Government Targets 5,000 Tonnes Rare Earth Magnet Production by 2030

India has intensified its efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in rare earth permanent magnet production and critical mineral exploration, particularly lithium. Addressing the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that the government aims to scale up the country’s rare earth magnet production capacity to 5,000 tonnes by 2030.

Currently, India’s annual requirement for rare earth permanent magnets stands at around 4,000 tonnes. However, demand is expected to grow significantly, reaching nearly 8,000 tonnes by 2030. Consequently, the government is accelerating initiatives to expand domestic production and reduce import dependence.

Pilot Projects and Manufacturing Expansion Underway

To strengthen indigenous manufacturing, the government has launched a pilot project for neodymium–iron–boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets, a critical component widely used in modern technologies.

In addition, a samarium–cobalt magnet production plant in Visakhapatnam has already become operational with an initial production capacity of 500 tonnes per year. According to Dr. Singh, this capacity will gradually increase to 2,000 tonnes in the next phase and eventually expand to 5,000 tonnes by 2030.

These initiatives represent a major step toward building a strong domestic ecosystem for rare earth magnet manufacturing.

Whole-of-Government Approach to Critical Mineral Development

As reported by pib.gov.in, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the government is adopting a whole-of-government strategy to fast-track exploration and development of critical minerals. Multiple ministries are coordinating closely to accelerate surveys, mining activities, and value chain development.

This integrated approach aims to ensure that India builds long-term capabilities in critical mineral supply chains, which are essential for modern industry and energy systems.

Lithium Exploration Gains Momentum in Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir

Responding to a question raised by Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar regarding lithium reserves in Degana, Rajasthan, the Minister confirmed that preliminary survey activities are already underway. Furthermore, detailed exploration is expected to begin in the near future.

Dr. Singh clarified that lithium exploration falls under the Ministry of Mines, which is also conducting similar exploration initiatives in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, another region believed to hold potential lithium deposits.

Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Elements and Lithium

The Minister highlighted that rare earth elements and lithium are critical raw materials for several emerging and strategic industries. These include:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Renewable energy technologies
• Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing
• Defence and aerospace systems
• Space technologies

Moreover, these minerals will play a crucial role in supporting India’s clean energy transition and the development of advanced technologies that require reliable and efficient energy storage systems.

Policy Reforms to Encourage Private Sector Participation

To further accelerate exploration and production, the government has introduced several policy reforms. Notably, provisions under the Atomic Energy (Amendment) framework now allow private sector participation in the exploration of certain critical minerals.

At the same time, the government continues to maintain safeguards for strategic resources such as uranium, ensuring that national security interests remain protected.

Development of Rare Earth Processing Corridors

In order to strengthen the domestic value chain, the government has announced the establishment of rare earth processing corridors in several states. These include:

• Tamil Nadu
• Odisha
• Andhra Pradesh
• Kerala

These corridors aim to promote processing, refining, and value addition, thereby enabling India to move beyond raw mineral extraction and build a comprehensive rare earth industry ecosystem.

Geological Challenges and Resource Distribution

Dr. Singh explained that rare earth elements occur in two primary geological forms—beach sand minerals and rock formations. As a result, exploration strategies vary depending on the geological conditions.

Certain states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jharkhand, contain rock-based mineral deposits, which often require more complex exploration and extraction techniques.

Environmental Safeguards and Regulation

Addressing concerns related to environmental impact, the Minister clarified that mining regulations and environmental safeguards fall under the Ministry of Mines and associated regulatory authorities.

He also stressed the importance of preventing illegal mining activities, while ensuring that exploration and extraction processes follow established environmental and regulatory standards.

Strengthening India’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain

In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India is steadily strengthening its position in the critical minerals sector. By expanding domestic production, accelerating exploration, and implementing supportive policy reforms, the country aims to reduce import dependence and build a resilient supply chain.

These efforts are expected to play a vital role in supporting future industrial growth, clean energy development, and technological innovation in India.

Certification Marks Progress Toward Sustainable Chemical Production

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo: 4183), led by President and CEO Hashimoto Osamu, has announced that it has obtained International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification for its ACTCOL™ product at the company’s Nagoya Works in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The certification was granted in January 2026 and confirms that the product meets internationally recognised standards for sustainable production.

