Turning Agricultural Waste into Clean Energy Batteries: The Nexus Power Revolution
- BerryBeat Team
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
India faces two pressing challenges that seem unrelated at first glance. One is the widespread burning of crop residue by farmers, which causes severe air pollution and health hazards across northern India every year. The other is the country's growing dependence on imported lithium for electric vehicle batteries, a supply chain vulnerable to global tensions. Nishita and Nikita Baliarsingh, twin sisters from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, have found a way to tackle both problems with a single solution. Their startup, Nexus Power India, is pioneering the use of agricultural waste to build functional battery cells, marking a new chapter in India's green startup India story.
The Problem of Crop Residue Burning and Lithium Dependency
Every year, millions of tonnes of rice crop residue remain after harvest in India. Farmers often burn this leftover biomass because they lack affordable alternatives to clear their fields quickly. This practice releases thick smoke and particulate matter, causing severe air pollution, respiratory illnesses, and environmental damage. The smoke crisis is especially acute in northern plains but originates from agricultural practices across many states, including Odisha.
At the same time, India’s electric vehicle revolution depends heavily on lithium-ion batteries. India imports nearly all of its lithium, mainly from countries like Australia, Chile, and China. This dependency exposes the country to supply risks amid rising global trade tensions and resource nationalism. The need for a domestic, sustainable source of battery materials has never been greater.
Nexus Power India’s Bold Solution
Nishita and Nikita Baliarsingh founded Nexus Power India with a vision to convert agricultural waste into battery-grade materials. Their proprietary chemistry transforms rice crop residue into functional battery cells, creating a new value chain from what was once considered waste. This approach addresses two crises simultaneously:
Reducing air pollution by providing farmers with an alternative to burning crop residue
Lowering import dependence by producing battery materials domestically from agri-waste
This agri-waste battery startup is unique in its focus on rural innovation. Unlike many startups that operate from metropolitan hubs, Nexus Power India developed its technology in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, close to the source of the raw material and the communities affected by crop burning.
How Nexus Power India Works
The process begins with collecting rice crop residue from local farmers. Instead of burning, the biomass undergoes chemical treatment and conversion to extract carbon and other elements suitable for battery electrodes. The sisters’ team developed a proprietary method that ensures the resulting battery cells meet performance standards required for electric vehicles and energy storage.
Key features of their approach include:
Sustainable sourcing: Using locally available agricultural waste reduces transportation emissions and supports rural economies
Cost-effectiveness: Agri-waste is abundant and inexpensive compared to imported lithium and other raw materials
Scalability: The technology can be adapted to other types of crop residue beyond rice, expanding its impact across India
Nexus Power India has attracted support from TechnoServe’s Greenr Sustainability Accelerator, backed by the IKEA Foundation and Visa Foundation. This validation highlights the startup’s potential to scale and contribute meaningfully to India’s clean energy Odisha ambitions.
The Role of Indian Women Entrepreneurs 2026 in Clean Energy
Nishita and Nikita Baliarsingh represent a new wave of Indian women entrepreneurs 2026 who are reshaping the country’s startup ecosystem. Their work challenges traditional gender roles and geographic expectations by building a green startup India success story from Odisha, far from the usual tech hubs.
Their leadership demonstrates how women entrepreneurs can drive innovation in sectors like clean energy, which have historically seen less female participation. By combining scientific expertise with a deep connection to their community, the Baliarsingh sisters show that impactful solutions can emerge from unexpected places.
Impact on Farmers and the Environment
Nexus Power India’s model offers practical benefits for farmers and the environment:
Health improvements: Reducing crop burning lowers air pollution, improving respiratory health for millions
Economic incentives: Farmers can sell their crop residue to Nexus Power, creating new income streams
Soil preservation: Avoiding burning helps maintain soil quality and fertility over time
This approach aligns with India’s broader goals to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon emissions. It also supports the electric vehicle industry by creating a domestic supply of battery materials, helping India meet its climate targets.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While Nexus Power India has made impressive strides, challenges remain:
Scaling production to meet the growing demand for batteries in India’s EV market
Ensuring consistent quality of agri-waste materials across different regions and crop types
Building infrastructure for collection, processing, and distribution in rural areas
The startup’s success will depend on continued innovation, partnerships with government and industry, and support from investors focused on sustainability. The backing from international foundations is a positive sign that Nexus Power India’s approach can attract the resources needed for growth.
What This Means for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Nexus Power India’s story highlights several important trends for young entrepreneurs and investors:
Innovation rooted in local challenges can create solutions with national impact
Sustainability and clean energy are fertile areas for startups with social and environmental missions
Women entrepreneurs are playing a growing role in shaping India’s future industries
Regional startups outside major metros can succeed by leveraging local resources and knowledge
For investors interested in clean energy Odisha and green startup India sectors, Nexus Power India offers a compelling example of how technology and community engagement can combine to solve complex problems.
