Bihar Aims 24 GW Of RE Capacity, Focuses On ESS, Solar Parks

The Bihar government has announced a sweeping new renewable energy policy, setting out a bold target of 23,968 MW of renewable energy capacity and 6,100 MWh of energy storage by the financial year 2029-30. The policy, officially titled the Bihar Policy for Promotion of Bihar New and Renewable Energy Sources 2025, marks a significant step toward aligning the state’s energy ambitions with India’s broader net-zero goals.

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At the heart of the policy is a strong push for solar energy, particularly large-scale solar parks and grid-connected systems, coupled with a major thrust on battery energy storage systems (BESS). The plan envisions 4,500 MWh of grid-level battery storage and 1,600 MWh of pumped storage, aiming to enhance grid reliability, enable round-the-clock renewable power supply, and manage peak demand more effectively. It is also as ambitious as it can get, considering the abysmal performance of the state till date. 

A cornerstone of the new framework is the deployment of utility-scale solar power, with ground-mounted solar alone expected to contribute more than 18,000 MW. This includes 900 MW through solar parks (each with a minimum capacity of 20 MW), 495 MW from floating solar plants, and 400 MW from elevated solar installations over ponds. Other technologies such as agri-voltaic systems, biomass, wind, and waste-to-energy projects also feature in the plan.

The policy also supports a distributed renewable energy model, with 1,975 MW targeted from smaller, decentralised systems such as rooftop solar, agriculture-linked solar pumps, and small hydro projects. An additional 340 MW is expected from off-grid installations, particularly for rural livelihood applications, standalone solar pumps, and mini-grids.

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The implementation of the policy will be led by the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA), designated as the state’s nodal agency. BREDA will coordinate with other state departments for hydro and pumped storage projects.

To ensure flexibility, the policy allows for interchanging targets between technologies in case of implementation challenges in specific sectors, as long as the overall annual target is maintained. Additionally, early-year targets for FY 2025-26 and 2026-27 may be relaxed for planning and infrastructure readiness.

Officials say the policy is designed not only to attract investment and create jobs but also to improve energy access and affordability in one of India’s most energy-deficient states. By laying out clear, time-bound goals and placing energy storage at the core of its strategy, Bihar aims to position itself as a leader among Indian states in transitioning to clean energy.

The lack of focus on rooftop solar at the implementation level, perhaps the most doable and necessary part of solar adoption in the state is a surprise till now. As is the high target for utility scale solar, in a state with one of the highest population density and mostly fertile land. Quite simply, while the policy goals remain laudable, actual execution on the ground will be a massive challenge to meet targets.