Inox Clean Energy, the renewable energy arm of the INOXGFL Group, has acquired the US solar manufacturing assets of Boviet Solar Technology LLC — a company linked to China’s Boway Group — in a deal valued at nearly $750 million (₹7,175 crore). The acquisition marks a major strategic move by Inox Clean as it strengthens its global renewable energy footprint and taps into the rapidly evolving US solar supply-chain market. The company believes the deal offers a significant “first-mover advantage” amid growing demand for domestically manufactured solar equipment in the United States.

Acquisition executed through US subsidiary

The transaction was carried out through Inox Clean’s wholly owned subsidiary, Inox Solar Americas LLC. It also represents the company’s first large-scale manufacturing investment in the US and its second overseas acquisition after expanding into Africa in February 2026. The deal has been structured in two phases to create an integrated solar manufacturing platform in the US.

6 GW integrated solar manufacturing base

In the first phase, Inox Clean acquired an operational 3 GW solar module manufacturing facility in the US that is based on advanced TopCon technology. In the second phase, the company acquired a 3 GW solar cell manufacturing facility that is currently under construction and expected to become operational by December 2026. Together, the two facilities will provide Inox Clean with a 6 GW integrated solar manufacturing base in the United States, significantly enhancing its global manufacturing capabilities.

Immediate access to the US solar supply chain

Headquartered in Greenville, Boviet Solar Technology LLC is considered one of the established solar module manufacturers in the US market. The acquisition also gives Inox Clean access to Boviet Solar’s existing relationships with global energy customers, enabling the company to secure an immediate position within the US solar supply chain. “This will be our first foray into the US market. The acquisition is being done in two parts — an existing 3 GW module facility and a 3 GW cell facility under construction,” a company official told Businessline. The official added that the acquisition would be largely funded through internal accruals.

Boost from US clean energy incentives

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Inox Clean’s ability to benefit from US government support for domestic clean energy manufacturing. In particular, the company stands to gain from incentives available under Section 45X of the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers production-linked benefits for locally manufactured solar components. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by establishing manufacturing operations in the US, Inox Clean aims to improve project economics while positioning itself as a long-term player in the global renewable energy supply chain.

Global oil supply is expected to fall short of total demand this year as the ongoing conflict involving Iran severely disrupts Middle East oil production and rapidly depletes global inventories, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The Paris-based energy watchdog has sharply revised its earlier outlook, which had projected a supply surplus. However, escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have now created what the agency describes as one of the largest oil supply crises in history.

Strait of Hormuz disruption intensifies supply shock

The conflict has significantly damaged oil infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries, while tanker movement through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted. According to the IEA, cumulative supply losses from Gulf producers have already crossed one billion barrels, with more than fourteen million barrels per day (bpd) of oil production currently shut in.

IEA reverses earlier surplus forecast

The IEA now estimates that global oil supply will remain around 1.78 million bpd below total demand in 2026. This marks a dramatic reversal from the agency’s previous forecast of a 410,000 bpd surplus issued last month and nearly 4 million bpd surplus projected in December.

The agency further warned that the market could remain severely undersupplied through the third quarter of 2026, even if the conflict eases in the coming months. The second-quarter supply deficit alone could reach nearly 6 million bpd.

However, the IEA expects some gradual recovery from the third quarter onward if tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz resumes. Under its base-case scenario, the market could return to a modest surplus by the fourth quarter, helping rebuild depleted inventories.

Oil inventories witness record drawdown

The supply crisis has already caused a massive 246 million barrel drawdown in global oil inventories during March and April, the IEA said. The agency warned that shrinking inventories could increase oil price volatility, particularly ahead of the peak summer demand season. To stabilise global markets, the 32-member IEA coordinated the release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves in March — the largest emergency release in its history. Of this total, nearly 164 million barrels have already been released into the market.

