West Bengal has formally pledged to meet one-fifth of its total energy requirements through renewable sources by the end of this decade. The state's Minister for Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, Md Ghulam Rabbani, made this significant announcement during a key industry event in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Ambitious Roadmap for a Greener Bengal
Minister Rabbani disclosed the 20% renewable energy target for 2030 while addressing the 15th Energy Conclave 2025, organized by the CII Eastern Region. He emphasized that the state government is not just setting goals but actively working on practical, integrated models to achieve them. These models involve combining solar power with other renewable resources like biomass and developing advanced hybrid energy systems.
The minister pointed out that renewables already contribute a substantial 25.1% to the state's total energy potential. The current focus, he stated, is on making clean energy solutions more accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of users. This includes agricultural, residential, and commercial consumers, which is expected to speed up Bengal's shift towards a sustainable energy future.
Rising Demand and National Mandates Drive Investment
Adding depth to the minister's vision, Barun Kumar Ray, the Additional Chief Secretary of the department, provided critical data on future energy needs. He highlighted that electricity demand in Bengal is forecast to grow steadily over the coming decades. The utility sector is projected to see a 5% annual growth, while the captive power segment could surge by a significant 19% each year over the next 20 to 30 years.
This growth aligns with the national Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) trajectory set by the Union Ministry of Power. The mandate requires renewable energy procurement to increase from 30% to 50% by 2030. For West Bengal, this national framework translates into specific and ambitious capacity targets: 15 Gigawatts (GW) by 2026 and 25 GW by 2032.
A Clear Signal for Green Investors
The combination of rising demand, stringent national obligations, and clear state-level targets creates a powerful opportunity for investment in Bengal's renewable sector. The government's commitment, as outlined by both the minister and the senior bureaucrat, sends a strong signal to developers and financiers looking to participate in India's green energy transition.
The detailed roadmap from Kolkata indicates that West Bengal is preparing its infrastructure and policy environment to not only meet its own energy needs sustainably but also to contribute meaningfully to India's broader climate and energy security goals. The focus on integrated models suggests a move beyond standalone solar or wind projects towards more resilient and efficient energy systems.
