BASF marked twenty years of ester base stock production at its Jinshan site in Shanghai, reinforcing its position as a leading global supplier of synthetic esters for refrigeration lubricants. The Jinshan facility forms a key part of BASF’s global manufacturing network and plays a strategic role in serving customers and partners across the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide.

Capacity Expansion Supports Growing Cooling Demand

To address rapidly increasing demand for reliable and energy-efficient cooling systems, BASF doubled production capacity at the Jinshan site three years ago. The growth is being driven largely by developing economies, where urbanisation, rising incomes, and dense populations are accelerating demand for affordable and sustainable cooling technologies. Modern refrigeration and cooling systems rely on compressors that operate under varying pressures and temperatures. As a result, system efficiency and reliability depend heavily on advanced refrigeration oils specifically designed for compatibility with modern refrigerants.

BASF’s SYNATIVE ester base stocks form the foundation of these refrigeration oils and provide several key performance advantages, including:

*High thermal and oxidative stability

*Excellent lubricity

*Low volatility

*Strong refrigerant compatibility

These properties help improve energy efficiency, enhance equipment reliability, and extend the operational life of cooling systems.

Rising Applications Beyond Refrigeration

In addition to refrigeration systems, demand for synthetic esters is increasing across several industrial and advanced technology sectors.

BASF highlighted growing adoption in:

*Biohydraulic fluids

*Liquid cooling systems for data centres

*Electric mobility and e-driveline applications

The company noted that expanding digitalisation and artificial intelligence infrastructure are increasing the need for advanced thermal management solutions in data centres. Similarly, electric vehicles require efficient cooling and high-performance lubrication systems to optimise drivetrain performance.

Innovation Campus Accelerates Product Development

The Jinshan production site is closely integrated with BASF’s global Innovation Campus in Shanghai, enabling faster product development and closer customer collaboration. By combining local manufacturing capabilities, global R&D expertise, and the SYNATIVE product portfolio, BASF aims to support the development of next-generation lubricant and cooling technologies with shorter time-to-market.

Tanja Rost, Vice President Lubricant Components at BASF, said, “As the demand for synthetic esters continues to grow in Asia Pacific and globally, our strong commitment and close customer partnerships remain essential. Our leadership in synthetic ester base stocks, combined with strong R&D capabilities and local presence in China, enables us to support customers in developing next-generation refrigeration, lubricant, and cooling solutions that meet evolving regulatory and market requirements.”

BASF Advances Low-Carbon Synthetic Ester Solutions

BASF’s synthetic ester portfolio includes both fully saturated and unsaturated ester technologies produced using petrochemical as well as renewable raw materials. The company stated that synthetic esters are increasingly recognised as environmentally advanced solutions due to their high biodegradability, low toxicity and renewable raw material content of up to 90%. In addition, BASF offers low product carbon footprint solutions through its biomass balance approach, helping customers reduce emissions and support sustainability goals through lower CO₂ claims. As per the press release, through continued investment in innovation, production capacity, and sustainable technologies, BASF aims to strengthen its leadership in refrigeration lubricants, industrial cooling, and next-generation synthetic ester solutions.

Lone Star Funds (“Lone Star”) announced the completion of the acquisition of RadiciGroup’s High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals businesses through an affiliate of Lone Star Fund XII, L.P. In addition, the company has signed binding agreements to acquire DOMO Engineered Materials (DOMO EM), a business division of DOMO Group, with the transaction expected to close shortly. The dual acquisition marks a significant move in the global specialty materials and engineered polymers sector.

Combined Platform to Create Global Tier-1 Compounder

By bringing together the two businesses, Lone Star aims to establish a strong independent global tier-1 compounder with enhanced industrial and technological capabilities. The future combined platform will benefit from, a broader and complementary product portfolio, expanded global manufacturing and market presence, stronger customer solutions capabilities and increased operational scale and resilience. The combined entity will serve multiple high-growth sectors including automotive, construction, consumer products and industrial applications.

