Surrounded by Energy Crises, Bihar Eyes Rs 1.38 Lakh Cr Solar Investment, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Bihar aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of nearly 24 GW and 6 GWh of energy storage systems by 2030, primarily through solar power.
• The state plans a Rs 1.38 lakh crore investment over the next five years to boost its clean energy infrastructure.
• This initiative addresses a significant energy deficit, with peak demand reaching 9,500 MW against a generation capacity of only 550 MW.
• The state faces substantial financial strain, spending Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 35,000 crore annually on power purchases while collecting just over Rs 19,000 crore in revenue.
• Key projects include the Kajra Solar Power Plant and the Aurangabad Solar Park, alongside central schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar.

Detailed Insights:

• Bihar's energy sector struggles with high power purchase costs and minimal revenue, exacerbated by providing free power to a large consumer base.
• The state's Renewable Energy Policy 2025 is the framework guiding this ambitious shift towards clean energy.
• Electricity demand is projected to exceed 11,700 MW by 2030, necessitating a rapid expansion of generation capacity.
• The Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited will invest Rs 82,679 crore in generation assets, including solar installations and pumped storage projects.
• An additional Rs 24,683 crore is allocated for transmission infrastructure, including a 680-circuit-kilometer Green Energy Corridor.
• The Kajra Solar Power Plant in Lakhisarai will feature a 301 MW solar facility paired with a 523 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
• Decentralized solar infrastructure is expanding, with the 150 MW Aurangabad Solar Park under development.
• Rooftop solar is being scaled up under the Centre’s Surya Sankalp scheme on government buildings and through PM Surya Ghar for residential consumers.
• Rural electrification efforts include PM-KUSUM feeder solarization projects, targeting 457 MW.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Renewable Energy Policy: A governmental framework outlining strategies and targets for increasing the share of energy from renewable sources.
• Gigawatt-hour (GWh): A unit of energy representing one billion watt-hours, commonly used to measure the capacity of large-scale energy storage systems.
• Megawatt (MW): A unit of power equal to one million watts, typically used to measure the output of power plants or large electrical systems.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): A system that stores electrical energy in batteries for later use, helping to stabilize grids and integrate intermittent renewable sources.
• Green Energy Corridor: Dedicated transmission lines designed to evacuate large amounts of renewable energy from generation-rich areas to demand centers.
• PM-KUSUM: A central government scheme promoting solar pumps and solarization of agricultural feeders for farmers.
• PM Surya Ghar: A central government scheme aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations in households.
• Surya Sankalp scheme: A central government initiative mentioned in the article for installing rooftop solar on government buildings.