New Era Cleantech Solution Pvt Ltd has approached the government seeking policy alignment between coal-based urea projects and conventional gas-based plants. The company has urged authorities to introduce offtake assurance mechanisms and earmark production capacities for coal gasification-based urea.

Push for Feedstock Diversification Gains Momentum

The appeal comes at a time when policymakers are actively working to diversify feedstock sources for urea production. The broader objective is to reduce India’s dependence on imported natural gas while leveraging abundant domestic coal reserves through Coal Gasification technologies. In a communication addressed to the Ministry of Coal, the company emphasised that coal-based urea plants should receive treatment on par with gas-based facilities, particularly in terms of policy support and market access.

Higher Capital Costs Demand Fiscal Support

However, coal-based projects face a significant cost disadvantage. According to the company, these plants require substantially higher capital investment compared to gas-based units. A considerable portion of the expenditure is driven by GST and customs duties on imported equipment. Therefore, New Era Cleantech has sought targeted fiscal incentives and policy backing to improve project viability and attract private sector investment.

Major Investment Plans in Maharashtra

The company is currently developing a 5 MMTPA coal gasification project in Chandrapur. As part of this initiative, it plans to set up a 1.27 MMTPA coal gasification-based urea plant at Bhadravati. Notably, the company recently initiated work on what it describes as India’s first greenfield integrated coal gasification and carbon capture complex in the region, with a proposed investment of ₹20,000 crore.

Heavy Reliance on Imported LNG

At present, imported LNG remains the primary feedstock for domestic urea production. The fertiliser sector alone accounts for nearly 50% of India’s imported natural gas consumption and about 28% of total gas usage. As a result, reducing dependence on LNG imports has become a strategic priority for the government.

Demand-Supply Gap Drives Policy Urgency

India continues to be one of the world’s largest consumers of urea. Annual demand stands at approximately 40 MMTPA, while domestic production is around 29 MMTPA. This leaves a shortfall of nearly 11 MMTPA, which is currently met through imports. Given this gap, industry players argue that promoting alternative production routes—such as coal gasification—could play a crucial role in enhancing self-sufficiency.

Policy Support Key to Scaling Coal-Based Urea

As reported by energywatch.in, the success of coal-based urea projects will depend on supportive policies, cost competitiveness, and assured market mechanisms. If implemented effectively, such measures could not only reduce import dependence but also unlock the potential of India’s coal resources while strengthening fertiliser security.

Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED) bagged its eighth consecutive order from Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd, further strengthening a long-standing partnership built on consistent performance and technological reliability. SED, a global leader in energy-efficient industrial technologies, continues to deliver high-performance solutions across evaporation, heat exchange, condensation, and crystallization. Meanwhile, Laxmi Organic remains a key player in acetyl intermediates and specialty chemicals catering to pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. With this latest contract, both companies reaffirm their commitment to sustainable and efficient industrial operations.

High-Tech Water Recovery System at the Core

Under the new order, SED will design, manufacture, and commission a 100 KLD Low Temperature Evaporation (LTE®) system. Notably, this system forms a critical part of the plant’s Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) strategy. The solution integrates advanced Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. Additionally, the project includes:

*A stripper column package to remove volatile organic compounds

*An MVR-based evaporator for high-efficiency water recovery

*Complete engineering and commissioning support

As a result, the system is designed to deliver both environmental compliance and operational efficiency.

Designed for High-Strength Wastewater Treatment

The system can handle extremely high contamination levels, with inlet Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 1,06,000 ppm and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of 95,000 ppm. Despite these challenges, the plant will recover up to 77,000 litres of clean water per day, which can be reused within operations. The installation will take place at Laxmi Organic’s manufacturing complex in Dahej—a major chemical production hub.

Driving Efficiency in Complex Industrial Processes

In sectors such as pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, managing high-strength wastewater remains both critical and complex. Therefore, companies are increasingly prioritising:

*Energy-efficient treatment technologies

*Stable and scalable processes

*Compliance with stringent environmental regulations

Consequently, closed-loop systems like ZLD are gaining traction as industries aim to optimise water usage while minimising discharge.

Repeat Orders Reflect Performance Reliability

Notably, repeat orders of this scale highlight the importance of consistent execution. In high-concentration applications, buyers closely evaluate factors such as:

*Evaporation efficiency

*Energy consumption

*Long-term system reliability

SED’s continued success in securing repeat business underscores its ability to meet these demanding criteria.

