West Bengal aims for 85 per cent renewable energy by 2047
The state plans to increase its total installed power capacity from 17 GW to 145 GW through a proposed roadmap.
West Bengal has introduced a roadmap to increase renewable energy sources to 85 per cent of its installed power capacity by 2047, according to Urban Acres.
The plan, presented at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit, proposes raising the state's total installed power capacity from 17 GW to 145 GW. Solar capacity is projected to grow from 1.25 GW to 120 GW, which is nearly a 96-fold increase, based on figures from the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Under this long-term capacity mix, solar and nuclear power are expected to account for 82 per cent of electricity generation. The transition is estimated to require an investment of Rs 5.8 lakh crore to expand generation, transmission, and storage infrastructure.
Battery storage capacity is expected to rise from 1 GW to 22 GW by 2047 to manage solar variability and peak electricity demand, which is projected to reach nearly 46 GW. This expansion aims to maintain supply during periods of high demand or lower renewable generation.
The roadmap does not specify the locations for solar projects, the financing structure, or how the state will acquire land and strengthen transmission networks. Implementation will depend on formalising the plan, identifying specific projects, and developing financing arrangements.