Through this achievement, Mitsui Chemicals continues to strengthen its commitment to developing environmentally responsible chemical products and supporting the transition toward a circular economy.

Supporting Biomass and Chemical Recycling Through Mass Balance

As per the Mitsui Chemicals Press release, Mitsui Chemicals Group aims to expand the use of biomass-based and chemically recycled materials through the mass balance approach. This system allows manufacturers to track and attribute sustainable raw materials within existing production processes, thereby enabling the production of certified sustainable products without requiring entirely new manufacturing infrastructure.

By securing ISCC PLUS certification, the company reinforces its strategy to promote sustainable material sourcing while maintaining industrial efficiency.

Expanding Portfolio of Certified Sustainable Products

With the certification of ACTCOL™, Mitsui Chemicals has further expanded its portfolio of products eligible for ISCC PLUS certification. The newly certified product belongs to the polypropylene glycol (PPG) category and supports a wide range of industrial applications.

Product: ACTCOL™
Category: Polypropylene glycol (PPG)

Main Applications:

• Flexible foam
• Rigid foam
• Elastomers
• Civil engineering and construction materials
• Paints and adhesives
• Synthetic leather
• Synthetic resin raw materials

In addition to ACTCOL™, the certification framework also supports related materials such as polymer polyols (POP) and resin premix products, further broadening the range of sustainable solutions offered by the company.

Growing Number of ISCC PLUS-Certified Products

Including the newly certified materials, Mitsui Chemicals now offers approximately 50 products eligible to use ISCC PLUS certification. This expanding portfolio demonstrates the company’s continued efforts to integrate sustainability across its product lines and production processes.

Commitment to Advancing Sustainable Materials

Looking ahead, Mitsui Chemicals Group plans to continue obtaining ISCC PLUS certification across additional facilities and product categories. Through these efforts, the company seeks to accelerate the adoption of biomass-derived materials and chemically recycled products.

Ultimately, this strategy supports broader societal goals by promoting the responsible use of resources, improving plastic recycling rates, and advancing sustainable material innovation.

Simon India Limited (SIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur, to jointly develop and commercialise technologies for the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from industrial waste streams. The partnership aims to combine CSIR-NML’s advanced research capabilities with Simon India’s engineering and project execution expertise, enabling innovative technologies to move from laboratory research to large-scale industrial deployment.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Industry

A key objective of the collaboration is to address a persistent challenge in the innovation ecosystem—the transition of technologies from pilot scale to commercial implementation. Currently, many promising technologies remain at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, where pilot-scale validation has been achieved but large-scale industrial application is yet to be realised. Through this partnership, Simon India will help translate these innovations into scalable engineering solutions, accelerating the path toward commercialisation. By combining research with industrial execution capabilities, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world deployment.

Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements are critical to several strategic and high-growth industries, including clean energy technologies, electronics and semiconductors, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing.  However, global supply chains for rare earth materials remain highly concentrated, creating supply risks for many countries. As a result, developing indigenous extraction and processing technologies has become a national priority for India. Through the initiative, the partners aim to recover rare earth elements from secondary resources and industrial waste, thereby supporting both resource security and circular economy goals.

Leveraging Complementary Strengths

The collaboration brings together complementary expertise from both organisations. CSIR-NML has developed strong scientific capabilities in process innovation, materials research, and technology validation. Meanwhile, Simon India specialises in converting such innovations into practical industrial solutions through engineering and project execution. In particular, Simon India’s capabilities in Basic Design Engineering Package (BDEP) and Detailed Engineering (DEP) will play a key role in scaling up technologies for commercial deployment. The integrated approach will help accelerate the industrialisation of indigenous rare earth recovery technologies.

Focus Areas of the Collaboration

The partnership will focus on multiple areas to ensure effective technology development and scale-up, including Joint research and development (R&D), pilot-scale testing and validation, process optimisation and scale-up and technology transfer and commercialisation. In addition, the MoU provides for a structured governance system through a Joint Steering Committee, which will oversee project progress and strategic direction. The collaboration will also promote industry–academia partnerships, capacity building, and intellectual property development.