Global oil supply outlook sharply downgraded

The IEA now expects global oil supply to decline by around 3.9 million bpd across 2026 due to the ongoing war, substantially higher than its earlier estimate of a 1.5 million bpd drop. At the same time, weakening economic activity and higher crude prices are beginning to reduce fuel consumption worldwide. The agency revised its oil demand forecast and now expects demand to fall by 420,000 bpd this year, compared to its earlier estimate of an 80,000 bpd decline. According to the IEA, sectors such as petrochemicals and aviation are currently experiencing the greatest impact from high oil prices and supply disruptions. “The petrochemical and aviation sectors are currently most affected, but higher prices, a weaker economic environment and demand-saving measures will increasingly impact fuel use,” the agency said.

OPEC also lowers outlook

OPEC also highlighted declining oil output in its latest report, noting that the Iran conflict continues to restrict exports from key Middle Eastern producers. Although OPEC reduced its global oil demand forecast for 2026, the organisation still expects overall demand growth this year, unlike the IEA. Data from the report showed that OPEC+ – which includes Russia and allied producers – pumped only 33.19 million bpd in April, reflecting further production declines due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by reuters.com, OPEC estimates that demand for OPEC+ crude will average 42.7 million bpd in 2026, indicating a significant gap between current production and future market requirements.

Graphite India Limited has increased its shareholding in New York-based GrafTech International Ltd. through secondary market transactions, further strengthening its strategic investment in the global graphite electrode industry. The latest acquisition involved an investment of INR 62.25 crore, raising Graphite India’s stake in GrafTech from 6.82% to 9.79%.

Total Investment Crosses 230 Crore

With the recent purchase, Graphite India Limited’s cumulative investment in GrafTech International Ltd. has reached INR 230.38 crore. The move reflects the company’s growing strategic interest in expanding its global presence within the graphite electrode and advanced manufacturing sectors. By increasing its ownership in GrafTech, Graphite India aims to strengthen its exposure to international steel manufacturing and energy-intensive industrial markets.

GrafTech Maintains Strong Position in Graphite Electrode Market

GrafTech International Ltd. is recognized globally for manufacturing high-quality graphite electrodes, which are essential components used in electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production. As the global steel industry increasingly adopts electric arc furnace technology for sustainable steelmaking, demand for graphite electrodes continues to remain strategically important. GrafTech maintains a competitive advantage through its vertically integrated business model, particularly its petroleum needle coke production capabilities. Petroleum needle coke is a key raw material required for manufacturing premium graphite electrodes.

Focus on Integrated Manufacturing Capabilities

The company also operates some of the world’s highest-capacity graphite electrode manufacturing facilities, enabling it to serve large-scale industrial and steelmaking customers globally. Industry analysts believe the increased investment by Graphite India Limited highlights growing confidence in long-term opportunities within the global steel and advanced materials value chain.

Strategic Investment Supports Global Expansion

The increased stake further aligns with Graphite India’s broader strategy to strengthen its international footprint and participate more actively in the evolving global manufacturing ecosystem. As reported by investywise.com, as industries continue to focus on infrastructure development, electric arc furnace steelmaking, and energy-efficient industrial processes, graphite electrode manufacturers are expected to play a critical role in supporting future industrial growth.

Dorf-Ketal Chemicals India Limited, a global specialty chemicals company known for its
innovation-driven solutions and strategic acquisitions, has acquired the Water Treatment Business of Vasu Chemicals LLP. The acquisition marks Dorf-Ketal’s strategic entry into India’s industrial water treatment sector and represents one of the largest transactions in the segment to date. The move strengthens Dorf-Ketal’s specialty chemicals portfolio while expanding its presence into high-growth industrial water treatment applications.

Vasu Chemicals Brings Strong Market Position and Technical Expertise

Vasu Chemicals LLP is recognized as one of India’s leading providers of industrial water treatment solutions. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialty chemicals, integrated dosing systems, and process solutions designed for industrial and water treatment applications. With annual revenues exceeding $35 million, Vasu Chemicals ranks among the top three players in India’s industrial water treatment market. The company has built strong technical capabilities and long-standing relationships with major government and private sector customers across multiple industries.

