Odisha to Host India’s First Energy COP as Puri Prepares for GELS 2025

Bhubaneswar, Dec 2025 : The Government of Odisha is set to host the Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in the coastal city of Puri from December 5 to 7, bringing together top national and international policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to shape India’s long-term energy future. Modelled on the global Conference of Parties (COP), GELS aims to emerge as India’s premier platform for strategic dialogue on power, sustainability, and energy transition.

The flagship summit will witness participation from the Union Government, around 15 Indian States, and over 30 national and international energy experts. With its high-level engagement format, GELS 2025 seeks to accelerate collaboration across States and institutions while aligning India’s energy ambitions with global best practices.

The theme for this year’s summit, “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation,” reflects the country’s evolving energy priorities. “Sufficiency” emphasises reliable and affordable power access for citizens and industries; “Balance” focuses on harmonising economic growth with ecological sustainability; and “Innovation” highlights the importance of new technologies, financial tools, and policy reforms needed to navigate future challenges.

A key highlight of GELS 2025 is its federal approach, providing Indian States with a unique platform to share experiences, showcase reforms, and deliberate on sectoral challenges. Technical sessions will feature discussions on power trading, energy storage, nuclear power, AI-driven grid security, data sharing, and future-ready electricity markets.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo described the summit as “India’s Energy COP,” stating that it would strengthen cooperative and competitive federalism while helping States adopt innovation-driven strategies. He said Odisha was proud to host a platform that unites leading voices in support of India’s journey toward secure, sustainable, and future-ready energy systems.

Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, highlighted that Odisha’s leadership in power sector reforms dates back to the 1990s. He noted that the coming decade of India’s energy transition will be defined by stronger institutions, better coordination, and enhanced inter-State collaboration. Hosting GELS 2025, he said, continues Odisha’s legacy as a reform-oriented State.

The summit will feature a distinguished lineup of global and national speakers including Ms. Lena Backer of the India–EU Trade Council, Ms. Gauri Singh of IRENA, Mr. Pierre Noël from the Tony Blair Institute, Dr. Praveer Sinha of Tata Power, Prof. Anoop Singh of IIT Kanpur, Ms. Vibhuti Garg of IEEFA USA, and Prof. Srinivasan Madhavi of NTU Singapore. NITI Aayog CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam will address the closing plenary on December 7.

Union and State governments have extended strong support to the summit. Key dignitaries expected include Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of State Shri Shripad Naik, Chief Ministers Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, along with Power and Energy Ministers from several States. Senior officials from the Ministries of Power and New & Renewable Energy will also participate.

The summit will be inaugurated on December 6 by Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Smt. Pravati Parida, and Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja. Delegates will also experience Odisha’s rich cultural heritage at the Konark Festival on December 5.

Organised in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and IIT Kanpur, GELS 2025 draws inspiration from similar global collaboration models in education and energy governance. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Net Zero 2070 vision, the summit is expected to significantly influence India’s clean energy roadmap and global leadership in the transition to sustainable power.

Team Maverick.