Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to boost international cooperation, US Consul General Laura Williams paid a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhavan here Wednesday.
The meeting focused on key sectors, including renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and the promotion of Odisha’s tourism and cultural heritage.
A key focus of the meeting was the transition to sustainable energy, with Singh Deo highlighting Odisha’s expanding footprint in renewable energy and pumped storage projects (PSPs).
Central to the discussions was the implementation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with the Deputy Chief Minister stressing the need to integrate battery storage into all grid systems and solar projects to ensure power availability during peak hours.
The talks also covered the state’s technological ambitions, including semiconductor manufacturing—highlighting India’s first 3D glass chip initiatives—as well as plans for data centres and underground cabling to modernise Odisha’s digital infrastructure.
The Consul General praised the state’s resilience, particularly its efficient power distribution and restoration following cyclones.
To promote tourism and cultural exchange, the Deputy CM showcased Odisha’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
In a gesture of goodwill, the Consul General was presented with a book on Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
