Patna: Bihar is preparing to enter the green hydrogen sector with a proposed policy that could bring in investments of around Rs 16,000 crore and create nearly 12,000 jobs, as the state government steps up efforts to develop production, consumption and supporting infrastructure, according to an official following a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday, The Times of India reported.
Choudhary reviewed the draft policy at the ‘Sankalp’ auditorium in Lok Sevak Awas and directed officials to accelerate Bihar’s entry into the green hydrogen sector.
Officials of Bihar State Power Holding Company Ltd presented a roadmap for developing a green hydrogen economy in the state, covering production and consumption targets, incentives, implementation measures and the infrastructure required to support the sector.
During the meeting, Choudhary directed officials to promote green hydrogen production, consumption and investment across Bihar and develop the necessary infrastructure.
He also asked power sector officials to coordinate with Barauni Refinery and Hindustan Urvarak Rasayan Limited (HURL) to examine the feasibility of setting up hydrogen plants at other locations in the state.
The chief minister further directed officials to prepare an action plan in consultation with industries and institutions concerned, taking into account Bihar’s potential for green hydrogen production and utilisation.
Choudhary said Bihar should align its green hydrogen initiatives with the National Green Hydrogen Mission-2030 to promote clean energy, green technology and sustainable development. He directed officials to link efforts to increase green hydrogen production and consumption with national targets so that the state can benefit from emerging opportunities in the sector.
The meeting also reviewed the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s targets for 2030, the potential for green hydrogen production and consumption in Bihar and key provisions of the proposed state policy.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to develop at least 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity in India by 2030.
Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, also known as Bulo Mandal, Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav and senior power sector officials attended the meeting.