Acquisition Expands Dorf-Ketal’s Specialty Chemicals Portfolio

According to Sudhir Menon, Chairman and Managing Director of Dorf-Ketal Chemicals India Limited, the acquisition represents a strategic expansion into adjacent, high-value specialty chemical applications. He stated that the deal will help strengthen the company’s integrated solutions portfolio, deepen customer engagement, and create a scalable platform for expanding water treatment solutions globally.

Menon added that Vasu Chemicals provides a well-established foundation that will allow Dorf-Ketal to leverage its existing technological expertise and international footprint to scale the business significantly beyond India. He further emphasized that the acquisition aligns with Dorf-Ketal’s long-term vision of building a diversified specialty chemicals portfolio focused on high-growth sectors while continuing to deliver differentiated and technology-driven solutions worldwide.

Strengthening Global Growth Opportunities

Subodh Menon, Founder and Vice Chairman of Dorf-Ketal Chemicals India Limited, described the acquisition as a major step in strengthening the company’s position as a global specialty chemicals platform. He noted that the addition of Vasu’s water treatment capabilities complements
Dorf-Ketal’s existing offerings and enhances its ability to address evolving industrial customer requirements. According to him, the water treatment sector is becoming an increasingly critical part of the broader industrial ecosystem. As a result, the acquisition positions Dorf-Ketal to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Vasu Chemicals Sees Strong Future Growth Potential

Tushar and Dipen Jhaveri, Co-CEOs of Vasu Chemicals LLP, said the acquisition marks an important milestone in the company’s growth journey. They highlighted that Vasu Chemicals has built a strong market position through deep customer relationships, technical expertise, and a solutions-oriented business approach. The leadership also expressed confidence that Dorf-Ketal Chemicals India Limited is well-positioned to take the business into its next phase of growth, supported by its global reach and proven track record in scaling specialty chemical businesses internationally.

Growing Importance of Industrial Water Treatment

The acquisition reflects the rising importance of industrial water treatment solutions as industries increasingly focus on sustainability, water efficiency, environmental compliance, and operational optimization. As per company press release, with demand for advanced water treatment technologies continuing to grow across sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing, power, and infrastructure, the deal is expected to strengthen Dorf-Ketal’s position in one of the fastest-growing segments of the specialty chemicals industry.

L&T Technology Services (LTTS), a global player in AI, digital engineering, and engineering R&D services, announced a strategic global partnership with Emerson, a leading provider of automation and advanced test and measurement solutions. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in engineering systems, product development, and industrial automation by combining LTTS’ engineering expertise with Emerson’s NI test and measurement technologies.

LTTS to Serve as Global System Integration Partner

L&T Technology Services will act as a global system integrator and technology development partner for Emerson. The company will support the design, deployment, and lifecycle enablement of advanced systems engineering platforms across multiple industries. In addition, the partnership introduces joint engagement models for customer projects, positioning LTTS as a key system integration partner for the NI test platform. The collaboration will primarily focus on delivering engineering and testing solutions for sectors such as industrial manufacturing, transportation, semiconductors, aerospace, and defense, where performance, resilience, reliability, and sustainability are becoming increasingly critical.

New Centre of Excellence to be Established in Mysuru

As part of the strategic engagement, L&T Technology Services will establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) at its Mysuru campus in India. The CoE will be built around Emerson’s NI test and measurement platform and will serve as a global hub for joint solution development, industrialization, and applied engineering innovation. By leveraging NI’s software and hardware capabilities, the facility will help accelerate product engineering, test automation, validation workflows, and next-generation system development for global customers.

