Bihar’s Cabinet has greenlit the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, a transformative step to scale up clean energy to 23,968 MW and bolster 6.1 GWh of storage, replacing the 2017 framework. This ambitious policy, effective for five years, positions Bihar as a frontrunner in India’s net-zero journey by 2070, fostering sustainable urban ecosystems and equitable economic growth through innovative energy solutions.
Crafted by the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA), the policy draws inspiration from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, incorporating stakeholder inputs for practical innovation. It targets diverse technologies—solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, geothermal, and pumped storage—while offering investor-friendly incentives like exemptions on stamp duty, electricity duty, and SGST. Simplified single-window clearances and relaxed rooftop solar norms aim to attract private capital, vital for meeting Bihar’s rising energy demands.
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav hailed the policy as a milestone, crediting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision for sustainable development. For rural farmers like Sunita Devi, solar irrigation pumps promise reliable power, reducing reliance on diesel and cutting emissions. The policy’s focus on renewable energy zones and hybrid parks ensures inclusive participation, empowering small businesses and creating jobs across genders and communities.
With 80% of India’s electricity still coal-based, Bihar’s push for 44% green energy by 2030 is a bold leap from its current 15% share. Energy Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh emphasised that projects like the 1,200 MW solar plant proposed by Sun Pharma, backed by ₹30,000 crore, will transform Patna into a clean energy hub, enhancing urban livability.
The policy’s green tariff options and carbon credit support align with global sustainability trends, encouraging responsible consumption. By integrating battery storage and grid access, it ensures reliable power for urban and rural areas, reducing outages that frustrate residents like Anil Kumar, a Patna shopkeeper. Bihar’s vision not only addresses local needs but also sets a model for equitable, eco-friendly cities nationwide, driving a cleaner, more inclusive future.
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