Patna: The Centre and the Bihar government have agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM, and other renewable energy initiatives during a high-level review meeting held at Sankalp, 1 Aney Marg, on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, who reviewed the state’s progress in renewable energy and discussed future projects and implementation strategies.
Focus on Renewable Energy Expansion
The review covered the implementation of PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA), floating solar projects, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Green Energy Corridors, small hydro-electric projects, and the solarisation of government buildings.
Ajay Yadav, IAS, Energy Secretary of Bihar and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), presented the state’s progress, achievements and future plans for renewable energy through a detailed presentation.
Centre Assures Continued Support
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said Bihar was making rapid progress in the renewable energy sector and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to providing technical, financial and policy support for green energy projects.
He appreciated Bihar’s Utility-Led Aggregation model and asked the state to expedite approved projects. Joshi said the Centre would favourably consider approving rooftop solar installations for an additional 2.50 lakh consumers after the successful implementation of the first phase involving around 1.25 lakh installations.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), said the ministry was working closely with the Bihar government to ensure the timely implementation of renewable energy projects across the state.
State Directs Faster Implementation
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed officials to implement PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM and other renewable energy schemes on a priority basis.
He instructed the department to strengthen public awareness campaigns, improve coordination with banks and ensure regular district-level monitoring to maximise consumer participation.
Choudhary also proposed launching a “Solar Didi” initiative, modelled on the Surya Mitra programme, to encourage women’s participation in promoting rooftop solar energy in rural areas.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, also known as Bulo Mandal, said Bihar was working with the Centre to fully utilise the state’s renewable energy potential and expand clean energy infrastructure.
Rs 1.35 Lakh Crore Investment Pipeline
Officials informed the meeting that renewable energy projects worth around Rs 1.35 lakh crore are currently under development in Bihar.
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the Centre has approved rooftop solar installations for 2.50 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers through the Utility-Led Aggregation model. The Bihar government has also submitted a proposal seeking approval to extend the scheme to nearly 10 lakh consumers.
The rooftop solar systems will be installed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, allowing consumers to receive systems without any upfront cost.
Focus on Emerging Renewable Energy Technologies
Joshi urged Bihar to ensure time-bound implementation across districts, increase vendor participation and intensify public awareness efforts.
He also called for faster development of Model Solar Villages, solarisation of government buildings, floating solar projects, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Green Energy Corridors and small hydro-power projects.
During the review of PM-KUSUM, officials emphasised the solarisation of agricultural feeders and expanding the use of clean energy in agriculture.
According to officials, wider implementation of PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM is expected to reduce the state’s electricity subsidy burden, increase clean energy use in agriculture and improve the availability of competitively priced electricity for industries over the long term.
Centre Urges Timely Execution
Joshi said the Government of India has sufficient resources to support renewable energy schemes and that approvals are being granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
He urged Bihar to submit proposals promptly and accelerate implementation to maximise the benefits available under various central renewable energy programmes.
