India has significantly scaled up its renewable energy portfolio over the last ten years, reinforcing national climate policy goals while advancing a circular economy approach. The country has added 2,361 MW of biomass capacity, 228 MWe of waste-to-energy projects, and installed 2.88 lakh biogas plants nationwide.
National Bioenergy Programme driving growth
The expansion has been supported by the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP) Phase-I, notified in November 2022. The programme, with a budget outlay of ₹998 crore, runs from 2022–23 to 2025–26 and promotes biomass, biogas and waste-to-energy projects through structured central financial assistance.
Earlier initiatives, including biogas, biomass cogeneration and energy-from-waste schemes implemented under successive Five Year Plans, also contributed to steady capacity growth across states.
Financial support for renewable energy projects
Under the current framework, financial assistance is provided for a wide range of renewable energy technologies. These include biogas and Bio-CNG generation, biomass power, agro-industrial waste-based projects, pellet and briquette manufacturing, and cogeneration in industries such as sugar mills. Additional incentives are available for projects in the North Eastern Region, islands, registered gaushalas and SC/ST beneficiaries.
State-wise progress highlights circular economy
State-wise data shows strong contributions from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in biomass power, waste-to-energy and biogas deployment. Urban, industrial and agricultural waste is increasingly being converted into energy, supporting resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Renewable energy at the core of India’s transition
The continued promotion of bioenergy reflects India’s broader renewable energy strategy, aligning climate policy with economic development and waste management. By integrating biomass, biogas and waste-to-energy into the power mix, India is strengthening energy security while advancing a low-carbon, circular economy model.
