Santerra Industries Turns Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Energy in Nagpur

Nagpur, India — In a groundbreaking move towards a greener future, Santerra Industries is transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly bio coal, revolutionizing waste management and providing a sustainable fuel alternative. Founded by the innovative husband-and-wife team, Nikhil Chandwani and Arushi Sana, the company is not only helping the environment but also empowering local farmers economically.

Operating out of Nagpur, Santerra Industries processes over 40,000 kilograms of agricultural waste every day, sourced from local farmers at fair prices. This waste includes corn cobs, rice husks, cotton residue, wheat stubble, and more—materials that would typically be burned by farmers, contributing to air pollution and environmental degradation. Santerra offers a profitable and cleaner alternative by converting this waste into bio coal pellets.

The production process begins with a custom-built hammering machine that turns the solid waste into fine powder. This powder is then compressed into 8mm pellets with a high calorific value of 3400–4400 kcal/kg. The finished pellets are distributed to clients like NTPC and various other private and government factories, where they are used as a renewable fuel source for electricity generation.

Not only does Santerra’s initiative benefit the environment, but it also has a profound economic impact. The company’s efforts have contributed to a 15% reduction in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the surrounding area, showcasing the cleaner air resulting from the use of bio coal. Furthermore, Santerra’s bio coal emits no carbon monoxide or sulfur, and boasts less than 10% ash content, making it a much cleaner alternative to traditional coal.

From an economic perspective, 35% of partner farmers now earn more from selling agricultural waste to Santerra than from their primary crops, providing them with an additional income stream. This not only incentivizes sustainable agricultural practices but also strengthens the local economy.

Santerra Industries has quickly become a model for how sustainable industrial practices can make a meaningful impact on both the environment and the community. By solving the problem of agricultural waste while creating a sustainable energy source, Santerra is paving the way for greener and more sustainable industrial solutions. As the company grows, it continues to lead the charge in waste reduction and environmental preservation, while offering economic opportunities to farmers and local communities.