Focus on Innovation and Long-Term Growth

Lone Star stated that the integration of the two businesses will create a stronger and more resilient operating platform capable of accelerating innovation and supporting long-term business growth. The transaction is also expected to preserve critical industrial expertise and manufacturing capabilities across several regions while strengthening operational stability for employees and customers. Following completion, the integrated organisation will continue leveraging established industry brands including RadiciGroup, DOMO and TECHNYL. The company added that customers will continue to receive high levels of technical support, quality, reliability, and product innovation.

Jochen Fabritius Appointed CEO

As part of the leadership transition, Jochen Fabritius has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the combined organisation. Fabritius brings more than 25 years of industry and consulting experience and has led several companies within Lone Star’s portfolio over the past decade.

Strategic Importance of the Deal

Donald Quintin, Chief Executive Officer of Lone Star Funds, said, “The transformational and highly complex transaction underscores Lone Star’s ability to execute differentiated, value-driven investments. Bringing together two leading and highly complementary businesses simultaneously creates a scaled platform with significant industrial and technological capabilities.”

He further added that the combined platform is expected to strengthen the company’s competitive position globally while providing the resources needed to drive innovation, support customers, and protect industrial know-how and employment. As reported by businesswire.com, the completion of the RadiciGroup acquisition marks the final stage of the transaction process originally announced in February 2025.

India is intensifying its efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) across critical manufacturing and strategic industries, with the government identifying nearly 40 sub-sectors for accelerated clearances and policy support. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, reduce import dependence, and position India as a leading global manufacturing hub amid changing geopolitical and global trade dynamics.

The identified sectors include rare earth processing, printed circuit boards (PCBs), semiconductors, renewable energy equipment, advanced chemistry cells, aerospace components, and electric mobility technologies. Through this targeted approach, India is seeking to attract multinational companies looking to diversify supply chains beyond traditional manufacturing centres.

Strong Focus on Strategic and High-Technology Manufacturing

The government is prioritising industries that play a critical role in clean energy, electronics production, defence manufacturing, and national security. In particular, rare earth materials and PCB manufacturing have emerged as key focus areas because of their growing importance in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, consumer electronics, and defence applications.

By strengthening domestic production in these sectors, India aims to reduce its dependence on imports while building resilient and self-sustaining supply chains for future industrial growth.

Faster Clearances to Improve Ease of Doing Business

As part of the initiative, the government plans to introduce a fast-track approval mechanism designed to simplify regulatory clearances and speed up project execution. The framework is expected to improve coordination between central ministries and state governments while also accelerating land allocation and infrastructure support for investors. Policymakers believe that quicker approvals and streamlined processes will significantly enhance India’s competitiveness against emerging manufacturing destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico.

Aligning with Production-Linked Incentive Schemes

The FDI drive also complements India’s ongoing production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, which aim to boost domestic value addition across strategic industries. By combining financial incentives with regulatory support, the government hopes to attract long-term investments in advanced manufacturing and high-technology sectors. Industry experts noted that policy consistency, regulatory certainty, and faster implementation will be crucial in securing large-scale investments, particularly in sectors involving semiconductors, battery technologies, and clean energy infrastructure.

India Strengthens Position as a Global Investment Destination

Officials stated that India’s expanding domestic market, improving industrial infrastructure, and stable policy environment continue to increase its attractiveness for global investors. In addition, rising demand for electronics, renewable energy systems, and electric mobility solutions is creating new opportunities for international manufacturers to establish operations in the country. As reported by businessworld.in, with global supply chains undergoing rapid transformation, India is positioning itself as a strategic alternative for companies seeking diversified and future-ready manufacturing destinations.

SPML Infra Limited, one of India’s leading publicly listed infrastructure development companies, bagged a landmark ₹1,128 crore contract from NTPC Limited to develop a one GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Barauni Thermal Power Station in Bihar. The project marks SPML Infra’s first large-scale grid-scale battery energy storage venture and represents a significant step in India’s clean energy transition.