Industry Shift Towards Sustainable Water Management

As reported by chinimandi.com, the development also signals a broader shift across chemicals, ethanol, and allied industries toward water recovery and reduced freshwater dependency. Technologies based on thermal evaporation and vapour recompression are increasingly preferred for handling complex effluents while maintaining predictable plant performance.

GAIL (India) Limited is accelerating its strategy to build a resilient liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain from the United States, reinforcing India’s long-term energy security amid global disruptions. Marking a key milestone, GAIL announced that the LNG carrier Energy Fidelity has been flagged off from the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal—one of the largest LNG export facilities in the world. The development follows the Maharatna company’s recent long-term charter party agreement with Greek shipping firm Alpha Gas for the vessel. As a result, GAIL is steadily building logistical capacity to transport LNG directly from the US to India.

Strategy Aligned with India’s Energy Vision

Notably, this move aligns with India’s broader LNG strategy highlighted by Narendra Modi during India Energy Week 2026 held in January. The government emphasised the need to strengthen the entire LNG value chain to meet India’s rapidly growing natural gas demand. Consequently, companies like GAIL are actively expanding sourcing, shipping, and infrastructure capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships to Boost LNG Fleet

In addition to US-linked shipments, GAIL has taken several steps to enhance its LNG transportation network:

*It signed a term sheet with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE) and JM Baxi Marine Services to participate in a Singapore-based ship-owning company

*It entered into a long-term charter agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines for an LNG carrier named Gail Bhuwan

Together, these partnerships strengthen India’s LNG shipping capacity and reduce dependence on third-party logistics.

Diversification Amid West Asia Disruptions

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in West Asia have accelerated India’s diversification efforts. Attacks on oil and gas infrastructure—including LNG facilities in Qatar, which supplies nearly 47% of India’s natural gas—have disrupted supply flows. As a result, India is actively sourcing LNG from alternative markets, ranging from the US to Australia.

Expanding Supplier Base and Domestic Focus

India, currently the world’s fourth-largest LNG importer, has already doubled its supplier base from 15 to 30 countries. At the same time, the government is focusing on boosting domestic gas production to reduce import dependence. Importantly, strengthening LNG ties with the US also helps India address trade imbalances by increasing energy imports from Washington.

US to Remain a Key LNG Supplier

The US is expected to retain its position as the world’s leading LNG exporter through 2026 and 2027. This is largely because rebuilding damaged gas infrastructure in Qatar could take three to five years. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, GAIL’s proactive investments and partnerships are likely to play a crucial role in ensuring stable LNG supplies while supporting India’s long-term energy transition strategy.

India has received overwhelming supply offers for imported urea, far exceeding the tendered quantity, but at significantly higher prices—raising concerns across the global fertiliser market. Indian Potash Limited, one of the three canalising agencies responsible for urea imports on behalf of the government, has received bids totalling nearly 6 million tonnes (mt). This is more than double the 2.5 mt sought in the April 4 tender.

However, the high prices have become a major point of concern. Suppliers have quoted CFR rates of $935 per tonne for the west coast and $959 per tonne for the east coast, levels that have sent shock waves through global markets. The government is expected to decide on procurement volumes and pricing by April 23.

Prices Surge Sharply Compared to Previous Tender

The current price trend marks a steep increase compared to the previous tender floated by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited (RCF) in mid-February. At that time, offers for 1 mt of urea stood at $508 per tonne (west coast) and $512 per tonne (east coast) for delivery by March 31. Despite delays in shipments due to geopolitical tensions, the government had condoned late deliveries. Now, in just two months, prices have surged by nearly 84%, reflecting tightening global supply conditions.

Key Factors Driving the Price Spike

Market participants attribute the sharp rise to a combination of geopolitical and demand-side factors.

*Ongoing tensions in West Asia have disrupted supply chains

*India’s large-volume tender has signalled urgency to global suppliers

*The upcoming sowing season, starting in June, has increased procurement pressure

A trader involved in the bidding process noted that India’s aggressive buying strategy may have inadvertently pushed prices higher, as suppliers anticipate strong demand.