Focus on Industry-Specific Engineering Solutions

The partnership will also drive joint go-to-market initiatives and the development of customized industry-specific solutions. Both companies plan to strengthen customer support through enhanced license enablement programs and extended client engagement models. With engineering environments becoming increasingly software-defined and data-driven, the collaboration aims to help organizations manage growing system complexity while improving operational efficiency and reducing validation cycles.

Emerson Highlights Growing Need for Advanced Engineering Platforms

Ritu Favre, President of Emerson’s Test and Measurement business, said that modern engineering ecosystems are rapidly evolving toward interconnected, software-centric environments. She noted that Emerson’s open and modular NI platform provides organizations with the architectural foundation required to manage increasing engineering complexity while accelerating testing, validation, and deployment processes. Favre added that the collaboration with L&T Technology Services will help extend the capabilities of the NI platform into industry-specific implementations, enabling customers to move from engineering uncertainty to operational confidence.

LTTS Targets Future-Ready Engineering Systems

Alind Saxena, Executive Director and President – Strategic Initiatives and Growth Markets at L&T Technology Services, stated that industries focused on mobility, sustainability, and advanced technology increasingly require intelligent, scalable, and future-ready engineering systems. He emphasized that the partnership with Emerson strengthens LTTS’ ability to architect and deploy advanced engineering systems at scale. As per the press release, by combining Emerson’s NI technology leadership with LTTS’ engineering capabilities, the collaboration aims to create long-term value across industrial ecosystems while supporting digital transformation and industrial innovation initiatives globally.

VA Tech Wabag and Peak Sustainability Ventures commissioned their first bio-CNG plant at the 70 MLD sewage treatment facility in Dundaheda, Ghaziabad, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing waste-to-energy sector. The project represents the first step under the companies’ ambitious initiative to establish 100 bio-CNG plants across India and international markets, supporting the country’s renewable energy and circular economy goals.

Joint Venture to Drive Waste-to-Energy Expansion

The bio-CNG facility will operate under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model through the joint venture company, Ghaziabad Bioenergy Private Limited. The plant is designed to capture raw biogas generated from wastewater treatment processes and upgrade it into renewable bio-CNG suitable for industrial applications and clean mobility solutions. By converting sewage-based biogas into a usable renewable fuel, the project aims to reduce methane emissions while creating long-term environmental and economic value.

Methane Capture to Support Climate Goals

Methane is considered one of the most harmful greenhouse gases, with nearly 28 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. As a result, capturing and utilizing methane emissions has become critical for achieving climate and sustainability targets. The Ghaziabad bio-CNG plant is projected to reduce nearly 250,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions over its operational lifetime, contributing to India’s decarbonization and clean energy objectives. In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, the facility is expected to improve local air quality by reducing untreated biogas release and supporting cleaner fuel alternatives.

Wabag and Peak to Lead Operations and Technology Integration

VA Tech Wabag will oversee project execution along with 15 years of operations and maintenance responsibilities. Meanwhile, Peak Sustainability Ventures will support technology integration and facilitate climate-focused funding for the initiative. The collaboration combines Wabag’s expertise in water and wastewater treatment infrastructure with Peak’s focus on sustainability-driven investments and renewable energy solutions.

Potential to Accelerate India’s Renewable Gas Ecosystem

If the Ghaziabad project achieves its operational and environmental targets, it could accelerate the rollout of the planned 100-plant network across India and overseas markets. A successful expansion would significantly boost India’s renewable gas supply, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthen the country’s waste-to-energy infrastructure. However, industry experts note that challenges related to technology integration, financing, and project execution timelines could influence the pace of expansion. Any delays in these areas may impact emission reduction targets and economic returns.

India’s Waste-to-Energy Sector Gains Momentum

The launch of the Ghaziabad bio-CNG plant reflects the broader transformation underway in India’s waste-to-energy industry, where companies are increasingly adopting integrated and revenue-generating sustainability models. As reported by msn.com, as municipalities and industries seek cleaner energy alternatives and improved waste management solutions, bio-CNG projects are expected to play a growing role in supporting India’s energy transition and environmental goals.