The project is among the largest single Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) orders awarded in the country, highlighting the growing importance of energy storage in strengthening India’s power infrastructure and renewable energy integration.

Scope of the Battery Energy Storage Project

Under the contract awarded by NTPC, SPML Infra will execute the complete supply, civil works, and erection of a 250 MW/1,000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System. The project scope includes 5 MWh DC containers, Battery Management System (BMS), Thermal Management System (TMS), 33 kV panel boards, 220 kV DC and AC cables, 220 kV switchyard and associated electrical and infrastructure accessories.  The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months, followed by a long-term operation and maintenance period of 15 years.

Strengthening Grid Stability and Renewable Integration

The upcoming BESS facility will integrate large-scale battery storage with the existing thermal power infrastructure at NTPC’s Barauni plant. As a result, the system will support peak load management, improve grid stability, and enable smoother integration of renewable energy into the national power network. With India accelerating its renewable energy capacity additions, Battery Energy Storage Systems are rapidly emerging as a critical component for building a stable, flexible, and future-ready electricity grid.

SPML Infra Expands Presence in Energy Storage

Abhinandan Sethi, Managing Director of SPML Infra Limited, said the project represents a defining moment for the company and reflects its strong commitment to the large-scale battery energy storage sector. He stated that energy storage will play a key role in shaping India’s future power ecosystem and added that partnering with NTPC on such a landmark initiative is both an opportunity and a responsibility for the company.

Strategic Push into India’s Clean Energy Infrastructure

The NTPC order further strengthens SPML Infra’s long-term strategy to expand into advanced energy storage infrastructure. The company is developing next-generation battery energy storage solutions in collaboration with its technology partner, Energy Vault, aimed at supporting India’s rapidly growing energy demands and sustainability goals. As reported by electricalmirror.net, with this project win, SPML Infra has significantly strengthened its position in India’s emerging Battery Energy Storage System market, making energy storage a core pillar of its future growth strategy.

India’s manufacturing industry is rapidly embracing Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI), moving beyond pilot projects toward full-scale implementation across factory operations and supply chains. According to a report by YourNest Venture Capital and Praxis Global Alliance, nearly 90 percent of manufacturing enterprises in India are currently experimenting with AI-driven technologies. However, despite growing adoption, capital investment in Industrial AI remains comparatively low. The report estimates that Industrial AI funding in India could reach $1.5 billion by 2030, positioning the segment as one of the most promising yet under-penetrated opportunities within the country’s expanding DeepTech ecosystem.

Industrial AI Delivers Measurable Productivity Gains

The report highlights the emergence of a “Productivity Stack” effect, where Industrial AI is generating measurable improvements across manufacturing value chains.

Manufacturers deploying AI technologies are reporting:

*30–50 per cent reduction in unplanned downtime

*10–40 per cent decrease in conversion costs

*5–15 per cent improvement in output quality

In addition, the study projects that Industrial AI could unlock nearly US$150 billion in manufacturing output by 2030. Importantly, companies can achieve these gains without making substantial capital investments in new production capacity. As a result, AI-powered manufacturing is increasingly becoming a critical driver of operational efficiency, profitability, and long-term competitiveness.

Manufacturing Enterprises Shift from Pilots to Scale

Industry experts believe India’s manufacturing sector is entering a transformative decade where AI adoption will determine future competitiveness. Sunil K. Goyal, Managing Director and Fund Manager, YourNest Venture Capital, said enterprise adoption of Industrial AI has significantly outpaced capital deployment, creating major opportunities for startups and investors. According to him, manufacturers are actively seeking AI-powered solutions that improve shopfloor efficiency, reduce downtime, increase throughput, and optimise operational costs. He further noted that Industrial AI startups are gaining traction because they deliver quantifiable returns on investment, making the segment attractive for long-term investors focused on IP-led DeepTech innovation.