Breakdown of Bids: West Coast

For the west coast, pricing varies widely across suppliers:

*Millenium Commodity Trading offered the lowest rate of $935 per tonne for 56,000 tonnes

*Aditya Birla Global Trading quoted $941.70 per tonne for a substantial 1.35 mt against the 1.5 mt requirement

*Comet Trading submitted the highest bid of $1,136 per tonne for 100,000 tonnes

Breakdown of Bids: East Coast

Similarly, for the east coast:

*Chasemax offered the lowest price of $959 per tonne for 100,000 tonnes

*Aditya Birla Global Trading quoted $966 per tonne for up to 650,000 tonnes

*Comet Trading again placed the highest bid at $1,136 per tonne, though only for 50,000 tonnes

Market Outlook: Risk of Further Price Escalation

If the government proceeds with purchases at these elevated rates, it could further tighten global supply and push urea prices even higher. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the situation underscores the delicate balance between securing domestic fertiliser needs and managing international price dynamics.

The Maharashtra government approved the Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, 2026, with a financial outlay of ₹500 crore for FY27. Through the initiative, the state aims to convert urban waste, agricultural residue, and cattle waste into clean fuel and organic fertiliser. As a result, the policy seeks to reduce landfill burden, curb pollution, and lower dependence on fossil fuels.

Structured Feedstock Supply Mechanism

Under the policy, segregated biodegradable waste from urban areas will be channelled directly to biogas plants. Urban local bodies will take the lead in implementation, ensuring efficient waste collection and supply. In addition, agricultural residue and livestock waste will serve as critical feedstock. To address supply constraints, the government will also promote cluster-based project development in regions with limited waste availability.

PPP Model and Financial Support

To ensure scalability, the state plans to establish biogas plants with a minimum capacity of 200 tonnes per day under public-private partnership (PPP) models. Moreover, the policy includes assured payment mechanisms to enhance financial viability and attract private investment. The government will further support developers by offering land on lease and expediting approvals through a single-window clearance system.

Digital Integration and Ease of Implementation

In a move to streamline operations, Maharashtra will introduce a digital platform that connects waste generators with project developers. Consequently, this will improve supply chain efficiency and foster better coordination across stakeholders.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The policy is expected to significantly reduce waste dumping and improve air and water quality across the state. At the same time, it will generate employment opportunities and create additional income streams for farmers by enabling the productive use of agricultural waste.

As reported by projectstoday.ai, the Maharashtra CBG Policy, 2026, marks a major step toward building a circular economy. By integrating waste management with clean energy production, the state is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable and decentralised energy solutions.

Larsen and Toubro (L&T) announced that its green energy arm, L&T Energy GreenTech, has entered into a long-term agreement with Japanese trading major ITOCHU Corp. Under the deal, L&T will supply 3,00,000 tons of green ammonia annually, reinforcing its growing footprint in the global clean energy market.

Gujarat Facility to Anchor Production

As part of the agreement, L&T Energy GreenTech will produce and supply green ammonia from its upcoming facility in Gujarat. Notably, green ammonia is emerging as a key alternative fuel to decarbonise the shipping industry. Meanwhile, ITOCHU plans to leverage this partnership to build a global green ammonia supply chain, targeting major maritime hubs such as Singapore and other strategic trade routes.

India’s Rising Role in Green Ammonia Exports

At the same time, Indian companies are steadily strengthening their presence in the international green energy market. Firms across the country are increasingly securing supply contracts with nations like Japan and South Korea, highlighting India’s competitiveness in the green ammonia segment.

Government Push for Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

India continues to accelerate its clean energy ambitions through strong policy support. The government aims to produce nearly 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen and its derivatives, including green ammonia, by 2030. To achieve this, it is offering subsidies and incentives to boost domestic production and position India as a global export hub.

Outlook
As reported by msn.com, the L&T–ITOCHU partnership marks a significant step toward building a robust global green ammonia ecosystem, while also underscoring India’s expanding role in the energy transition value chain.

Traditional open coke pits and exposed handling systems continue to pose serious environmental and operational challenges for refiners. As a result, the industry is actively seeking solutions that reduce emissions and community impact—without compromising reliability or efficiency. Through an exclusive collaboration, Lummus Technology and ART-Envi Services now offer a fully enclosed coke handling solution designed to address these concerns. The integrated approach not only reduces emissions but also enhances safety and supports more sustainable refinery operations.

