Bihar News: Bihar Cabinet Greenlights Renewable Energy Policy 2025 to Power a Greener, Self-Reliant Future

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, targeting 23,968 MW of renewable energy capacity. This policy aims to enhance clean energy adoption and aligns with India's net zero emissions goal.

In a major step towards achieving clean energy goals and enhancing energy self-sufficiency, the state Cabinet today approved the Bihar Renewable Energy Policy-2025. The policy sets the roadmap for large-scale adoption of renewable energy technologies and aims to position Bihar as a leading state in India's green energy transition.

The policy, which replaces the previous 2017 framework, will remain in effect for the next five years and focuses on accelerating the deployment of solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen, geothermal, pumped storage and battery storage projects. With a target to develop 23,968 MW of renewable energy capacity and 6.1 GWh of energy storage, the policy also aligns with India's broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and meeting Renewable Purchase Obligation targets set by the Central Electricity Authority.

Welcoming the Cabinet's approval, Hon'ble Energy Minister Shri Bijendra Prasad Yadav expressed gratitude to Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar for his visionary leadership. He said, "This policy is a significant milestone in Bihar's journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. It reflects the Chief Minister's deep commitment to environmentally responsible development that safeguards future generations."

The policy offers a range of investor-friendly incentives, including exemptions on stamp duty, land conversion charges, transmission and wheeling charges, electricity duty, STU charges and SGST. It also provides enabling features such as open access, energy banking, green tariff options, deemed industry status, and single-window clearances. Additionally, relaxed norms for rooftop solar installation heights and carbon credit facilitation have been included to attract private investments.

Prepared under the guidance of the Department of Energy, the policy was developed by Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency after studying successful models from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. The drafting process involved inputs from various departments and stakeholders to ensure both practical applicability and policy innovation.

Energy Secretary Shri Manoj Kumar Singh said the policy would play a critical role in helping the state meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. "This marks a step forward in our commitment to building a robust, clean, and inclusive energy ecosystem in Bihar," he said.

The policy also supports development under models like Renewable Energy Zones, hybrid energy parks and campus-based projects, allowing participation from registered developers, agencies and private companies. With this approval, Bihar joins the league of states actively leveraging renewable energy to power sustainable growth and economic development.