India Adds 2,361 MW Biomass, 228 MWe Waste-to-Energy Capacity in Last Ten Years

India has significantly expanded its bioenergy footprint over the last ten years, adding 2,361 MW of biomass-based power capacity, 228 MWe of waste-to-energy capacity, and 2.88 lakh biogas plants across the country.

The information was provided by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, citing data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The expansion has been supported through multiple central government schemes and is currently being driven under the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP) Phase-I, notified on November 2, 2022. The programme has a total budget outlay of INR 998 crore for the period 2022–23 to 2025–26, aimed at accelerating deployment of bioenergy technologies across the country.

Over the past decade, the government promoted bioenergy projects through several flagship initiatives, including the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP) during the 12th Five Year Plan, the New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme (NNBOMP) between 2018–19 and 2020–21, and schemes supporting grid-interactive biomass power, bagasse-based cogeneration in sugar mills, and energy generation from urban, industrial, and agricultural waste.

Under the current NBP framework, central financial assistance (CFA) is being provided for a wide range of technologies. Support includes incentives for biogas and Bio-CNG plants, biomass and agro-industrial waste-based power projects, biomass gasifiers, pellet and briquette manufacturing units, and non-bagasse cogeneration projects. Special provisions allow 20 per cent higher CFA for projects in the North Eastern Region, islands, registered gaushalas, and SC/ST beneficiaries.

State-wise data shows that Maharashtra leads the country with over 1,073 MW of biomass capacity and more than 71,000 biogas plants, followed by Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. In waste-to-energy capacity, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi have emerged as key contributors.

The Ministry noted that new bioenergy projects continue to be promoted under NBP Phase-I, aligning with India’s broader clean energy transition, waste management goals, and efforts to enhance rural energy access.