Patna: In a significant move towards renewable energy adoption, Bihar has commissioned a new 50 MW solar power plant in Banka, taking its total solar capacity to 181.1 MW. This development marks a crucial step in the state’s efforts to bolster its green energy portfolio. The state is also actively working on framing a renewable energy policy to attract further investment in the sector.

During a review meeting held on Tuesday, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department and CMD of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), Sanjeev Hans, IAS congratulated the Avaada Group for successfully commissioning the solar unit. The meeting included senior officials from SJVN Limited, SJVN Thermal Private Limited (STPL), and the Avaada Group, along with the Managing Director of North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited, Dr. Aditya Prakash, IAS, and representatives from Bihar Renewable Energy Development Authority (BREDA).

Hans encouraged officials to identify additional locations for establishing solar units across the state. The Avaada Group also presented a progress report on their solar projects in Banka, noting their previous success with a 1.8 MW floating solar power plant in Darbhanga in 2022.

Emphasizing the need for streamlined approval processes, Hans called for the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate seamless investments in Bihar’s green energy sector. He urged SJVN Limited officials to expedite the construction of solar power plants in Banka, Jamui, and the thermal power plant in Buxar.

Hans highlighted the identification of 202 locations in the riverine belt, where 21,000 families currently receive off-grid electricity supply totaling 3 MW. He stressed the importance of transitioning these families to solar power plants and dedicated grids.

“To further India’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and generating 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, we need to accelerate renewable energy generation in Bihar,” Hans said. He added, “Bestowed with diverse landscapes, we must explore more areas, including forests, hills, and river banks, for establishing solar units and supplying power through battery storage systems.”

Hans also announced that work is underway on a comprehensive renewable energy policy for the state, which will be released soon. /BI/