The Indian government has made significant strides in promoting renewable energy sources, particularly biomass and waste-to-energy, over the last decade. According to recent data shared in the Lok Sabha, the country has added 2,361 megawatts (MW) of biomass capacity and 228 MW of waste-to-energy capacity under various government programs. This achievement is a testament to the government’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
In addition to the increase in biomass and waste-to-energy capacity, the government has also promoted the installation of biogas plants across the country. A total of 2.88 lakh biogas plants have been installed at various locations, providing a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy for households and industries. This initiative has not only helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provided economic benefits to rural communities.
To further support the growth of the bioenergy sector, the government launched the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP) Phase-I in November 2022. The program has an outlay of Rs 998 crore and will run from 2022-23 to 2025-26. The NBP aims to promote the installation of bioenergy projects, including biomass and waste-to-energy plants, and provide financial support to developers and entrepreneurs.
While the overall progress in the bioenergy sector is encouraging, there are still some states and Union Territories that have not made significant progress in installing biomass projects. For example, Arunachal Pradesh and Delhi have reported nil installed capacity of biomass projects. This highlights the need for increased efforts to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources in these regions.
Overall, the Indian government’s initiatives to promote biomass and waste-to-energy have shown promising results, and the launch of the National Bioenergy Programme is expected to provide a further boost to the sector. As the country continues to transition towards a low-carbon economy, the growth of the bioenergy sector is likely to play a critical role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.