Speaking at the Pioneer Biofuels 360 Summit in New Delhi, Puri said India is making notable advancements in the bioenergy and natural gas sectors. “We already have 113 compressed biogas (CBG) plants operational, with another 73 currently under construction,” he said, underlining the progress in clean energy infrastructure.

The Minister pointed to the growing number of CNG-compatible vehicles entering the Indian market as another positive development. “If you look at the new car models being launched, many are CNG-compatible. That in itself is a success story,” he added.

Highlighting the scale of LPG distribution in the country, Puri noted that India now has 33.5 crore LPG connections, including 10.5 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. However, despite this extensive network, he admitted that around 60% of LPG is still imported.

“We are defying the usual trends. Even with such wide coverage of LPG connections, we remain dependent on imports,” he said.

To address this gap, the government is pushing forward on multiple fronts to increase domestic fuel production. “Our refineries will scale up output, and we’re ramping up efforts in exploration and production (E&P),” Puri said.

On the natural gas front, he reported positive growth. “Our domestic gas production is rising at an annual rate of 18%, though we still import about 50% of our natural gas requirements,” he noted.

Puri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), stressing that while full energy self-sufficiency will take time, progress is being made. “A country like India, facing these challenges, is steadily moving toward self-reliance. In the meantime, we will continue to import, increase domestic production, and diversify our sources,” he said.

India, the third-largest energy consumer globally, currently uses around 5.4 million barrels of oil per day. It imports roughly 80% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas needs. To reduce risk and ensure stable supplies, India now sources oil and gas from nearly 40 countries around the world.

Reference : https://bioenergytimes.com/india-expands-bioenergy-network-with-113-cbg-plants-operational-73-under-construction/?utm_

The post India expands bioenergy network with 113 CBG plants operational, 73 under construction appeared first on Fuels of the Future Conference 2025.

The MoUs were formalised during the launch of two ambitious policies — the Bihar Policy for Promotion of New & Renewable Energy Sources 2025 and the Bihar Policy for Promotion of Pumped Storage Project 2025 — at an event held at Gyan Bhawan. These policies are aimed at fostering green energy development and attracting major investment into the sector.

The renewable energy policy is expected to unlock massive opportunities in solar, wind, biomass, and newer technologies like green hydrogen and pumped storage systems.

Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav formally launched the two policies in the presence of industries minister Nitish Mishra, additional chief secretary of the industries department Mihir Kumar Singh, energy secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, and the managing director of Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (BSPGCL) Mahendra Kumar. Several industry leaders and public sector representatives were also present.

Among the MoUs signed, the BSPGCL partnered with L&T to establish a 116MW/241 MWh battery energy storage project at Kajra in Lakhisarai with an investment outlay of Rs 837 crore. It also signed an MoU with NTPC Green to develop a 1,000MW battery energy storage system (BESS) with an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore.

Separately, the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) inked an MoU with Avaada Group to develop 1,000 MW of ground-mounted and floating solar projects, subject to feasibility. BREDA also joined hands with SECI Ltd to set up floating solar and other renewable energy projects, cumulatively valued at Rs 3,000 crore.

Addressing a gathering of representatives from leading renewable energy firms, PSUs and industry stakeholders, energy minister Yadav urged investors to look towards Bihar’s growing potential.

“We want to tap solar energy, a non-conventional source, for Bihar’s development. For this, we have introduced a new policy. The policy is aimed at protecting our future generations. We need investment in the renewable energy sector for the country’s development and the creation of employment opportunities,” Yadav said.

He added, “We must reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming and safeguard human lives.”

Urging industry not to be swayed by isolated incidents of crime, Yadav said, “Come and invest in Bihar. If required, we are open to amending the policy in future. Don’t judge the state by a few incidents. Bihar has made significant progress.”

Reference : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/govt-signs-mous-worth-rs5k-cr-to-develop-2357mw-green-power/articleshow/122924941.cms?utm_

The post Govt signs MoUs worth Rs5k cr to develop 2,357MW green power appeared first on Fuels of the Future Conference 2025.

Data from the Central Electricity Authority showed 6.45 GW of renewable energy capacity was added in the first two months of this financial year. This is more than double the 3 GW of renewable energy capacity added in the corresponding months of 2024-25.

About 700 MW of nuclear power capacity and 200 MW of large hydro capacity were also added in April and May. 

No thermal capacity was added in April and May, while about 430 MW capacity was retired.

Installation of renewable energy capacity gained momentum in previous months as developers rushed to complete projects before the end of a waiver on transmission charges for inter-state transmission systems for renewable projects, said sector experts.

A 100% waiver on transmission charges for solar and wind power projects ended in June. Projects completed by the deadline will benefit from the 100% waiver for the next 25 years. Introduced in 2010, the waiver was amended and extended several times.

India is aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030. With the latest additions, India’s installed renewable energy capacity, including large hydro projects, stood at 226.75 GW, taking the country’s total non-fossil capacity to 283.45 GW.

Reference : https://www.livemint.com/news/india-power-capacity-renewable-nuclear-energy-april-may-11751548615277.html

The post Renewable, nuclear energy additions boost India’s power capacity growth in April-May appeared first on Fuels of the Future Conference 2025.