In the year 2006, our journey into sustainable energy took a significant stride with the establishment of our inaugural co-generation plant at Wategaon. This remarkable feat brought forth 12 MW of electricity generation, marking a pivotal moment in our commitment to greener practices. Building upon this success, we ventured into another transformative endeavour in 2016, when our second co-generation plant came to life at Rajaramnagar.
This new addition further bolstered our energy capacity, producing an impressive 28 MW of electricity. Within this substantial output, 11 MW of this energy seamlessly powers our diverse operations inhouse, contributing to the creation of a wide range of products. Remarkably, the surplus energy, a substantial 17 MW, finds its way beyond our walls, as it is channeled to the Government of Maharashtra through the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
Amidst this forward-looking approach to energy, our average annual sugar production of 2.2 million quintals generates a proportional quantity of bagasse residue. Driven by our unwavering commitment to waste reduction and environmental preservation, we have ingeniously harnessed the potential of bagasse. This resource, once deemed residual, now serves a critical role as we utilize it to power our mills, generate essential steam for boilers, and propel turbines.
In essence, our on-site cogeneration plant stands as an exemplar of efficiency. By harnessing thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, we have created a closed-loop system that optimizes our energy usage. This approach underscores our dedication to both productivity and ecological responsibility, and demonstrates that an on-site cogeneration solution surpasses the efficiency of utility-operated central power plants, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.