AI Becomes a Shopfloor-First Capability

Ram Soni, Partner, NextGen Industrials, Praxis Global Alliance, emphasised that manufacturers can no longer treat AI as an experimental technology. Instead, leading factories are embedding AI directly into shopfloor operations to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, energy efficiency, and production reliability. He added that the report reflects the current reality of India’s industrial transformation by identifying what is working, where challenges remain, and how manufacturers and investors can unlock the full potential of intelligent manufacturing.

Industrial AI Drives ROI and Competitive Advantage

Industrial AI is increasingly emerging as a powerful lever for improving Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) within manufacturing businesses. The report states that many AI-driven manufacturing projects are delivering payback periods within 12 to 18 months, encouraging CFOs and investors to accelerate large-scale deployment. Unlike traditional Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, Industrial AI solutions are deeply integrated into manufacturing workflows and operational processes. This integration creates stronger entry barriers and long-term defensibility for technology providers. Consequently, companies adopting Industrial AI early are likely to gain a significant competitive advantage in productivity, cost efficiency, and operational resilience.

Challenges Remain, But Momentum Continues to Grow

Despite the rapid progress, manufacturers still face several hurdles in scaling Industrial AI adoption. Key challenges include integrating AI with legacy industrial systems, improving data readiness, and modernising operational infrastructure. However, companies are increasingly addressing these issues through broader digital transformation initiatives and investments in smart manufacturing technologies. As reported by manufactutingtodayindia.com, with AI becoming deeply embedded into industrial operations, India’s manufacturing sector now stands at a pivotal point. Industry leaders believe that closing the funding gap and accelerating AI deployment could significantly shape the future growth of India’s manufacturing economy over the next decade.

The European Union (EU) and the government of India jointly announced a major €15.2 million (approximately ₹169 crore) initiative to accelerate Electric Vehicle (EV) battery recycling and strengthen circular economy practices. Launched under Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, the new coordinated call for proposals aims to develop advanced battery recycling technologies and secure critical raw materials for future clean energy needs. The initiative, identified as HORIZON-CL5-2026-09-D2-04, is jointly funded through Horizon Europe and India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Focus on Advanced EV Battery Recycling Technologies

The programme will support cutting-edge recycling solutions designed to improve material recovery efficiency and strengthen sustainable battery supply chains.

Key areas of focus include:

*High-efficiency recovery of lithium, graphite, cobalt, and other strategic materials

*Safe and digitalised battery collection and sorting systems

*Pilot-scale demonstrations of advanced recycling technologies

*Development of second-life battery applications

*Real-time safety monitoring systems

A major highlight of the collaboration is the creation of a joint EU-India pilot recycling line in India. This facility will help validate innovative recycling technologies under real-world industrial conditions and accelerate commercial deployment. The initiative also seeks to bring together researchers, startups, industries, SMEs, and academic institutions from both regions to co-develop scalable recycling solutions with global impact.

Building a “Virtual Mine” for Critical Minerals

As EV adoption continues to rise globally, demand for critical battery materials is increasing rapidly. Both the EU and India are now prioritising battery recycling to reduce dependence on imported raw materials. By 2030, India is expected to generate nearly 128 GWh of recyclable battery capacity. Through this partnership, policymakers aim to transform battery waste into a “virtual mine” capable of recovering high-purity materials that can be reused in new battery production. The approach supports long-term mineral security while reducing environmental impact and strengthening circular economy goals.

Key Innovation Areas Under the Programme

The joint initiative will fund technologies that move beyond existing recycling capabilities. Several priority areas have been identified:

High Recovery Efficiency

The programme will encourage advanced recycling methods capable of recovering lithium and cathode active materials (CAM) at high purity levels suitable for battery manufacturing.

Flexible Recycling for Mixed Battery Chemistries

Researchers will develop adaptable recycling systems that can process current and next-generation battery chemistries efficiently.

Digitalised Collection and Logistics

The initiative will promote digital battery tracking, safe transportation, and automated sorting systems. Importantly, it also aims to integrate India’s informal recycling sector into organised and safe collection networks.

