Haryana’s Renewable Energy Push:Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates Biomass Plant as Haryana Boosts Solar, Bioenergy and Green Hydrogen

Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated a state-of-the-art 240 tonnes-per-day biomass pellet plant in Rewari, Haryana, marking a major boost for the state’s clean fuel ecosystem and rural economy. The facility is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions, reduce stubble burning, and create new income opportunities for farmers by converting agricultural residues into biomass pellets for thermal power co-firing.

The launch comes as the Central Government rolls out a new national policy mandating biomass pellet or torrefied MSW charcoal co-firing in all coal-based thermal power plants. As per the directive, plants across India must blend 5% biomass by weight, while units in the Delhi-NCR region will blend 7%, with at least half sourced from local paddy residue. The move aims to tackle stubble burning, strengthen waste segregation systems and expand the ecosystem for MSW-derived charcoal.

Biomass Plant to Strengthen Rural Livelihoods

Joshi said the new Rewari facility will utilise paddy straw, mustard straw and cotton stalks to produce pellets that serve as a clean substitute for coal. The plant is expected to support farmers with additional revenue streams while contributing to India’s broader decarbonisation goals. Calling the project a “significant milestone,” Joshi noted that it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a sustainable, energy-secure nation.

The Minister highlighted the Centre’s continued support for Haryana, noting that the State—already operating over 12 GW of electricity generation capacity—is on track to double this to 24 GW in the coming years, enabling cleaner and more reliable power access.

Solar Momentum: PM-KUSUM & PM Surya Ghar Accelerate Adoption

Haryana’s renewable energy footprint has surpassed 2.8 GW, including 2.4 GW of solar capacity. Over 2 lakh households have applied for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and more than 45,000 rooftop solar systems are already operational, providing households with zero-electricity-bill benefits.

Under PM-KUSUM, the State has deployed 1.74 lakh solar pumps and installed 18.61 MW under Component A, enabling farmers to transition from diesel to solar-powered irrigation. Joshi emphasised that farmers are now emerging as both agricultural providers and clean energy producers.

Green Hydrogen & Waste-to-Energy Lead Next Phase of Growth

Haryana is also advancing multiple green hydrogen projects in Hisar, Panipat and Jhajjar, positioning itself as a leader in India’s clean fuel landscape. The State has an estimated biomass potential of over 1,350 MW and is expanding its waste-to-energy infrastructure with 49 MW spread across 26 units.

Joshi said these developments collectively strengthen Haryana’s standing in India’s energy transition, crediting the State’s citizens for their longstanding contributions to national growth—from securing borders to driving agricultural production and now championing clean energy innovation.

Expressing confidence in Haryana’s progress, the Minister said the State is well placed to emerge as a global clean energy leader in the coming years.