05.04.23

Himachal Pradesh Bioenergy Mission: Initial consultation with the Chief Minister

On 3 March 2023, the Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, met the Indian School of Business (ISB) team. He announced a partnership to build a sustainable bioenergy sector based on forest resources. The government will invest directly in this emerging sector, guided by policy inputs and research support from ISB.

The ISB team discussed the Himachal Pradesh Bioenergy Mission, focusing on briquettes made from dried pine needles, ethanol, compressed biogas, and bamboo biofertiliser as coal alternatives. The CM emphasised raising ethanol blending in petrol from 10 per cent to 20 per cent by 2025 to achieve ‘Green Energy State’ status. He proposed a community pilot to produce briquettes and sell them via an ISB-designed business model, ensuring fair pricing for self-help groups (SHGs).

It was agreed that forest-dwelling communities will be the fundamental stakeholders in this mission. Legal recognition of Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) will secure raw-material supply, protect ecosystems, and foster multisectoral job creation. ISB will provide market linkages, suitable technology, and a robust business model, with coordinated government support across departments. Officials will reconvene after 15 April 2023 to finalise an action plan.

Himachal Pradesh can unlock vast socioeconomic and ecological benefits by investing in sustainable conifer management and bamboo restoration. These focused investments will create opportunities in the emerging bioenergy sector, driving economic and environmental resilience.