West Bengal's Renewable Energy Vision: Harnessing Nature By 2030

West Bengal aims to source 20% of its energy from renewables by 2030. The state plans to use innovative methods, such as hybrid energy systems and solar-powered agricultural pumps, and is collaborating on gas production from biodegradable waste. Efforts also include solar energy for school meals and EV infrastructure expansion.

West Bengal is setting a bold target to source 20% of its total energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, as announced by Md Ghulam Rabbani, the state's minister for non-conventional and renewable energy sources. Speaking at the Energy Meet & Excellence Awards, organized by Assocham, Rabbani detailed key projects like the 900 MW Bandu Pumped Storage Project in Purulia that demonstrate the state's commitment to sustainable energy.

Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, highlighted the state's plan to employ hybrid systems integrating solar, wind, and biomass energy to accelerate clean energy adoption. Strategies include converting agricultural pumps to solar power and expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Explorations in gas production from biodegradable waste are underway in collaboration with Bengal Gas Company Ltd. Plans also extend to using solar energy from rooftop panels in government schools to cook mid-day meals, shifting away from firewood and LPG. Vineet Sikka from CESC Ltd pledged support for rooftop solar initiatives in Kolkata and investment in battery storage for surplus energy.