Special delegation from Norway visits Biomass Plant at Hakumat Singh Wala Village

Ferozepur, November 16, 2023: A special delegation from Norway led by Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim visited biomass plant of Sukhbir Agro Energy Limited (SAEL) at Hakumat Singh Wala village in this border district and reviewed the process of generating electricity with the help of crop residue. The minister appreciated the efforts of the district administration and the plant owners for preventing pollution and generating electricity from the stubble straw in an innovative way. 

While addressing the media persons the Norway Minister said that with such initiative, not only the air pollution will reduce but several jobs will also be created and the farmers will also be able to make money with their crop residue.

Jasbir Awla, Managing Director Sukhbir Agro Energy Limited (SAEL) said that since the establishment of this plant in 2019, their company has purchased 10 lakh tones of paddy straw. “ Everyday 432 megawatt electricity is generated with the help of paddy straw. This year we have generated around 43 lakh megawatt electricity”, said Awla. 

Awla said that they have four such plants in Punjab, two plants in Haryana in the near future they will be setting up six more such plants in Rajasthan also. “Bio Mass plant is the best way to combat with the problem of crop residue and air pollution. With the help of bailing machines, the fertility of the agricultural land improves besides farmers also get a chance to make some additional money”, said Awla adding that their company is paying Rs. 2.50 per kg for the paddy straw. “It is indeed a good opportunity for the farmers also to make money for these paddy straws which is of no use to them”, said Awla.

 Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman also met the delegation and made them aware about the historical importance of this district. 

On this occasion May Elin Stener Ambassador of Norway to India and Sri Lanka, Johan Lie Hammerstrom Senior Adviser in the Secretariat of the Minister of International Development (Norway). Hakon Gulbrandsen Assistant Director General Department for Sustainable Development, Jasbir Awla Director SAEL, Sukhbir Awla, Lakshit Awla, Sanjay Ahuja and others were present.