Second-Life Battery Applications

Advanced diagnostics and safety monitoring systems will help identify batteries suitable for reuse in second-life energy storage applications.

Strengthening the EU-India Strategic Partnership

The new call builds upon the successful 2024 India-EU Startup Battery Recycling Technologies Exchange and further strengthens cooperation under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council. The initiative aligns with both the EU Batteries Regulation and India’s Battery Waste Management Rules 2022, reinforcing shared commitments toward sustainable and circular battery value chains. All proposals must be jointly developed by Indian and European consortia, ensuring balanced participation and coordinated implementation. The programme aims to achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–8, enabling industrial-scale deployment of innovative recycling solutions. The call remains open to companies, startups, SMEs, research institutions, universities, and other organisations from India and Europe. The submission deadline is 15 September 2026.

Understanding the EU-India Trade and Technology Council

The EU-India Trade and Technology Council serves as a high-level platform to deepen collaboration between India and the European Union across trade, technology, innovation, and strategic industries. The council was jointly announced in 2022 by Ursula von der Leyen and Narendra Modi, formally launched in 2023, and held its second ministerial meeting in New Delhi in February 2025. As the EU’s second TTC after the EU-US partnership, the platform reflects growing strategic and economic cooperation between India and Europe, particularly in resilient supply chains, clean technologies, and sustainable growth.

Longstanding EU-India Research and Innovation Cooperation

The EU and India also share a long-standing research partnership anchored in the 2001 Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, renewed in 2020. Over the years, the partnership has supported more than 200 joint projects spanning healthcare, energy, climate technologies, water management, digital innovation, and green technologies. The collaboration now continues to evolve toward mission-driven and co-funded innovation programmes designed to deliver large-scale global impact.

Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance of the Initiative

As per the press release, H.E. Hervé Delphin said the initiative represents a direct investment in mineral security and climate goals, while ensuring that valuable battery materials remain within circular economies instead of being discarded after a single use. Meanwhile, Marc Lemaître emphasised that the collaboration will help create a resilient cross-continental battery recycling value chain that strengthens both competitiveness and sustainability. Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted that India’s rapidly growing EV sector requires a robust domestic recycling ecosystem to support long-term resource security and environmental sustainability. Dr. Parvinder Maini added that the initiative will help establish advanced recycling infrastructure while promoting safe, digitalised, and inclusive battery collection systems across the country.

Industry leaders, technology innovators, and decision-makers are set to gather at the upcoming ARC Forum from July 9-10, 2026 at Bengaluru, India to explore the latest advancements shaping the future of Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI). The forum will provide a dynamic platform for discussing how AI-driven technologies are transforming industrial operations, supply chains, and manufacturing ecosystems across sectors.

Keynote Sessions to Spotlight AI Trends and Real-World Applications

This year’s event will begin with an engaging keynote address and executive panel discussion focused on emerging Industrial AI trends and practical implementation strategies. Experts will examine critical questions surrounding Industrial AI, including what technologies are delivering measurable results, what remains hype, and the major challenges organisations face during adoption. The discussions will also highlight how companies are leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency, strengthen production performance, and enhance business agility in increasingly competitive markets.

Digital Technologies Reshape Industrial Value Chains

As industries accelerate digital transformation, companies are integrating advanced technologies across their entire value chains to drive sustainable growth and profitability. Technologies such as AI-powered cognitive analytics, digital twins, predictive maintenance solutions, and intelligent automation are enabling manufacturers to optimise production, reduce downtime, and improve decision-making. At the same time, businesses are using these digital tools to achieve operational excellence while protecting margins and creating new revenue opportunities.

A Must-Attend Event for Industry Stakeholders

The ARC Forum India has emerged as a key meeting ground for stakeholders from both process and discrete industries. The event will bring together technology solution providers, industrial end users, policymakers, market analysts, media professionals, and industry observers under one roof to exchange insights on the future of industrial innovation. As per the press release, with Industrial AI rapidly redefining manufacturing and supply chain operations, the forum promises valuable networking opportunities and actionable insights for organisations looking to stay ahead in the digital era.