Industry Leaders Highlight the Importance of the Partnership

Athar Shahab, Chairman of Simon India Limited, emphasised, “India’s journey towards technological self-reliance will depend on our ability to not just innovate, but to industrialise innovation. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building strong partnerships that can take indigenous technologies from the lab to large-scale deployment, particularly in critical areas such as rare earths and sustainable materials”.

Aashutosh Aggarwal, CEO of Simon India Limited, highlighted, “At Simon India, we see ourselves as an enabler of technology commercialisation. Our engineering capabilities allow us to convert proven research into scalable industrial solutions. This partnership with CSIR-NML strengthens that capability, especially in emerging domains such as rare earth recovery”.

Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director & Head AAC, CSIR-NML, noted that the collaboration will help bring laboratory innovations to industrial application. “CSIR-NML has been working on advanced processes for extraction and recovery of critical materials. Partnering with Simon India enables us to take these technologies beyond the laboratory and pilot stages towards industrial implementation,” he said.

Framework for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer

The MoU also establishes a clear framework for joint intellectual property development. The agreement outlines defined pathways for ownership, licensing, and commercialisation of technologies developed through the collaboration. The structure aims to support the creation of proprietary, India-owned technology platforms while encouraging industry participation and innovation.

Long-Term Commitment to Sustainable Resource Development

The agreement will remain valid for five years, reflecting a long-term commitment to advancing sustainable industrial processes and resource recovery technologies. By focusing on rare earth extraction from industrial waste, the partnership also supports broader goals related to the circular economy, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. As per the press release, the collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s technological capabilities and positioning the country as a global player in the development and commercialisation of advanced materials technologies.

Exide Industries Ltd invested ₹450 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, Exide Energy Solutions Ltd. The latest capital infusion is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the lithium-ion battery manufacturing sector, which is expected to play a key role in India’s electric mobility and energy storage markets.

Total Investment in Subsidiary Crosses ₹4,800 Crore

With the new investment, Exide Industries’ total investment in Exide Energy has reached ₹4,802.23 crore. Despite the fresh capital infusion, the company confirmed that its shareholding structure remains unchanged, with Exide continuing to hold 100% ownership of the subsidiary. The move highlights Exide’s long-term commitment to expanding its advanced battery technology capabilities in India.

EESL Focuses on Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing

Exide Energy Solutions Ltd, incorporated on March 24, 2022, was established to drive Exide’s entry into the lithium-ion battery value chain. The subsidiary focuses on the manufacturing and sale of lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and battery packs. As India accelerates its transition toward electric mobility and renewable energy integration, demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries is expected to rise significantly.

Greenfield Lithium-Ion Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru

To support its long-term growth plans, EESL is currently developing a greenfield lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The proposed plant will produce lithium-ion cells, modules, and battery packs, enabling the company to build a strong domestic manufacturing base. Exide stated that the ₹450 crore equity infusion will be utilised to support the development of this greenfield project and meet EESL’s broader funding requirements. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the investment is expected to accelerate the establishment of advanced battery manufacturing infrastructure in India.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is gearing up for its largest-ever offshore exploration initiative, with plans to invest between $18 billion and $20 billion in hiring deepwater drilling rigs. The ambitious programme reflects the company’s strategic push to expand hydrocarbon exploration and strengthen India’s energy security. The move also aligns with the government’s Samudra Manthan mission, which aims to increase domestic oil and gas production by accelerating offshore exploration activities.

Major Investment in Deepwater Drilling

As part of the large-scale programme, ONGC has issued a global tender for deepwater drilling rigs, seeking a combination of drillships and semi-submersible rigs. The proposed contracts are expected to run for up to five years, indicating the long-term nature of the exploration plan. The initiative represents one of the most significant offshore investments by ONGC in recent years and highlights the company’s focus on unlocking untapped hydrocarbon resources in deep and ultra-deep waters.

Strong Industry Interest in Rig Contracts

The tender has already generated strong interest from both domestic and international drilling companies. A pre-bid meeting held in Mumbai on March 20 attracted participation from several major players in the offshore drilling sector. ONGC has set an ambitious timeline and plans to mobilise the drilling rigs within 80 days. The accelerated schedule reflects the urgency with which the company is seeking to expand its deepwater exploration operations.

