MNRE Approves ₹140 Crore Supplementary Budget For National Bioenergy Programme Phase I

By Mohan Gupta

The government of India has approved a supplementary budget of ₹140 crore for Phase I of the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP). The approval was formally sanctioned by the President of India on September 16, 2025. With this additional allocation, the total budget for Phase I now stands at ₹998 crore. The supplementary funds will support the implementation of the umbrella scheme for the fiscal period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

The National Bioenergy Programme is designed around three main sub-schemes: the Waste to Energy Programme, the Biomass Programme, and the Biogas Programme. Under the newly approved budget, ₹37.5 crore will be allocated for the Waste to Energy Programme, ₹52.5 crore for the Biomass Programme, and ₹50 crore for the Biogas Programme. The funds are fungible, which means they can be moved between these sub-schemes depending on project needs and priorities.

Dr. Gaurav Mishra, Scientist ‘F’ in the Bio-Energy Division, clarified in the official letter that all existing guidelines, implementation framework, and terms and conditions from Phase I of the programme will continue to apply. The budget approval has been granted by a competent authority, ensuring proper governance and accountability.

Copies of the approval document have been widely circulated to ensure awareness and necessary action by key stakeholders. This includes various Central Government Ministries and Departments, the NITI Aayog, and Renewable Energy, Power, and Energy Departments of all States and Union Territories. Important institutions like the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) and the Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy (SSS-NIBE) have also received the document. Additionally, State Nodal Agencies and the Heads of Banks and Financial Institutions have been informed to facilitate project funding and implementation.

Within the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the document has been shared with the Minister’s office, the Secretary, and various group heads. This broad circulation ensures that all relevant authorities and institutions are aware of the additional allocation and can plan accordingly for effective implementation.

The supplementary budget reflects the government’s continued commitment to promoting renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and advancing India’s clean energy targets. By supporting projects under the Waste to Energy, Biomass, and Biogas Programmes, the NBP aims to strengthen sustainable energy generation from biomass and waste resources, create jobs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

With the total budget now nearing ₹1,000 crore, Phase I of the National Bioenergy Programme is expected to see accelerated development and implementation of bioenergy projects across the country, benefiting both rural and urban areas while helping India move closer to its renewable energy and climate goals.

This article has been republished from The Solar Quarter.