Emcure Pharmaceuticals officially stepped into India’s fast-growing anti-obesity segment with the launch of Poviztra, a semaglutide-based injectable therapy for chronic weight management. The launch marks a strategic collaboration with Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk and positions Emcure among the leading contenders in the country’s rapidly evolving weight-loss market.

Poviztra will serve as a second brand of Novo Nordisk’s globally popular obesity drug, Wegovy. With obesity and lifestyle-related disorders rising sharply in India, the market is expected to witness intense competition over the next few years.

Competitive Pricing Strategy to Drive Adoption

To strengthen its market position, Emcure has introduced Poviztra at a competitive price point. The once-weekly injectable pen device will be available in five dosage strengths, ranging from 0.25 mg to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. The monthly cost for the starter dose — comprising four weekly injections — has been fixed at ₹8,790. This makes Poviztra nearly 19% cheaper than Wegovy, which is priced at ₹10,850 for the same starting dosage.

Additionally, Poviztra is significantly more affordable than Mounjaro and Yurpeak, marketed through partnerships involving Eli Lilly and Company and Cipla Limited. These therapies currently cost between ₹14,000 and ₹27,500 per month.

India’s Anti-Obesity Market Gains Momentum

India’s anti-obesity drug market is presently valued at around ₹1,047 crore and continues to expand rapidly as awareness around obesity management increases. Currently, Mounjaro dominates the segment with a moving annual turnover of nearly ₹496 crore. In contrast, Wegovy, which entered India in June 2025, has recorded sales of approximately ₹49 crore so far. Against this backdrop, Emcure aims to carve out a sizeable share by combining aggressive pricing with a deep nationwide distribution network.

Strategic Partnership With Novo Nordisk

Emcure Pharmaceuticals has secured exclusive rights to distribute and commercialise Poviztra in India for chronic weight management. The collaboration allows Emcure to market an innovator molecule backed by more than a decade of global clinical data, instead of relying on a generic or biosimilar version. Novo Nordisk will continue supplying the imported drug, while also independently marketing Ozempic for type-2 diabetes treatment.

Building Brand Recall Before Patent Expiry

Emcure’s entry into the market comes at a strategically important time. The patent for semaglutide is expected to expire in March 2026, opening the door for a flood of generic launches. Company executives estimate that nearly 50 players could eventually enter the category after patent expiry. By partnering early with Novo Nordisk, Emcure aims to establish strong brand visibility and customer trust ahead of intensified competition. As reported by multibagg.ai, according to Vikas Madan Thapar, President of Corporate Development at Emcure, the partnership provides an opportunity to shape the market early rather than getting lost in a crowded generic landscape later.

Expanding Beyond Metro Cities

Unlike many premium therapies that remain concentrated in metropolitan regions, Emcure plans to make Poviztra accessible across India, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Managing Director and CEO Satish Mehta highlighted that the company’s extensive reach beyond metros played a key role in Novo Nordisk selecting Emcure as its partner.

To support the nationwide rollout, Emcure will initially deploy a field force of more than 1,000 personnel. The team will focus on specialties including cardiology, endocrinology, women’s health, and internal medicine, helping the company strengthen awareness and adoption across diverse healthcare markets.

NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc. (NESI), a Vancouver-based clean technology company specializing in industrial electrochemical processing, has reached a major commercialization milestone as construction begins on Vulcan Energy Resources’ Central Lithium Plant in Frankfurt, Germany.

Located at the Infraserv Industrial Park Höchst, the facility forms a key part of Vulcan Energy’s Lionheart Project, one of Europe’s most advanced integrated lithium and renewable energy developments. The project aims to strengthen Europe’s domestic battery materials supply chain while reducing dependence on imported lithium resources.

