Paving the way for energy independence, rural livelihoods and a cleaner tomorrow
When we think of Goa, the images that often spring to mind are of golden beaches, swaying palms and a tourism fuelled economy that hums with life. Yet, beneath this postcard-perfect surface lies a reality that is becoming increasingly urgent: rising energy consumption, growing waste generation, and an over-reliance on fossil fuels. Goa’s economy is expanding, tourism continues to draw millions and industries are beginning to show greater interest in setting up operations in the state. All of this means energy demand will continue to grow and so will the waste footprint. The Government of Goa’s Draft Bioenergy Policy 2025 is a bold response to this reality, setting the state on a path that intertwines environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and community participation.
The policy’s vision is clear: Reduce fossil fuel dependence by creating a thriving ecosystem for bioenergy and biofuel production while contributing to India’s broader energy security goals. It recognises that the answer to many of Goa’s environmental challenges lies in reimagining waste as a valuable resource. Agricultural residues used cooking oil from hotels and restaurants, non-food biomass from plantations and municipal solid waste are not to be discarded, they are to be transformed into clean, renewable energy.
Unlike many environmental policies that remain aspirational, the Draft Bioenergy Policy tackles the issue end to end. It addresses production, distribution, technology adoption and resource availability. A strong emphasis is placed on developing an integrated supply chain covering collection, storage and transportation of biomass feedstocks. This is not just about building large centralised plants; the policy promotes decentralised bioenergy clusters across Goa, actively involving local communities and panchayats. This decentralised model could become the backbone of an inclusive green economy, ensuring that the benefits of cleaner energy flow directly to rural areas.
One of the most innovative features of the policy is the proposed aggregator model, designed to create a transparent and efficient market for buying and selling bioenergy products and raw materials. Alongside this, the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will spearhead the creation of a digital biomass marketplace, tentatively called e-Indhan. This platform will link producers with consumers, coordinate biomass transportation and make biomass availability data accessible. If implemented well, it could set a precedent for other states to follow.
The policy also aims to draw the private sector into the fold by offering financial incentives. Eligible projects include biomass briquette and pellet manufacturing plants, biomass based steam generation units, biomass supply chain companies and the conversion or expansion of sewage treatment plants for energy production. Importantly, incentives are restricted to additional capacity, ensuring that funds drive genuine expansion rather than subsidising existing operations. This forward-looking approach balances growth with fiscal prudence.
These ideas are already moving from paper to practice. In May 2025, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone for a 300 Kilo Litres Per Day grain-based ethanol plant in Navelim, Bicholim. The facility is expected to support local farmers by sourcing grain feedstock, generate rural employment and produce nutritious byproducts for animal feed. In Saligao, the 40-tonne-per-day biomass briquette plant operated by Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. (PRESPL) is already turning plantation and garden waste into industrial fuel, processing between 10 and 15 tonnes daily. These examples demonstrate that the bioenergy transition in Goa is not a distant ambition, it is already taking shape.
From an analytical perspective, the policy’s relevance to the SDGs is striking. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is served through the creation of a local, renewable fuel source that reduces dependence on imported oil and coal. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is addressed by transforming waste streams into productive resources, creating a circular economy where nothing valuable is discarded. SDG 13 (Climate Action) is supported by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, especially in Goa’s transport sector, which has one of the highest vehicle densities in India. Beyond these, the policy also speaks to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through rural job creation and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by incentivising technology adoption and sustainable industrial development.
That said, the road to implementation is not without challenges. Feedstock availability can fluctuate seasonally, making supply chains vulnerable. Transporting biomass is costly unless decentralised processing clusters are truly viable. Industries accustomed to coal or petroleum may need strong incentives or even regulatory nudges to make the switch. Technical expertise will be crucial for converting and operating plants efficiently. These are not insurmountable issues, but they demand careful planning, continuous community engagement and a willingness to adapt policy mechanisms over time.
Where the Goa Bioenergy Policy shows great promise is in its community-centric approach. By empowering panchayats to host decentralised bioenergy units, the policy not only reduces transport costs but also builds local ownership. This mirrors the success stories of countries like Germany and Denmark, where community owned renewable energy projects have thrived for decades.
Goa’s relatively compact geography could actually make such models easier to implement here than in larger states.
The broader implications are equally compelling. Successful implementation could significantly reduce Goa’s reliance on fossil fuel imports, ease the pressure on overflowing landfills and eliminate the open burning of agricultural waste. It could also strengthen Goa’s eco-tourism brand, appealing to environmentally conscious travellers, while positioning the state as a hub for clean-tech investment.
With its educated workforce and strong local governance structures, Goa has the human capital to sustain such a transformation.
In the words of a senior government official, “The state acknowledges the pivotal role of biofuels in enhancing energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and fostering employment opportunities in rural areas. This scheme presents a holistic framework aimed at establishing a resilient and sustainable biofuel ecosystem within the state.” That phrase holistic framework is key. This is not simply a plan to produce biofuels, it is an attempt to create a bioenergy culture in Goa, one that connects farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers and consumers in a shared mission.
If Goa can navigate the operational hurdles ahead, it has the potential to become a living laboratory for sustainable bioenergy policy in India. The lessons learned here could inform similar transitions in other states and perhaps even internationally. More importantly, it would be a testament to how even a small state can make a large contribution to the global fight against climate change.
In the end, the true success of the Goa Bioenergy Policy will be measured not only in megawatts of clean power or tonnes of biomass processed, but in the lived experiences of communities. The farmers who find new income from crop residues, entrepreneurs who build thriving green businesses and residents who breathe cleaner air. It is about ensuring that Goa’s sunsets remain as beautiful as ever, unclouded by fossil fuel emissions and lit instead by the clean glow of a sustainable future
