India's Biomass Power Pipeline Stands at 149 Tracked Projects
India's non-conventional power sector, specifically biomass, carries a live pipeline of 149 projects as tracked by Projects India, with seven new entries added over the past 90 days. The Government of India's energy security narrative, reported by the Press Information Bureau on 4 October 2026 under the headline India's Energy Journey: Expanding Capacity, Strengthening Security, underlines continued policy focus on expanding capacity across power sub-sectors, including biomass. For suppliers, contractors and equipment makers, the scale and geographic spread of this pipeline represents a substantial forward order opportunity across multiple stages of development.
Details of specific project values, capacities or timelines linked directly to the PIB report could not be retrieved; the figures and project data below are drawn exclusively from Projects India's own tracked records for biomass power projects.
Geographic Spread: Maharashtra and Karnataka Drive Volume
Maharashtra leads all states with 27 tracked biomass projects, followed by Karnataka with 18 and Gujarat with 15. Andhra Pradesh accounts for 14 projects, Punjab for 12 and Madhya Pradesh for 11. This concentration in western and southern India reflects the availability of agricultural residue and industrial biomass feedstock in these states, though the data itself does not specify feedstock sources.
For suppliers deciding where to direct business-development resources, the Maharashtra-Karnataka-Gujarat corridor represents the densest cluster of active projects. Punjab's 12 entries, many likely tied to paddy-straw biomass availability, also warrant attention given that state's known agricultural output cycle.
| State | Tracked Projects |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 27 |
| Karnataka | 18 |
| Gujarat | 15 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 14 |
| Punjab | 12 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 11 |
Stage Breakdown: More Than Half Still in Pre-Construction Phases
Of the 149 tracked projects, 58 are currently under approvals and 24 are at the planning stage, meaning over half the pipeline has not yet moved into construction. Twelve projects have recorded construction started, 24 are listed as completed and 15 are on hold. Eleven have been cancelled.
The large under-approvals cohort — 58 projects — is particularly relevant for suppliers of equipment and engineering services. Projects at this stage are typically advancing detailed project reports, environmental clearances and financial closure, placing them within a procurement horizon of one to three years in most cases. The 24 planning-stage projects represent an earlier but still trackable opportunity set.
| Stage | Project Count |
|---|---|
| Under Approvals | 58 |
| Planning | 24 |
| Completed | 24 |
| Hold | 15 |
| Construction Started | 12 |
| Cancelled | 11 |
Recent Activity: Seven Projects Added in 90 Days
Seven biomass sub-sector projects were added to the Projects India database in the past 90 days, indicating continued project origination activity despite a broader slowdown in formal tender issuance. There are currently no open India tenders recorded under the wider Power Projects sector on the platform, which underscores that most near-term engagement opportunities in biomass will arise from direct developer outreach rather than competitive tender response.
Related policy and procurement activity in adjacent bioenergy segments continues to attract capital. The Cabinet's approval of Rs 23,731 crore for the GOBARdhan compressed biogas scheme, covered separately, reflects the government's broader push across organic waste-to-energy pathways. That scheme and the biomass power pipeline together indicate active public and private capital flows into India's bioenergy stack. Further details are available in the GOBARdhan scheme coverage on Projects India.
What this means for suppliers and contractors
The biomass power pipeline's structure offers clear signals for market participants. With 58 projects under approvals and 24 at planning, the near-to-medium term workload is front-loaded in pre-construction activity — meaning equipment vendors, civil contractors and balance-of-plant specialists should be engaging project developers now rather than waiting for formal tender notices.
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat collectively account for 60 of the 149 tracked projects, making them the primary geography for sales and business-development prioritisation. Punjab's 12 projects, while fewer in number, may cluster around a narrow seasonal procurement cycle tied to crop residue availability, suggesting time-sensitive outreach windows.
The 15 projects currently on hold represent a latent opportunity: a change in feedstock economics, policy support or financing conditions could move some of these back into active development. Contractors with established relationships in the sector should monitor these for revival signals.
For a full view of all active tracked projects across power sub-sectors, the Projects India project database provides stage, location and promoter detail across the pipeline.
Frequently asked questions
How many biomass power projects are currently active in India?
Projects India tracks 149 live biomass power projects across India, with seven added in the past 90 days. Maharashtra leads with 27 projects, followed by Karnataka with 18 and Gujarat with 15.
Which states have the most biomass power projects in India?
Maharashtra leads with 27 tracked biomass projects, followed by Karnataka at 18, Gujarat at 15, Andhra Pradesh at 14, Punjab at 12 and Madhya Pradesh at 11, according to Projects India data.
How many biomass power projects in India are under approvals?
Of 149 tracked biomass projects, 58 are currently under approvals and 24 are at the planning stage, meaning more than half the pipeline has not yet entered construction, based on Projects India records.
Are there any open tenders for biomass power projects in India?
As of the latest data, there are no open India tenders recorded under the Power Projects sector on Projects India. Engagement opportunities in biomass are therefore more likely to arise from direct developer outreach at this time.
