviting bids for the provision of 500 MW of energy storage capacity. The state-owned power transmission utility aims to integrate energy storage solutions with either the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) or Odisha State Transmission Utility (STU), offering 5 hours of peak support over a period of 5 years. Interested bidders, who must be reputed and eligible, are required to register on the e-tender portal and pay a registration fee of INR 2360. Additionally, a tender fee of the same amount is needed for accessing bidding documents.

The selected bidder will supply power to GRIDCO for 5 years from a technology-agnostic energy storage system, starting from April 1, 2026. The bidder will also set up the energy storage system and ensure its interconnection with the CTU/Odisha STU network. The nature of the energy storage system chosen by the bidder must align with specified criteria and performance standards outlined in the Request for Services (RFS) and the energy storage power agreement (ESPA). Moreover, the Energy Storage System Developer (ESSD) will be responsible for injecting power into the network in accordance with dispatch instructions from the State Load Dispatch Centre, Odisha. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2024, with bid submissions due by April 23, 2024. Intimation to qualified bidders will be provided on April 30, 2024, followed by the e-reverse auction on May 8, 2024. The letter of award (LOA) is expected to be issued on May 20, 2024, with bids valid for 120 days from the due date.

The Odisha Government has taken a significant step towards educational reform by announcing its decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to implement the prestigious PM SHRI Scheme. This scheme, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), aims to establish exemplar schools across the nation, setting high standards for quality education and holistic development.

Scheduled to be signed before the commencement of the next academic year, 2024-25, the MoU signifies a collaborative effort between the Odisha Government and the Ministry of Education to strengthen Center-State relations and work towards achieving excellence in education.

A government spokesperson expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative, highlighting its reflection of the collective dedication to strengthen school education and ensure comprehensive student development in Odisha. This sentiment underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education and nurturing the potential of its young learners.

The PM SHRI Scheme, envisioned as transformative, focuses on enhancing the overall learning experience by promoting innovation, critical thinking, and experiential learning. Exemplary schools under this scheme serve as models of excellence, inspiring others to adopt best practices and elevate the standard of education nationwide.

By partnering with the Ministry of Education, the Odisha Government aims to leverage resources, expertise, and innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of the education sector. This collaborative effort signifies a shared vision to create a conducive learning environment that empowers students to excel academically and thrive personally.

Stakeholders anticipate positive outcomes such as improved learning outcomes, enhanced teacher capacity, and a more inclusive and equitable education system. With a strong foundation laid through this partnership, Odisha is poised to chart a path towards educational excellence and foster the holistic development of its future generations.

JSW Group, a leading conglomerate, has unveiled ambitious plans to invest a staggering ₹40,000 crore in Electric Vehicles (EV) and component manufacturing projects in Odisha. This significant investment is slated for two key locations: Cuttack and Paradip, and is anticipated to generate over 11,000 employment opportunities within the state.

In the first phase of investment, JSW Group will establish an EV and EV battery manufacturing unit in Naraj, Cuttack, with an investment of ₹25,000 crore. This facility will be equipped with cutting-edge battery technology boasting a capacity of 50 GWH, making it the world’s largest single-location project in this sector. It aims to cater to both mobility and energy storage systems. Additionally, an OEM plant for electric vehicles and components will also be set up in the integrated complex, creating employment opportunities for over 4,000 individuals.

Moving forward, the Group’s investment will extend to the Paradip region, where ₹15,000 crore will be allocated to establish an EV components manufacturing complex. This facility will include copper and lithium smelters, expected to generate over 7,000 jobs. With the capacity to serve 1 lakh commercial e-vehicles annually and 3 lakh passenger electric cars, the components plant is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the growth of electric mobility. Furthermore, the company envisions setting up an R&D center to explore newer technologies in manufacturing, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and advancement in the EV sector.