A village near Hebri in Udupi district, Karnataka, has become home to India’s first large-scale biofuel and biochar carbon removal plant, marking a major milestone in clean energy innovation. The facility, established by MASH Makes, an Indo-Danish climate tech startup, converts waste from the cashew industry into renewable biofuel and carbon-rich biochar, according to a report by The Times of India.

Since operations began, the plant has produced 2,900 metric tonnes of biochar (wet basis) and 1,050 metric tonnes of biofuel, the company said.

Rohit Nagargoje, Chief Operating Officer of MASH Makes, explained that the company’s process turns agricultural waste into valuable resources while reducing environmental pollution. He noted that the Udupi facility demonstrates decentralised clean energy production, where renewable fuel is generated close to raw material sources and supplied to key industrial sectors.

The biofuel produced is used primarily in shipping and heavy manufacturing, while the biochar enhances soil fertility, moisture retention, and crop productivity. Additionally, it contributes to carbon credit generation, creating financial incentives for emission reduction. “Farmers across India are already using our biochar and reporting excellent results,” Nagargoje said.

Operated by SPV 1 Energy Products, the Udupi unit began with one machine in April 2023 and expanded to four machines by January 2024. The plant has since processed over 7,000 tonnes of biomass and currently employs 125 people, with 65 per cent coming from nearby villages — demonstrating how clean technology can drive local employment and sustainability.

Udupi was selected for its proximity to cashew processing units in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The facility now consumes around 2,000 tonnes of cashew residue per month, and the company plans to use other crop residues such as coconut husk and paddy straw for future projects.

Ross Allen, Chief Impact Officer at MASH Makes, said India has tremendous potential for scaling carbon removal initiatives. “We see India as one of the most promising countries for expanding biochar-based carbon removal projects,” he said.

Earlier this year, Karnataka Industries Minister M. B. Patil announced that MASH Makes would invest Rs 1 billion in the state, half of which has already been implemented, with the remainder expected within a year.

MASH Makes is helping put Udupi on the global carbon removal map, Allen said. “Biochar can reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable agriculture for Indian farmers.”