NHPC and Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) Signed a MoU

Current Context: NHPC Limited, India’s largest hydropower development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO), a state-owned power utility, for the development of pumped storage projects and renewable energy in the state of Odisha.

• The MoU envisages setting up self-identified pumped storage projects of at least 2,000 MW and renewable energy projects (on-ground and floating solar projects) of at least 1,000 MW in the state.
• The MoU was signed on June 23, 2023 by the executive directors of both organizations in the presence of the additional chief secretary of the Department of Energy, Government of Odisha.
• This is a significant step towards achieving India’s ambitious climate goals, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP summit in Glasgow in 2021.

Question:

Q.1 Which organization did NHPC sign a MoU with for developing solar energy projects in Odisha?
a. NTPC
b. GRIDCO
c. ONGC
d. GAIL