Bhubaneswar, Aug 1 (UDN): The Adani Group has proposed an investment of approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore in Odisha’s energy sector, outlining plans to establish large-scale nuclear, thermal and pumped storage power projects that could generate over 22,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

 Representational Image

The investment proposal was presented to Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo during a meeting at Kharavela Bhawan on Thursday. Senior officials of the Odisha government and executives from the Adani Group participated in discussions on the company’s expansion roadmap for the state’s power infrastructure.

According to the proposal, the group intends to develop two nuclear power plants with a combined installed capacity of 6,000 MW, along with a 2,400 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant. It has also proposed multiple pumped storage projects aimed at improving grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration.

The conglomerate is already executing a 1.8 GW pumped storage project in Nayagarh district, which forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen Odisha’s energy ecosystem.

Officials said the proposed projects are expected to significantly enhance the state’s electricity generation capacity while improving long-term energy security. The company also stated that the investment aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment by promoting a balanced energy mix that includes low-carbon generation technologies.

Adani Group noted that the SHANTI Act, 2025, which provides a framework for greater private sector participation in India’s nuclear energy programme, has created fresh opportunities for investments in the sector.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Vishal Kumar Dev, OPTCL Chairman and Managing Director Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, GRIDCO Managing Director Satyapriya Rath, senior executives from Adani Power Limited, and officials from the Energy Department, OPGC, OHPC and GRIDCO.

Government sources said the proposal is currently at the discussion stage. Detailed consultations on project feasibility, statutory clearances, land requirements and implementation timelines will be undertaken before the proposed investments move to the next phase.