Bihar is eyeing an ambitious capacity target of 3,500 MW
renewable energy (RE) by 2021-22 and a new comprehensive policy for promotion
of unconventional energy sources to achieve the objective is likely to be ready
by the end of the month.
On Monday, Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA)
organised a consultation workshop of all stakeholders to discuss the draft RE
policy, which has already been prepared by the power company.
"We came up with the draft after one-on-one meetings with
parties concerned. Many issues were covered in Monday's meeting and the
stakeholders have been asked to give their suggestions in writing within one
week so that the policy is ready to be put up before the state government by
month-end," BREDA director R Lakshmanan told TOI.
Some of the key aspects of the new RE policy include energy
security, energy access, climate change and mitigation and economic
development. "The policy aims for overall economic development with focus
on job creation," he said.
The proposed RE policy will supersede Bihar Policy for
Promotion of New and Renewable Energy Sources 2011 and will cover all RE
technologies with specific deployment mechanisms. "Besides some modalities
and framework for mini grid and micro grid policy, the issue of enhancement in
the 60% subsidy and option of gross metering were also discussed at the
meeting," Lakshmanan said.
With new technology and fall in prices of renewable energy,
RE has emerged as a viable option for overall development, he said, adding,
"The policy is also unique and innovative because of inclusion of some of
the new technology, such as floating photovoltaics considering shortage of land
for large-scale solar projects in Bihar. The policy also has provisions to
de-risk private sector investment in mini-grid projects." Solar parks,
canal top/bank, biomass, solar rooftop are some of the other highlights of the
policy.
North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited managing
director Sandeep K R P, ADRI member-secretary Shaibal Gupta and representatives
of the Bihar Industries Association, Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries,
Jeevika, BUIDCO, state building construction department, CEED and Shakti
Sustainable Energy Foundation were present at the meeting.
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