Pune: The Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory’s cogeneration project has been recognized as the "Best Cogeneration Power Plant" at the national level by the Cogeneration Association of India.
The award honors the project’s remarkable achievement of running at 100% capacity for three consecutive years, setting it apart from other cooperative and private-sector plants.
The cogeneration plant, initiated in 2010 under the leadership of Shahajirao Kakade and guided by senior leaders Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, operates on a high-pressure boiler with an 18 MW turbine.
For over 14 years, the project has consistently generated profits for its members, becoming a key contributor to the factory's success.
Under the leadership of President Purushottam Jagtap and Vice President Balasaheb Kamthe, the plant has maintained steady operations throughout the past three crushing seasons.
It exports 11 MW of electricity daily, achieving profits of ₹27 crore in 2021-22, ₹25 crore in 2022-23, and ₹14 crore in 2023-24, even amidst falling rates in the market.
Executive Director Rajendra Yadav and Cogeneration Manager S.S. Gawde oversee the day-to-day activities, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency.
Someshwar emerged as the top performer among 225 cogeneration projects in the country, evaluated based on parameters such as plant load factor and topping cycle efficiency. It shared the top honor with Ponni Sugars (Tamil Nadu) and EID Parry (Karnataka).
Maharashtra-based Rajarambapu Patil Sugar and Gangakhed Sugar secured second place, while Godavari Biorefineries (Karnataka) and Sahakarmaharshi (Akluj) achieved third place.
The factory recently completed an expansion of the cogeneration plant, doubling its daily capacity to 36 MW. This upgrade is expected to enhance production and profitability further.
President Jagtap and the board credited the achievement to Ajit Pawar’s guidance and the teamwork of members, workers, and staff. They expressed pride in setting a benchmark for excellence in cogeneration in India.