Indian renewable energy firm SAEL is planning to scale its biomass power capacity to 1 GW over the next five years, with paddy stubble as the primary feedstock.
The company currently operates 11 power plants across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan with a combined capacity of 165 MW, all fuelled by paddy straw. It describes itself as India's largest producer of electricity from paddy stubble.
Chief executive Laxit Awla said the expansion would build on existing agricultural waste-to-electricity operations, with new projects planned across Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh — extending the company's presence to states where paddy straw-based generation is viable.
The growth programme is intended to support crop residue management alongside increased renewable energy output. Burning of paddy stubble in the field is a significant source of air pollution across northern India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, making agricultural waste-to-energy schemes an environmental priority for the region.
SAEL targets 1 GW biomass capacity using paddy stubble
