Punjab-based Sukhbir Agro Energy Ltd is planning to set up two paddy processing and co-generation power plants in Ferozepur and Mansa districts of Punjab with capital outlay of Rs 250 crore under the mega project scheme of the Punjab government. The company has submitted its detailed project report to Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Ltd (PAIC), a nodal agency of the state government which helps in promotion and facilitation of agri-based industries.
Speaking to Business Standard, Sukhbir Agro Energy Ltd director Sukhbir Singh Awla said, “We have plans to set up two paddy processing and co-generation power plants in Ferozepur and Mansa. The project in Ferozepur envisages setting up of 80 tonnes per hour (TPH) rice mill, 14.5 Mw bio-mass based co-generation power plant and construction of godown for storage of rice with capacity of 50,000 MT. The project at Mansa envisages setting up of 20 TPH rice mill and a 14.5 Mw bio-mass based co-generation power plant.”
“So far the finances are concerned, it would be through internal accruals and term loans from banks,” he added.
At present, the company has a rice mill and solvent extraction plant in Ferozepur district. Besides, it has also set up an integrated food processing and 15 Mw biomass residue-based power plant in Uttar Pradesh with a capital outlay of Rs 125 crore. The unit comprises of a 50 TPH rice mill, 500 TPD solvent extraction plant, which commenced commercial production in December 2007 and a 15 Mw biomass-based power plant, which was completed and synchronised in February 2009.
Also, the group company, Universal Bio-Mass Energy Pvt Ltd. recently commissioned a 14.5 Mw bio-mass power project in Muktsar district of Punjab. The project has been set up with capital outlay of Rs 78 crore. The biomass-based power project is also eligible for carbon credit benefits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) available under Kyoto Protocol adopted in December 1997. The plant would be utilising the biomass available in the region ie cotton stalk, mustard stalk and other agriculture waste material.
It would procure biomass from local farmers through 40 collection centres set up by the company in the districts of Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa and neighbouring states. The farmer will be benefited by way of better price for their crop to the extent of Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 per acre per annum .
The company has achieved a turnover of Rs 170 crore during the fiscal year 2008-09. In this financial year, the company is expecting a turnover of Rs 240 crore. In addition to above, the promoters are also working on setting up of two solar thermal power plants of 10 Mw each in Punjab with capital outlay of Rs 300 crore.