DCM Shriram Ltd. announced its financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, delivering a resilient performance across its businesses despite continued global macroeconomic uncertainty and pricing volatility in select sectors. Driven by strong operational execution, higher volumes in key segments, strategic acquisitions, and improved efficiencies, the Company recorded healthy growth in revenue and profitability during FY26.

Strong Revenue and Profit Growth in FY26

For FY 2025–26, the company reported consolidated net revenue of ₹14,264 crore, registering a 12% growth over the previous financial year. Consolidated PBDIT stood at ₹1,694 crore, while Profit After Tax (PAT) surged 42% to ₹856 crore. The increase in PAT also included a one-time deferred tax credit of ₹239 crore following the Company’s decision to opt for the new tax regime under Section 115BAA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, effective from FY27.

The performance was supported by higher volumes in the Cchemicals business, sustained growth in Fenesta Building Systems and Shriram Farm Solutions, contributions from newly commissioned projects, improved operational efficiencies, and strategic acquisitions completed during the year. For Q4 FY26, consolidated net revenue increased to ₹3,373 crore compared to ₹3,019 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Profit After Tax for the quarter rose sharply to ₹371 crore from ₹179 crore in Q4 FY25.

Leadership Highlights Operational Resilience and Strategic Growth

Ajay Shriram, Chairman and Senior Managing Director, and Vikram Shriram, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, stated that FY26 witnessed persistent global uncertainties driven by rising trade protectionism, supply chain realignments, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. However, they emphasized that the Indian economy demonstrated resilience, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, sustained domestic demand, and continued public infrastructure spending. The leadership highlighted that the company’s chemicals business achieved strong volume growth due to the ramp-up of expansion projects and downstream integration initiatives completed over the past two years.

Chemicals Business Drives Growth Momentum

The chemicals and vinyl business emerged as a key growth driver during FY26. The chemicals business recorded a 12% increase in caustic soda volumes, supported by improved ECU realizations, ramp-up of new capacities, and contributions from the hydrogen peroxide and advanced materials value chain.

Further strengthening its specialty chemicals portfolio, the company completed the commissioning of its 52,000 TPA Epichlorohydrin (ECH) plant at Bharuch in April 2026. The ECH facility, which forms part of the advanced materials value chain, has already started witnessing encouraging market acceptance. In addition, the company acquired Hindusthan Speciality Chemicals Limited during the year, accelerating its entry into the epoxy and formulated resins segment. The acquired Epoxy and formulated resins business is now being expanded, particularly in value-added formulated resin applications.

Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Expansion

As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company is exploring strategic partnerships in technology-intensive businesses. In line with this approach, it entered into a joint venture with a US-based company for its PVC compounding business to accelerate growth and strengthen technological capabilities. In the Vinyl business, revenue grew 4% during FY26, driven by improved PVC volumes and operational efficiencies. The company also completed a strategic partnership through the sale of a 50% stake in Shriram Polytech Ltd. to Teknor Apex B.V., combining domestic manufacturing expertise with global formulation capabilities.

Sugar and Ethanol Business Faces Industry Challenges

The sugar and ethanol business continued to operate in a challenging environment marked by higher cane costs and oversupply conditions in both sugar and ethanol markets. During FY26, domestic sugar prices improved by 4%, although sugar volumes declined by 6%. Ethanol margins remained healthy, while sugar recovery improved to 10.8%. However, overall cane crush declined to 473 lakh quintals. The company emphasized the need for continued policy support to ensure long-term industry viability. It reiterated the importance of measures such as higher sugar MSP, expanded ethanol blending mandates, export facilitation, and broader ethanol usage opportunities to support the sector amid ongoing margin pressures.

Consumer Businesses Continue Healthy Growth

The company’s consumer-facing businesses, including Fenesta Building Systems and Shriram Farm Solutions, maintained strong growth momentum during FY26 while further consolidating their market positions. The management stated that the company remains focused on value-chain integration, capacity optimization, cost efficiency, and disciplined capital allocation. Backed by a strong balance sheet, the Company believes it is well-positioned to pursue future growth opportunities while navigating an increasingly dynamic global business environment.