NESI’s NORSCAND® Technology to Power Lithium Refining

Under the project, Vulcan Energy will deploy NESI’s proprietary NORSCAND® electrolysis technology to convert lithium chloride into battery-quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), a critical raw material used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The Central Lithium Plant is designed to produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate annually, enough to support the manufacturing of nearly 500,000 electric vehicle batteries every year. By integrating advanced electrochemical refining with renewable energy-powered lithium extraction, the project aims to establish a more sustainable and lower-carbon battery materials ecosystem in Europe.

Germany Strengthens Domestic Lithium Supply Chain

The ceremony attracted several high-profile government and industry leaders, including Boris Rhein, Minister-President of the State of Hesse, and Mike Josef, Lord Mayor of Frankfurt am Main. Their participation highlighted the strategic importance of domestic lithium production for Germany’s clean energy and electric mobility ambitions. As Europe accelerates its transition toward electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, projects such as Lionheart are becoming essential for securing regional access to critical battery materials.

Major Commercial Milestone for NESI

For NESI, the Lionheart Project represents one of the company’s most significant commercial-scale deployments in the global battery materials sector. The Central Lithium Plant will act as the downstream processing hub for Vulcan’s integrated renewable energy and lithium extraction operations.

The project combines geothermal lithium extraction with electrolysis-based refining technology to produce high-purity battery materials with lower environmental impact. Jeremy Moulson, President and CEO of NESI, said the groundbreaking marks a major validation of the company’s electrochemical technology platform for cleaner battery materials processing. He added that integrating NORSCAND® technology into the Lionheart Project positions NESI at the center of Europe’s rapidly expanding lithium and battery materials industry.

Vulcan Energy Targets Commercial Production by 2028

Vulcan Energy confirmed that major construction work has officially commenced following a positive Final Investment Decision and the successful securing of a €2.2 billion funding package in December 2025. The company is targeting commercial production during the second half of 2028. According to Vulcan Energy Managing Director and CEO Cris Moreno, the Central Lithium Plant represents a defining step toward building the world’s first integrated sustainable lithium and renewable energy business. He noted that the collaboration with NESI will help ensure high-purity lithium production while maintaining low environmental impact standards essential for the future battery value chain.

Supporting Low-Carbon Battery Materials Production

As per the press release, NESI’s participation in the Lionheart Project further strengthens its position as a global technology provider for lower-carbon critical minerals processing and sustainable battery materials production.

With demand for lithium-ion batteries continuing to surge worldwide, the partnership between NESI and Vulcan Energy highlights the growing importance of innovative electrochemical technologies in enabling cleaner and more localized battery supply chains.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is preparing to shut down one of its refinery units in Gujarat as part of its routine annual maintenance programme. The unit has a refining capacity of approximately 3.3 lakh barrels of crude oil per day. While the shutdown is tentatively expected around June, the exact timing remains flexible. The company may choose to delay or advance the maintenance schedule depending on operational priorities and market conditions. Additionally, RIL is likely to carry out maintenance across multiple refining units in a staggered manner. The phased approach will help minimise disruptions to overall production and supply.

Ongoing Maintenance Across Key Units

As part of its broader maintenance cycle, certain units—including the continuous catalytic reformer and paraxylene units—have already been taken offline. These proactive steps reflect the company’s focus on maintaining operational efficiency and long-term reliability.

Strategic Timing Amid Supply Constraints

The planned shutdown comes at a critical time when India is facing supply constraints in several petroleum derivatives, particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have added pressure on supply chains, making domestic production even more important. Since LPG is a key by-product of crude oil refining, refiners—including RIL—have been encouraged to enhance production to meet rising demand across both residential and commercial segments.

Ensuring Minimal Disruption During Shutdown

Despite the planned maintenance, sources emphasise that adequate precautions will be taken to maintain sufficient product availability. The shutdown schedule will be carefully aligned with current supply dynamics to avoid any major disruption. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, RIL’s planned refinery shutdown reflects a careful balance between operational maintenance and market demand. By adopting a staggered approach and ensuring adequate stock levels, the company aims to maintain supply stability while sustaining long-term refinery performance.