Expanding Exploration in Key Offshore Basins

ONGC continues to advance exploration activities in multiple offshore regions. The company is currently undertaking significant exploration work in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin along India’s east coast, one of the country’s most promising hydrocarbon provinces. At the same time, ONGC has begun ultra-deepwater drilling operations in the Andaman region, which is believed to hold substantial untapped oil and gas potential. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to explore frontier basins and diversify India’s domestic energy resources.

Exploring Global Partnerships for Complex Projects

Given the high costs and technical complexity associated with deepwater exploration, ONGC is also evaluating strategic partnerships with leading global energy companies. The company is reportedly in discussions with international oil majors including BP, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Petrobras. Such collaborations would help share financial risks, leverage advanced technologies, and accelerate exploration in challenging offshore environments.

Strengthening India’s Energy Security

Through this ambitious deepwater exploration programme, ONGC aims to boost domestic oil and gas production and reduce reliance on imports. As India’s energy demand continues to grow, expanding offshore exploration remains a key priority for both the company and the government. If successfully implemented, the programme could significantly enhance India’s hydrocarbon reserves while reinforcing the country’s long-term energy security strategy.

India commissioned around 8,000 tons per annum (TPA) of green hydrogen production capacity as of February 2026, marking an early step toward the country’s ambitious clean energy goals. The government aims to significantly expand production capacity and position India as a global hub for green hydrogen and clean fuel technologies in the coming decade. Although the current capacity is still modest, it represents the initial phase of India’s large-scale green hydrogen development strategy.

National Green Hydrogen Mission Targets 5 MMT by 2030

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government has set an ambitious target to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission aims to accelerate decarbonisation across sectors such as refining, fertilisers, steel, and heavy industry, while also creating new opportunities in export markets and advanced energy technologies. By promoting domestic production and infrastructure development, the government intends to strengthen India’s position in the global hydrogen economy.

Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Transition

India’s green hydrogen programme forms a key pillar of the country’s broader energy transition strategy. By investing in hydrogen production, renewable power, and supporting infrastructure, the government aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, while current production capacity is still in the early stages, continued policy support, declining renewable energy costs, and growing industrial demand are expected to accelerate the growth of India’s green hydrogen sector in the coming years.

India is rapidly positioning itself as a global hub for clean energy manufacturing, supported by strong policy incentives and rising domestic demand. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and import duties have accelerated investments in solar and battery manufacturing capacity. However, despite the rapid expansion, the sector continues to face structural gaps in technology adoption, supply chain depth, and cost competitiveness. These challenges could influence India’s ability to compete globally in the clean energy manufacturing ecosystem.

Solar Manufacturing Capacity Expands Rapidly

Solar manufacturing sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years. The country’s module manufacturing capacity has already surpassed 120 GW, driven largely by government incentives and policy support. Yet, capacity utilisation remains uneven across facilities. While the installed capacity is substantial, many plants continue to operate below their optimal production levels.

In terms of technology adoption, Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) modules now account for nearly 70% of India’s installed module capacity. This technology offers a balance between efficiency and cost, making it attractive for manufacturers.

By contrast, Heterojunction Technology (HJT) remains at an early stage, contributing only about 1% of installed capacity. The limited adoption reflects the industry’s cautious approach toward next-generation technologies that require higher capital investment and specialised expertise.

Battery Manufacturing Progress Remains Slow

While solar manufacturing has expanded rapidly, battery manufacturing has progressed at a slower pace. Under the government’s Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) PLI scheme, India aims to develop 50 GWh of battery manufacturing capacity.

However, only around 1.4 GWh has been commissioned so far, highlighting delays in project execution and investment decisions. Industry experts point to technology complexity, capital intensity, and supply chain uncertainties as key factors slowing progress in this segment.

Heavy Dependence on Global Supply Chains

Despite expanding domestic capacity, India continues to rely heavily on imported upstream components. Critical materials such as polysilicon, wafers, and essential minerals are still largely sourced from overseas markets.

Currently, China controls more than 80% of global solar supply chains, creating significant pricing and geopolitical risks for emerging manufacturing hubs like India.

