Patna: Bihar has set a target of generating 23,968 MW of renewable energy and 6,100 MWh of energy storage capacity in next five years i.e. by the end of financial year 2029-30.
Various sources of renewable energy from which power will be generated includes solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and waste-to-energy. The state government stated its vision for a big leap in power generation from renewable sources in its renewable energy policy.
Energy department at a function held last week in the state capital unveiled its renewable energy policies namely- Bihar Policy for Promotion of New & Renewable Energy Sources 2025 and Bihar Policy for Promotion of Pumped Storage Project 2025.
The policy aligns with India’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2070. It aims to significantly increase the share of clean energy in the state’s overall power generation from various sources.
VARIOUS RE PROJECTS TO GENERATE 23,968 MW
As per the target mentioned in the policy document, the highest 18,448 MW of power is expected to be generated through ground mounted solar projects alone while 900 MW through solar parks (each with a minimum capacity of 20 MW), 495 MW from floating solar plants, 400 MW from elevated solar projects over ponds. Besides, the policy also includes power generation through other projects such as agri-voltaic, wind power, waste to energy, biomass etc.
It also plans to generate 1975 MW of power from on-grid distributed RE (renewable energy), 340 MW from off grid RE, 500 MW from rooftop solar, 250 from small hydro power.
Out of 61,00 MW of energy storage capacity target, the policy plans to develop 1600 MW of pumped storage capacity and 4500 MW from grid level battery storage capacity.
ENERGY DEPTT SIGNS MOU WITH FOUR RE COMPANIES WORTH RS 5300 CR
In order to translate the target on to the ground, the government announced a slew of policy initiatives, including a single-window clearance system and financial incentives to attract investment in the sector.
The policy got a major boost at the launch event itself when the government signed MoUs with four companies working in the field of renewable energy and pumped storage for developing 2357 MW power entailing an investment of Rs 5337 crore.
Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav had exhorted the companies to make investments in Bihar as the state has witnessed tremendous growth.
Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (BSPGCL) signed MoUs with L&T and NTPC while Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) signed MoUs with Avaada Group and SECI Ltd.
BREDA) is the state nodal agency for implementing the policy except for hydro power projects and pumped storage projects.
POLICY’S INCENTIVES TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT
The policy’s features and incentives were discussed at length to attract investment in the state by energy department’s Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh at the launch function.
Singh, while quoting policy, talked about giving umpteen incentives to attract large-scale investments that include 100 per cent exemption in stamp duty/registration fees levied on lease/sale/transfer of industrial land/shed, 100 per reimbursement of land conversion fees/change in land use, 100 per cent exemption on transmission and wheeling charges, 100 per cent electricity duty exemption, exemptions from STU, SGST, banking charges.
Additional incentives cover open access, energy banking, feed-in tariffs, green tariffs, relaxed height norms for rooftop structures, industry status, grid connectivity facilitation, single-window clearance, and carbon credit support among other things, the Secretary added.