The Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025 describes the state government’s all-encompassing plan to encourage the use of energy storage and renewable energy (RE) technology in order to meet India’s national climate goals and the aim of reaching Net Zero by 2070. By the conclusion of FY 2029-30, the strategy aims to achieve the ambitious goals of utilizing 6,100 MWh of energy storage capacity and 23,968 MW of renewable energy. It encompasses a broad spectrum of renewable technologies, including geothermal, biomass, waste-to-energy, wind, solar, hydro, and green hydrogen. For most RE technologies, the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) is the nodal agency; for hydro and pumped storage projects, different agencies are appointed.
The policy encourages several project types, such as energy storage, distributed RE, off-grid RE, and utility-scale RE. For example, agrivoltaics, rooftop solar plants, floating solar, and canal-top solar are all promoted in both urban and rural locations. Agri-voltaic projects combine the generation of solar energy with agricultural practices in an effort to increase farmers’ income. Furthermore, livelihood-oriented applications like solar dryers and cold storage are to be pushed under distributed renewable energy schemes, while mini and microgrids are suggested in areas with limited access to power.
The proposal outlines a number of financial incentives to draw in developers and investors. For certain time periods, they include a 100% exemption from stamp duty, land conversion fees, electricity duty, SGST, and transmission and wheeling expenses. To safeguard developers’ interests, a provision for minimum generation compensation, banking of 100% RE generation, and considered open access permission within 30 days are also included. To streamline the implementation process, BREDA will provide a single-window system for all approvals.
The program also promotes the construction of solar-powered EV charging stations by providing concessional land prices and advantages including a 25-year transmission charge exemption. Priority site allocation, SGST refund, and exemptions from customs duties are some of the incentives that boost the manufacturing capacity of RE equipment. Through the establishment of a Bihar R&D and Innovation Committee, collaborations with universities, and specific finances, research and innovation are given top priority.
The state will create the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Fund (BRDF), which would combine funds from state and federal programs, fines, corporate social responsibility (CSR) donations, and other sources to assist funding and policy implementation. This fund will assist R&D, skill training, infrastructure development, and incentives. There are provisions for promoting carbon credits and REC methods, requiring the use of RE in major buildings, and guaranteeing enough transmission infrastructure. In order to increase awareness and offer technical assistance at the local level, BREDA will also establish Akshay Urja Kendras at the district level. The policy is valid for five years or until a new policy is introduced and will be reviewed periodically to address technological or regulatory changes.