Moreover, India’s supply chain ecosystem remains relatively shallow, particularly in the production of ingots and wafers, which are essential inputs for solar cell manufacturing. Although domestic value addition is gradually improving, gaps in upstream manufacturing remain a major challenge.

Critical Mineral Dependence Creates Vulnerability

The clean energy sector also depends heavily on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. At present, India imports most of these resources, exposing the industry to global price volatility and supply disruptions. Recognising this challenge, policymakers have begun exploring local sourcing mandates and supply chain diversification strategies. However, industry observers note that execution risks remain significant, especially given the limited domestic availability of these minerals.

High Costs Impact Competitiveness

Cost competitiveness remains one of the biggest hurdles for India’s clean energy manufacturing ambitions. Solar modules produced using domestically manufactured cells can cost more than 140% higher than comparable Chinese products. This significant price gap affects both domestic profitability and export competitiveness. Additionally, many manufacturing facilities continue to operate at capacity utilisation levels below 30%, which further increases production costs and pressures margins.

Technology Adoption Shaping the Industry

Technology choices are playing a crucial role in shaping India’s manufacturing landscape. Currently, TOPCon technology dominates the market because it offers a practical balance between performance and cost. In contrast, HJT technology provides higher efficiency but requires significantly higher capital expenditure and specialised supply chains, making adoption slower. Meanwhile, next-generation technologies are still in the pilot stage, and their timelines for large-scale commercial deployment remain uncertain.

Export Opportunities and Trade Barriers

Despite these challenges, India is gradually strengthening its position in the global solar market. In 2024, the country exported nearly 5.8 GW of solar modules, benefiting from global supply chain diversification strategies such as the “China Plus One” approach. However, export opportunities also face growing uncertainties. Several key markets, particularly the United States, are introducing stricter trade regulations and tariffs. At the same time, domestic demand remains highly policy-driven and cyclical, which adds another layer of unpredictability for manufacturers.

Balancing Ambition with Structural Reforms

India’s clean energy manufacturing sector has clearly entered a high-growth phase, supported by strong policy initiatives and rising global demand for renewable technologies. Nevertheless, supply chain gaps, technology adoption challenges, and cost pressures continue to shape the industry’s trajectory. As reported by cleanfuture.co.in, going forward, deeper supply chain integration, improved capacity utilisation, and greater technological capability will be critical if India aims to emerge as a globally competitive clean energy manufacturing hub.

The ongoing tensions in West Asia are beginning to disrupt India’s pharmaceutical supply chain, pushing up the prices of critical raw materials by as much as 200% to 300% within just fifteen days. As a result, drug manufacturers are warning of potential medicine price increases and supply shortages if the situation continues.

The concerns were raised by the Himachal Drug Manufacturers Association (HDMA), which represents around 500 pharmaceutical manufacturing units in Himachal Pradesh, most of them belonging to the MSME sector. The association has submitted a representation to the Union Ministry of Health, urging immediate government intervention to stabilise the supply chain.

Sharp Rise in Raw Material Costs

The crisis has triggered a steep rise in the cost of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), solvents, excipients, and packaging materials—all critical inputs in drug manufacturing. One of the most striking examples is paracetamol, a widely used medicine in India. The cost of its raw material has increased from ₹250 per kg to ₹450 per kg in just two weeks, placing significant pressure on manufacturers. If the upward trend continues, many pharmaceutical companies—especially small and medium manufacturers—may struggle to sustain production at current price levels. Consequently, these rising costs could eventually be passed on to consumers, increasing the price of essential medicines.

MSME Pharma Sector Faces Severe Pressure

The sharp increase in input costs is threatening the viability of the MSME pharmaceutical sector, which plays a vital role in India’s healthcare ecosystem. “Unprecedented 200% to 300% price hikes in APIs, solvents, excipients and packaging materials threaten MSME survival and essential medicine supply,” said Sanjay Sharma, spokesperson, Himachal Drug Manufacturers Association.

These MSME manufacturers are not marginal players in the industry. On the contrary, they supply large volumes of generic medicines to government health programmes, hospital procurement systems, and the open retail market. Therefore, any disruption in their operations could significantly affect the availability of affordable medicines across the country.

