SAEL to Turn Paddy Straw into Renewable Electricity This Season

Integrated renewable energy company SAEL Industries Limited (SAEL) has announced that it will procure approximately 2 million tonnes of paddy straw through its network of fuel aggregators during the ongoing harvest season, converting it into clean electricity.

This large-scale procurement initiative aims to address the long-standing issue of stubble burning and improve agricultural waste management in North India.

SAEL currently operates a portfolio of 11 waste-to-energy plants with a total capacity of 165 MW across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan (including one project under construction in Rajasthan).

According to the Indian Journal of Agronomy, India produces nearly 500 million tonnes of crop residue annually, of which around 92 million tonnes are burned in the open, causing severe air pollution and health concerns in northern states.

Based on estimates aligned with the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, this initiative could help avoid the release of nearly 300,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions by preventing open-field burning.

Mr. Lakhit Aulakh, CEO and Director, SAEL Industries Limited, said:

“Paddy straw represents an underutilized environmental, social, and economic resource. By converting agricultural waste into clean energy, we are not only creating a new source of income for farmers but also addressing the issue of stubble burning. This initiative supports soil health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lessens dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a resilient and sustainable energy grid. At SAEL, we take pride in being part of this transition and remain committed to turning paddy waste into a renewable resource for India’s agri-energy sector.”

SAEL’s procurement strategy focuses on building a sustainable value chain, utilizing paddy residue instead of burning it, and supplying clean energy plants while enhancing rural livelihoods.

According to SAEL’s Greenhouse Gas Report 2024, its waste-to-energy operations have already avoided over 390,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, highlighting the company’s positive environmental footprint.

Currently, SAEL’s agricultural waste-to-energy operations provide employment opportunities to local communities through its plant and collection networks, with multiple fuel aggregation centers already established across villages.