Sustainability Remains Central to Long-Term Strategy

DCM Shriram Ltd. reaffirmed that sustainability continues to remain integral to its long-term strategy. As per the press release, the company remains committed to responsible resource utilization, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community engagement as it continues to expand its industrial and consumer businesses.

TA’ZIZ announced at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 that the TA’ZIZ Methanol Company, a joint venture between TA’ZIZ and Proman, achieved financial close on a $2 billion (AED 7.34 billion) financing package for the UAE’s first world-scale methanol production plant in Al Ruwais Industrial City. The financing deal was significantly oversubscribed, highlighting strong international investor confidence in TA’ZIZ’s industrial growth strategy and Abu Dhabi’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem.

Global Banks Back Landmark Industrial Project

The financing package includes participation from 11 leading financial institutions across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The funding structure consists of a five-year $1.8 billion (AED 6.6 billion) conventional syndicated loan along with a $200 million (AED 734 million) Islamic financing facility. Both financing arrangements were priced in line with international benchmarks, reflecting the project’s strong financial profile and disciplined execution strategy. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) acted as the exclusive financial advisor for the transaction. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) served as bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers, leading the fundraising process and coordinating the lender syndicate.

TA’ZIZ Highlights Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Growth Vision

Mashal Saoud Al-Kindi, CEO of TA’ZIZ, described the financing as a defining milestone for both TA’ZIZ and Abu Dhabi’s next phase of industrial expansion. He stated that the strong global demand for the financing transaction reflects the company’s disciplined execution approach, strategic partnerships, and the long-term strength of the Ruwais industrial ecosystem.

Proman Sees Strong Growth Potential for Methanol Market

David Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer of Proman, said the financing marks a major advancement for the joint venture and reinforces market confidence in methanol’s long-term growth potential. He noted that methanol is increasingly gaining importance not only as a critical industrial chemical but also as a cleaner-burning fuel alternative for transportation and power generation applications. Cassidy added that the project positions Abu Dhabi as a future global hub for methanol production and strengthens the strategic partnership between TA’ZIZ and Proman.

Project Construction Advances Toward 2028 Completion

The financing milestone builds on several major developments already achieved for the methanol project. These include Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) by ADNOC, TA’ZIZ, and Proman, as well as the award of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract to Samsung E&A Co. Ltd. Construction activities for the methanol facility are currently progressing, with project completion targeted for 2028. Once operational, the plant is expected to support the development of a domestic chemicals value chain, strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a globally competitive industrial and petrochemical hub.

Make it in the Emirates Supports Industrial Expansion

The announcement aligns closely with the objectives of Make it in the Emirates 2026, which focuses on accelerating industrial development and advancing the UAE’s manufacturing ambitions. By securing financing for large-scale industrial projects, the initiative aims to convert investor confidence into committed capital that supports long-term industrial growth and world-scale production capabilities across the UAE. As per the press release, the “Make it in the Emirates” platform is being held from May 4–7 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and continues to serve as the UAE’s flagship industrial investment and manufacturing event.

Ketjen, provider of advanced catalyst solutions and technical expertise for the refining industry, announced a strategic partnership with Imubit, an industrial AI software company, to provide refiners with real-time, actionable catalyst intelligence for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and hydroprocessing (HPC) units. The collaboration combines Ketjen’s catalyst and refining expertise with Imubit’s industrial artificial intelligence platform to help refinery operators improve operational performance, process stability, and profitability.

Combining Catalyst Expertise with Industrial AI

Under the partnership, Ketjen will integrate its proprietary catalyst models, laboratory data, technical analysis, and domain expertise with Imubit’s closed-loop, real-time digital optimization platform. The solution will be delivered through Ketjen’s iKet Connect portal, which forms part of the company’s expanding digital services portfolio for the refining sector. By combining process data with catalyst intelligence, the platform will provide refinery teams with near-real-time analytics, expert recommendations, and operational insights tailored to current plant conditions.