Risk to Supply of Essential Medicines

The potential impact extends far beyond the pharmaceutical industry. Millions of Indians rely on low-cost generic medicines produced by MSME manufacturers for the treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases. If production slows or stops due to rising costs, patients could face medicine shortages or higher drug prices, putting additional pressure on the healthcare system.

In addition, the association has raised concerns over shortages of LPG used in industrial boilers, which could further disrupt production. Manufacturers have also warned that prolonged uncertainty may trigger labour migration, compounding operational challenges. Another immediate problem is the viability of existing supply contracts. Many manufacturers have committed to supply medicines at pre-agreed prices, but rapidly rising input costs have made these contracts financially unsustainable.

Industry Calls for Urgent Government Intervention

In response to the crisis, the Himachal Drug Manufacturers Association has urged the government to take swift policy measures to stabilise the market and protect the medicine supply chain. “The MSME pharma sector seeks urgent support to ensure India’s healthcare stability,” Sharma said, adding that the association is ready to present the ground realities directly to policymakers.

A Growing Concern for India’s Healthcare System

As geopolitical tensions continue to ripple through global supply chains, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is increasingly feeling the impact. Without timely intervention, rising raw material costs could disrupt production and undermine the availability of affordable medicines. As reported by businesstoday.in, industry leaders are stressing that swift policy action would be crucial to protect MSME manufacturers, stabilise the supply chain, and ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines for millions of patients across India.

Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED) successfully completed a steam-efficiency upgrade at Tirupati Sugars Limited’s Bagaha facility in Bihar. The modernisation programme has reduced steam consumption to below 34% on cane, meeting the performance parameters set for the project. The upgrade marks an important step in improving energy efficiency at the plant while maintaining compatibility with its existing infrastructure.

Improving Efficiency Without Major Utility Replacement

The project formed part of Tirupati Sugars’ strategic initiative to enhance operational efficiency without undertaking costly large-scale utility replacements. Instead, the company focused on process optimisation and the integration of energy-efficient equipment. Importantly, the upgrade was seamlessly retrofitted into the plant’s existing boiler and turbine systems. As a result, the facility achieved a significant reduction in steam demand while continuing to operate within its established steam and power network. The approach not only ensured technical compatibility but also made the modernisation economically viable for an operating sugar factory.

Engineering Precision Key to Steam Efficiency

Vivek Verma, Managing Director of Spray Engineering Devices Limited, highlighted, “Improving steam efficiency in an operating sugar plant requires precise engineering, proper heat-recovery integration, and careful execution without disturbing existing utilities,” Verma said. “This project clearly demonstrates that efficiency improvements can be achieved through engineered upgrades and optimised process configuration.”

Tirupati Sugars Targets Improved Steam Economy

From the plant operator’s perspective, the upgrade aligns with Tirupati Sugars’ broader objective of improving the steam economy of its existing facility. Deepak Yadav, Managing Director of Tirupati Sugars Limited, Bagaha, noted that the project has delivered the expected performance results. “The objective of this upgrade was to improve steam economy of our existing plant through process optimisation and energy-efficient equipment. The project has been implemented as planned, and the plant is now operating at improved efficiency levels in line with the expected performance parameters,” Yadav said.

Key Technology Upgrades in the Boiling House

As part of the project, SED carried out the engineering, supply, and commissioning of several high-efficiency process systems. These included, High-efficiency condensate juice heaters, falling film evaporators, flash cigar systems, honeycomb calandria batch pans and receiving crystallisers.

Advanced automation and process control integration

Together, these upgrades have significantly improved boiling house operations and optimised the plant’s overall heat balance. Consequently, the facility now operates with lower energy consumption and improved resource efficiency.

A Model for Modernising Existing Sugar Plants

Across India, sugar mills are increasingly prioritising modernisation of existing facilities instead of investing in expensive greenfield projects. In this context, the Bagaha upgrade demonstrates how targeted technology improvements can enhance plant performance and profitability. As per the press release, by proving that legacy plants can achieve modern efficiency standards through strategic upgrades, SED and Tirupati Sugars are providing a practical roadmap for energy conservation and sustainable sugar manufacturing in India.