Aman Arora highlights Punjab’s 2025 renewable energy achievements, including solar projects, agri-waste initiatives, and national recognition for PEDA’s green energy efforts.

Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is leading the state toward clean energy leadership by effectively utilizing agricultural waste and solar power. Homes and farms are now powered by solar energy, while agri-residue is being converted into green energy. In 2025, PEDA successfully translated policies into action, driving significant progress in Punjab’s sustainable energy sector, said Aman Arora, Punjab’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources.

Aman Arora shared that Punjab’s solar capacity expanded this year with the commissioning of a 4 MW Ground-Mounted Solar Power Project at Bhagi Bandar village, Bathinda in July 2025. Additionally, two more 4 MW solar projects are under construction in Kothe Malluana and Shergarh, Bathinda. To reduce the agriculture sector’s carbon footprint, PEDA installed 16 grid-connected solar pumps on the Peerkot feeder and plans to add four more.

Across the state, PEDA has deployed 4,850 off-grid standalone solar water pumps and identified 277 villages to be transformed into self-reliant solar-powered communities under the Model Solar Village Scheme. Rooftop solar plants totaling 2.6 MW were installed on 148 government buildings, and over 4,169 solar streetlights now illuminate 299 villages. An additional 1,221 solar streetlights are being installed in 65 villages to further enhance safety and community life.

Highlighting sustainable agricultural practices, Aman Arora said 57 Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects with a total capacity of 822 tons per day have been allocated, which, when operational, will consume over 27 lakh tons of paddy straw annually. Currently, six CBG projects with a total capacity of 107.48 tons per day are operational. Five upcoming CBG plants and a major bio-ethanol facility in Bathinda will consume over 3.3 lakh tons of paddy straw annually, promoting a circular economy that powers progress while reducing waste.

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Punjab is also advancing renewable energy through a 40 MW Canal-Top Solar project designed to conserve land and water while generating electricity. Additional renewable projects include a 14 MW co-generation plant at Batala Sugar Mills and a 2 MW mini-hydel project in Dhariwal, reflecting Punjab’s commitment to leveraging all available green resources.

PEDA’s work in energy efficiency and green energy has received national recognition. The agency was awarded the 2nd Prize in the State Performance Award (Group-3) under NECA 2025, presented by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Aman Arora stated.

“Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, Punjab is setting new benchmarks where energy conservation, farmer prosperity, and environmental protection go hand-in-hand,” Aman Arora said. “The impact is visible in reduced irrigation costs for farmers, solar-lit village squares, and cleaner air. We are committed to building a greener, more prosperous Punjab for future generations.”

Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary for New & Renewable Energy Sources, added that Punjab is integrating renewable energy into the core of its development strategy. Each initiative is designed to enhance energy self-reliance, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.