Bengaluru: Karnataka is preparing to roll out a new bioenergy policy aimed at promoting alternative fuel sources in rural areas, said Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and IT-BT, Priyank Kharge, on Wednesday.
Addressing the media after the 10th Annual General Body Meeting of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board held at Vidhana Soudha, the minister said the draft policy is under development and preliminary groundwork, including inter-state study visits and analysis of central and state-level biofuel policies, has been completed.
“The government has begun the process to frame a comprehensive Karnataka Bioenergy Policy. We have assessed resource availability, conducted feasibility studies, and engaged with investors and experts to make the state a conducive destination for bioenergy sector investments,” Kharge said.
He noted that the department has actively participated in various biofuel investor summits, workshops, and industry exhibitions, and has held deliberations with foreign universities, industrial bodies, and clean energy institutions to shape the policy.
Consultations have also taken place with entrepreneurs engaged in biobriquettes, biopellets, biochar, biodiesel, 2G ethanol, and green hydrogen production. Feedback sessions were conducted in Tumakuru and Bengaluru to gather on-ground insights.
Kharge confirmed that a draft of the bioenergy policy will be released for public consultation shortly to invite suggestions and incorporate stakeholder views.
The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy, Board Chairperson S.E. Sudheendra, RDPR Secretary Sameer Shukla, Commissioner Arundhati Chandrashekar, and other board members.