Real-Time Insights to Improve Refinery Performance

The integrated platform is designed to help refiners make faster and more informed operational decisions based on live process behaviour and catalyst performance data. According to Henri Tausch, Chief Commercial Officer at Ketjen, the partnership enables refiners to directly connect Ketjen’s catalyst expertise with live refinery unit data. He stated that the collaboration will help customers improve operational stability, optimize catalyst performance, and enhance overall refinery profitability through timely and data-driven decision-making.

AI Platform Continuously Monitors Refinery Operations

Imubit’s industrial AI platform provides secure and continuous connectivity to refinery systems while continuously learning from live operational data. The platform uses artificial intelligence to monitor process conditions, detect performance deviations, and quantify their impact on refinery operations in real time. At the same time, Ketjen’s technical experts incorporate advisory models and catalyst optimization strategies into the system, enabling refinery teams to make targeted operating adjustments and improve unit efficiency.

Refiners Gain Faster Visibility into Operational Changes

Gil Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Imubit, said the AI platform is specifically designed to understand the complex behavior of refining units using real-time operational data. He added that when combined with Ketjen’s catalyst expertise, refiners gain earlier visibility into performance changes along with clearer guidance on corrective actions and optimization opportunities.

Pilot Deployments Underway in North America and Europe

The companies have already initiated pilot deployments with refinery customers across North America and Europe. Following the initial rollout, Ketjen and Imubit plan to expand deployments to additional refinery sites and global regions in 2026.

Digitalization Continues to Transform Refinery Operations

The partnership reflects the growing adoption of AI-driven digital technologies in the global refining industry as operators increasingly seek advanced tools to improve energy efficiency, operational reliability, and profitability. As per the press release, as refineries continue to modernize operations and optimize complex processing units, real-time catalyst intelligence and AI-enabled process optimization are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of industrial refining.

Worley bagged an engineering and design services contract from Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials to support the development of a lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) production facility at Orbia’s site in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, United States. The project marks a significant step in strengthening the North American lithium-ion battery materials supply chain as demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems continues to rise globally.

New LiPF₆ Facility to Strengthen US Battery Supply Chain

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) is a critical electrolyte material used in lithium-ion batteries and plays an essential role in battery performance and energy storage applications. The upcoming facility will become Orbia’s first large-scale LiPF₆ production plant in the United States, helping support the rapidly expanding battery materials market and the broader clean energy transition. By establishing domestic production capabilities, the project is expected to enhance supply chain resilience for the growing electric mobility and energy storage sectors across North America.

Worley to Deliver Engineering and Construction Support

Worley will provide engineering, design, and supply chain services for the project. The company’s scope of work also includes modularization and construction support activities. The project execution will be led through Worley’s Louisiana office, leveraging the company’s expertise in advanced process engineering and industrial infrastructure development. In addition, the facility design will focus on automating several manual operator tasks to improve operational efficiency, safety, and process reliability for Orbia’s manufacturing operations.

Focus on Energy Transition Materials

Chris Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of Worley, said the project highlights the company’s growing role in supporting global demand for energy transition materials. He noted that Worley is pleased to continue supporting Orbia following its involvement in earlier project phases, adding that the development represents a strategically important investment in the lithium-ion battery supply chain.

Expanding Expertise in Battery Materials Infrastructure

Worley has extensive experience supporting customers across the battery materials and energy transition minerals sector. The company continues to apply its process engineering, supply chain management, and construction support capabilities to deliver critical infrastructure projects across the asset lifecycle. As per the press release, as investments in battery materials and clean energy technologies accelerate worldwide, engineering firms such as Worley are playing an increasingly important role in enabling large-scale industrial projects that support decarbonization and sustainable energy goals.