Odisha Can Create 10 Lakh Jobs, Attract ₹3.5 Lakh Cr Investments With Green Economy
Odisha is poised to become India’s next green growth powerhouse, with the potential to generate 10 lakh full-time jobs and attract ₹3.5 lakh crore (~$42 billion) in investments by 2030, according to a new study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study, launched at the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave’ in Bhubaneswar, outlines how a transition to a green economy could boost the state’s GDP by 23% and establish Odisha as a leader in sustainable industries.
The research identifies 28 green value chains—including seaweed cultivation, bamboo processing, floating solar, and e-waste recycling—that could drive this transformation. The proposed Green Odisha Initiative provides a strategic roadmap to integrate policies, investments, and sectoral actions to unlock these opportunities.
Key Findings: A Multi-Sector Green Revolution
Energy Transition: Investments in solar, wind, battery storage, and electric vehicles could bring in ₹1.5 lakh crore and create 4 lakh new jobs.
Bio-economy & Nature-Based Solutions: Sustainable packaging, bio inputs for agriculture, mangrove restoration, and agroforestry could add 5 lakh jobs and ₹26,000 crore to the state’s economy.
Circular Economy: Recycling and reuse initiatives, including lithium-ion battery and e-waste processing, could generate 30,000 jobs and ₹10,000 crore in market opportunities.
Sustainable Tourism: Leveraging Odisha’s ecological and cultural heritage could expand economic opportunities in underserved regions.
Odisha Leading India’s Green Transition
Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, CEEW, highlighted Odisha’s pioneering role in sustainable development. “As the first state to secure global climate funding and adopt climate budgeting, Odisha is demonstrating how bold policy innovation can drive transformative change. By leveraging its natural diversity and critical minerals, the state could become a hub for green industries, from solar to seaweed.”
The study also emphasizes that Odisha’s circular economy and bio-economy sectors offer higher job-to-investment ratios than renewables, making them critical to inclusive development. The Green Odisha Initiative proposes skill-building programs and public-private partnerships to accelerate investments in emerging sectors like green hydrogen and battery recycling.
With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, Odisha’s green economy push could serve as a model for India’s broader sustainability ambitions. By aligning economic growth with climate resilience, the state is charting a roadmap for a future-ready, eco-conscious industrial revolution.