Integrating Advanced Coking and Handling Technologies

The partnership combines the proven delayed coking expertise of Chevron Lummus Global with ART-Envi’s patented Environmental Coke Handling Operation (ECHO) system. Together, these technologies provide a cleaner alternative to conventional open coke pits and pad-based handling methods. Consequently, refiners can better meet tightening environmental regulations and rising community expectations.

Fully Enclosed System Minimises Emissions

Unlike traditional systems, the ECHO solution ensures that coke remains fully contained throughout the handling process—from the delayed coker drum to dewatering and final transfer.

The design delivers multiple operational and environmental benefits:

*Significantly reduces fugitive dust emissions

*Eliminates odours and spillage

*Minimises operator exposure

*Prevents evaporative water loss

In addition, the system removes the need for open pits, exposed conveyors, and large coke stockpiles, thereby reducing the facility’s overall environmental footprint.

Flexible Design for Diverse Refinery Needs

The modular design of the enclosed system allows refiners to adapt it to various plant layouts and coke characteristics. Even facilities with space constraints can integrate the solution effectively, ensuring seamless adoption without major operational disruptions.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

The partnership formalises years of technical collaboration between Lummus and ART-Envi. More importantly, it reflects a shared commitment to delivering innovative solutions that help refiners achieve environmental goals while maintaining operational excellence. Chevron USA Inc. and Lummus Technology jointly own Chevron Lummus Global, a leading licensor of delayed coking technology worldwide. Meanwhile, ART-Envi’s ECHO system has already been deployed in multiple refinery projects globally, transforming traditional coke handling into a closed, environmentally controlled process.

Supporting Sustainable Refining Practices

As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability expectations grow, enclosed coke handling systems are emerging as a critical solution. As per the press release, by combining proven coking technology with advanced environmental controls, refiners can significantly reduce emissions while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M) has achieved a major milestone by surpassing one GWh of cumulative lithium-based energy storage deployment in India’s telecom sector. This achievement highlights the rapid adoption of distributed lithium storage systems across the country.

Strong Presence Across Telecom Infrastructure

The company has deployed its battery systems at more than 50,000 telecom sites nationwide. As a result, Amara Raja has strengthened its position as a leading supplier in this segment, with a cumulative market share exceeding 35%. This large-scale rollout demonstrates the operational reliability and scalability of lithium-based storage solutions under diverse Indian conditions.

Scaling Up: Targeting 2 GWh by 2026

Building on this momentum, Amara Raja is now targeting two GWh of installed capacity by 2026—effectively doubling its deployment within a year. Moreover, the company is expanding its focus beyond telecom into high-growth segments such as data centres, industrial applications and commercial infrastructure. These sectors are expected to drive the next phase of growth for energy storage solutions.

Rising Demand for Advanced Energy Storage in India

India is witnessing a structural shift in energy demand. The ongoing 5G rollout, rapid expansion of data centres, and increasing integration of renewable energy are accelerating the need for reliable, flexible, and high-performance storage systems. At the same time, lithium-based storage is approaching lifecycle cost parity with conventional technologies while offering superior efficiency and performance. Consequently, the market is transitioning from early-stage adoption to large-scale deployment. This growth aligns with national targets of 236 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2032, supported by strong policy initiatives.

Leadership Insights on Growth and Transition

M. M. Venkata Krishna, Business Head – Industrial Batteries, noted that the company’s scale in the telecom sector, combined with strong execution capabilities and customer relationships, positions it well to expand into adjacent markets. Harshavardhana Gourineni emphasised that India’s energy ecosystem is undergoing a fundamental transformation. He highlighted that energy storage is evolving from a supporting function to a core infrastructure layer, driven by digitisation, electrification, and renewable energy integration.

As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, Amara Raja’s 1 GWh milestone marks a significant step in India’s transition toward advanced energy storage solutions. With plans to scale rapidly and diversify into new sectors, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s energy infrastructure.

Loom Solar received an additional land allotment of 33,400 sq m (approximately 8.25 acres) from the government of Uttar Pradesh at the Industrial Model Land Corporation (IMLC) in Meerut. The land will house an independent solar module manufacturing facility, further strengthening the company’s production capabilities in the state.

Expanding Manufacturing Footprint in Uttar Pradesh

The Meerut facility will complement Loom Solar’s existing 7.5-acre site in Kosi, where a 1.2 GW solar module production unit is currently under development. Together, these two facilities significantly enhance Loom Solar’s manufacturing capacity in Uttar Pradesh. As a result, the state is emerging as a key hub in India’s domestic solar supply chain.

