Resilient Power Systems for Coastal Regions

The government of Odisha and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) have jointly released a paper titled “Disaster Resilient Power Systems for Odisha.” This document provides a series of critical recommendations aimed at enhancing the resilience of power infrastructure to withstand disasters. Key suggestions include improving wind zone regulations, incorporating risk assessments into financial planning, adding resilience components to policies, and implementing training and capacity-building programs.
Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha, emphasized the importance of resilient infrastructure, noting that this initiative could serve as a model for other coastal states and countries. The report is the culmination of a comprehensive study involving multiple stakeholders, including the Odisha government, GRIDCO, OSDMA, OPTCL, Tata Power Distribution Companies, and the Department of Energy, Odisha.
Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic flooding, severe waterlogging, and heavy rains, which can disrupt vital electricity infrastructure. The CDRI paper outlines strategies to enhance the resilience of the power sector in these areas, especially those prone to hurricanes, cyclones, and floods. Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, highlighted the importance of resilient power systems in safeguarding lives and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.