Patna: In a remarkable demonstration of commitment towards green energy and sustainable practices,  the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in association with Bihar’s Energy Department and Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA), organised Bihar Solar Show. The program showcased the investment opportunities in Bihar.

Under the visionary leadership of Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, Sandeep Poundrik; Principal Secretary, Energy Department-cum-CMD Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL), Sanjeev Hans; Director, Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA)-cum-Managing Director, South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL), Mahendra Kumar, the program was successfully organised in Bihar's capital, Patna.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, Sandeep Poundrik, said Bihar is witnessing huge transformation with third highest GSDT growth rate during the fiscal 2021-2022. “As against the national growth of 8.75%, Bihar is recording growth of 10.9%,” he said.

Poundrik said three basic requirements for setting up the industries – land, water and electricity – are available in plenty in Bihar. “The state has 3000 acres of industrial land bank; 24 lakh square feet of plug and play facility on low monthly rental; 75 Industrial Areas with good water and power supply and 1,176 functional units on Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) land,” he said, while inviting the investors to put their money in Bihar. He asked the investors to make Bihar a manufacturing hub for solar industry inputs that has a promising future.

Sanjeev Hans, with his strategic insights, emphasised Bihar's robust growth in the Renewable Energy sector, detailing a staggering investment potential of Rs 23,886 crore.

He highlighted that aligned with India's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Bihar is working towards accomplishing this goal. Hans outlined diverse investment opportunities, including solar modules, inverters, electric cables, Li-battery, and essential accessories. Giving the break-up of investments, Hans said, “The state offers Rs 10,558 crore investment in Solar Modules; Rs 4,040 crore in Inverter; Rs 2,313 in Electric Cables; Rs 1,200 Li-Battery and Rs 5,775 crore for Essential Accessories.”

Hans assured the investors that the notification of second RE Policy is in the pipeline which will further open the avenues for investment related to Renewable Energy.

Mahendra Kumar, Director BREDA, commended Bihar's efforts in creating an enabling ecosystem for renewable energy investments. He underscored the state's ambitious target of achieving 40% of total power consumption from renewable sources by 2030-31.

All the three officials expressed gratitude to the Indian Chamber of Commerce for organising the Bihar Solar Show, a platform that not only attracts investment but also fosters collaboration among government officials, industry experts, and investors.

The event featured technical sessions where challenges and opportunities in Bihar's renewable energy sector were discussed.