Patna: Bihar government has sought the Central government’s support to accelerate renewable energy projects, including a 3,305 MW Green Energy Corridor, battery energy storage infrastructure and expanded rooftop solar coverage under central schemes.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting in New Delhi between Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar (alias Bulo Mandal), Energy Secretary-cum-Chairman and Managing Director of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) Ajay Yadav (IAS), Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi.
Green Energy Corridor and Battery Storage
During the meeting, the Bihar government requested approvals and financial assistance for developing a Green Energy Corridor with a capacity of 3,305 MW, along with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
According to the state government, the proposed infrastructure will facilitate the evacuation of electricity generated from upcoming solar projects and improve grid integration. It is expected to support renewable energy projects planned in high-potential districts, including Jamui, Banka, Lakhisarai, Aurangabad and Kaimur.
Push for Rooftop Solar Expansion
The state also sought an expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in Bihar.
Officials said Bihar has around 58 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers, while approvals currently cover rooftop solar installations of 1.1 kW capacity for only 2.5 lakh beneficiaries. The state has proposed including 10 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers in the scheme’s first phase and requested the MNRE to grant approval at the earliest.
Other Renewable Energy Proposals
The meeting also covered several ongoing and proposed renewable energy initiatives in Bihar.
These included the solarisation of 1,000 agricultural feeders under the PM-KUSUM Phase II scheme, the development of a 150 MW SECI solar park in Aurangabad, implementation of the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy and the establishment of a regional campus of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in the state.
Government’s Response
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar said the Bihar government remains committed to promoting clean and green energy and is expanding the state’s renewable energy capacity with the Centre’s support.
Ajay Yadav said the proposed projects would strengthen Bihar’s power infrastructure, increase clean energy generation and provide benefits to farmers as well as domestic consumers.
According to the state government, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi assured the Bihar delegation that the proposals would receive positive consideration and that the Centre would extend the necessary support. The Bihar government said it expects the implementation of these initiatives to gather momentum following the discussions.
