Odisha’s clean energy transition is set to receive international research and technology support after the state Energy Department signed two memorandums of understanding with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, PHENOGY Singapore and Finland-based Danfoss Drives for energy storage, microgrids and smart grid development.
The agreements, signed on Thursday, will focus on research, development and demonstration of technologies that can support the integration of renewable power and improve the reliability of the electricity system. The partnerships bring together a public department, an international university and private-sector technology companies for projects linked to future grid requirements.
Under the first MoU, the Energy Department will work with NTU Singapore and PHENOGY Singapore on commercially viable sodium-ion battery energy storage systems for grid applications. The collaboration will also cover the creation of a value chain and wider ecosystem for sodium-ion storage technologies.
According to officials, sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The technology is being considered for large-scale renewable-energy integration and grid stability, where storage systems can help manage variations in power generation and demand. The MoU is intended to move the technology beyond research towards demonstration and potential commercial application.
A separate agreement with NTU and Danfoss Drives will cover next-generation microgrids and smart-grid integration. The proposed research will also examine advanced battery energy storage systems, industrial decarbonisation, energy efficiency and green hydrogen production.
Microgrids and smart-grid systems can help power networks manage generation, storage and consumption through more coordinated and responsive infrastructure. However, the agreements announced by Odisha do not yet specify the locations, capacity, costs or implementation timelines for any demonstration projects. The department’s immediate focus, according to the report, is joint research, technology development and knowledge exchange.
The state government said the partnerships would accelerate innovation, promote sustainable energy solutions and support Odisha’s efforts to expand renewable-energy deployment. It also said the collaborations would help improve the reliability and efficiency of the power sector.
The agreements come as the technical requirements of electricity systems change with the growth of renewable generation. Solar and other renewable sources can increase the need for flexible grid management and storage, while industrial users are facing growing pressure to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The technologies covered by the MoUs address these areas through storage, decentralised power systems, grid management and alternative fuels.
Sources in the Energy Department said the partnerships are expected to facilitate technology demonstration projects, knowledge exchange and the development of advanced energy solutions tailored to future grid requirements. The source report did not provide details on the next project approvals, funding arrangements or a schedule for the proposed demonstrations.
