Patna: The Bihar cabinet on Wednesday approved the draft Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging investment in the green hydrogen sector.
The policy is also intended to reduce dependence on imported natural gas and create employment opportunities in Bihar, Cabinet Secretariat Department Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said at a post-cabinet briefing at the IPRD conference room.
Policy Targets 1 Lakh Tonnes Of Green Hydrogen
The policy sets a target of producing 0.1 million metric tonnes, or 1 lakh tonnes, of green hydrogen annually by 2031.
Bihar also aims to establish 1 GW of electrolyser capacity and around 2.5 GW of renewable energy capacity through green hydrogen and its derivative projects. These targets were also outlined in the earlier draft policy released by Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA).
The policy will cover production, consumption and market creation while also promoting electrolyser manufacturing and other components across the green hydrogen value chain.
Rs 16,000 Crore Investment, 12,000 Jobs
According to Chaudhary, the policy is expected to attract approximately Rs 16,000 crore in investment and generate around 12,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the state.
The investment and employment figures had also featured in the draft policy and earlier government discussions on developing Bihar’s green hydrogen economy.
The policy is intended to create a framework for private investment and development of infrastructure required for the production and use of green hydrogen.
Focus On Decarbonisation
Chaudhary said the policy is primarily aimed at decarbonisation and contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
He noted that several other states have introduced green hydrogen policies, while the central government launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023.
The Bihar policy seeks to develop the sector across its value chain, including production, consumption, market development and electrolyser manufacturing.
BREDA To Implement Policy
The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing the policy.
The move follows the state’s earlier efforts to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem. A review of the draft policy by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary earlier this month had focused on production, utilisation, investment and development of supporting infrastructure.
21,644 Households in Kaimur-Rohtas to be Electrified
The Bihar cabinet took a total of 30 decisions at Wednesday’s meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
The Cabinet also approved the revised scheme under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for providing grid electricity to 21,644 households in 177 habitations (132 villages) in Kaimur and Rohtas districts under the South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) area. The revised cost of the scheme is Rs 351.85 crore.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal said that the Green Hydrogen Policy-2026 will create new opportunities for investment and employment in Bihar’s clean energy sector. The government aims to establish Bihar as a major centre for the production and utilisation of green hydrogen. He said that solarisation of agricultural feeders will provide farmers with uninterrupted daytime electricity, help reduce irrigation costs and promote the use of solar energy in the agriculture sector.
Energy Secretary-cum-Chairman & Managing Director, BSPHCL, Ajay Yadav said that the policy will accelerate green-energy-based industrial development in the State. He added that solarisation of agricultural feeders will benefit farmers while further promoting renewable energy in Bihar.