Supporting India’s Growing Solar Demand

The Meerut plant will feature a high-throughput production line designed to support Loom Solar’s multi-gigawatt manufacturing strategy. This expansion directly aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. By scaling up domestic production, Loom Solar aims to meet rising demand while contributing to the country’s energy security and sustainability goals.

Leadership Perspective on Strategic Expansion

Amod Anand, Co-Founder and Director, stated that India’s energy independence will be driven by strong domestic manufacturing supported by policy alignment. He emphasised that the new facility in Meerut, alongside the 1.2 GW Kosi plant, provides the infrastructure needed to meet India’s multi-GW solar demand through fully indigenous capacity. He also acknowledged the Uttar Pradesh government’s support in enabling this expansion.

Alignment with National Manufacturing Initiatives

Loom Solar’s expansion strategy closely aligns with key government initiatives, including Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Production-Linked Incentive Scheme, ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) regulations and Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) policies. Through these frameworks, the company aims to reduce dependence on imported solar modules while strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Expanding into Energy Storage Solutions

In addition to solar manufacturing, Loom Solar is actively expanding its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) portfolio. The company is targeting both utility-scale and distributed applications to support grid stability as renewable energy adoption accelerates.

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, Loom Solar’s new land acquisition in Meerut marks a significant step in scaling its manufacturing capabilities and supporting India’s clean energy transition. By aligning with national policies and investing in both solar and storage solutions, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s renewable energy future.

Vedanta Limited has significantly advanced its sustainability efforts by increasing its renewable energy consumption by over 50% in FY26. The company used 3.97 billion units of renewable power during the year, enabling it to avoid approximately 3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The announcement, made on World Earth Day, highlights Vedanta’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while meeting rising energy demands.

Renewable Push Drives Emission Reduction

As Vedanta ramps up its green energy adoption, the impact on emissions has been substantial. The sharp increase in renewable power usage compared to the previous year directly contributed to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the company continues to balance sustainability with operational growth, ensuring that its expanding energy needs are met through cleaner sources.

Critical Role in Clean Energy Value Chain

Vedanta also emphasised its contribution to the global clean energy ecosystem through the supply of essential metals and minerals:

*Aluminium enables lightweight, energy-efficient transportation and power transmission

*Copper supports electrification and renewable infrastructure, including wind energy systems

*Silver plays a crucial role in solar panel manufacturing

Through these materials, the company actively supports the broader transition to sustainable energy systems.

Improving Carbon Efficiency and Alternative Fuels

In addition to increasing renewable energy usage, Vedanta has made steady progress in improving carbon efficiency:

*Metals carbon intensity reduced by 15%, from 6.45 tCO₂e/tm in FY21 to 5.44 tCO₂e/tm in FY26

*Utilised 365 kilotonnes of biomass fuel, cutting an additional 0.5–0.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions

These initiatives demonstrate the company’s multi-pronged approach to decarbonisation.

Water Sustainability and Operational Milestones

Vedanta has also achieved significant progress in water stewardship. Several of its key businesses, including Hindustan Zinc, Cairn Oil & Gas, and its iron ore operations, have attained net water positive status. This achievement underscores the company’s focus on responsible resource management alongside environmental sustainability.

Global Recognition and ESG Leadership

Vedanta’s sustainability initiatives have earned strong global recognition:

*Hindustan Zinc ranked No.1 in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026

*Vedanta Group featured in the yearbook for the third consecutive year

*Vedanta Aluminium ranked among the top 10 companies globally

In addition, Hindustan Zinc became the first Indian mining company to join the International Council on Mining and Metals.

Strong ESG Ratings and Sustainable Product Expansion

The group further strengthened its ESG credentials with:

*CDP Water Score of A-

*Supplier Engagement Rating of A-

*GreenPro certification and methane reduction recognition

Moreover, Vedanta continues to expand its portfolio of low-carbon aluminium products while advancing ESG-led mining practices across its operations.

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, Vedanta Limited’s FY26 performance reflects a strong commitment to sustainability through renewable energy adoption, emissions reduction, and responsible resource management. By integrating ESG principles into its core operations, the company is positioning itself as a key contributor to the global transition toward a low-carbon future.