Privi Speciality Chemicals Ltd has taken a significant step toward strengthening its clean energy strategy by investing ₹1.77 crore in Radiance MH Sunrise Eleven Private Limited. The investment aims to increase the use of renewable power across the company’s operations and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

To formalise its participation, the company has executed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) along with a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA). Through this structure, Privi will participate in the renewable energy project via an equity stake in the special purpose vehicle (SPV).

Solar Power Project with 16.60 MW Capacity

The project will be developed by Radiance MH Sunrise Eleven Private Limited, which serves as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for building and operating the solar power infrastructure. Currently, the SPV is developing a ground-mounted, grid-connected solar power plant with a planned installed capacity of 16.60 MW. Once operational, the facility will supply renewable electricity to participating companies, including Privi Speciality Chemicals. The initiative reflects the growing trend among industrial companies to secure long-term renewable energy supply through dedicated solar projects.

Captive Power Model Under Electricity Act

Through this investment structure, Privi Speciality Chemicals Ltd will qualify as a captive user under the Electricity Act, 2003. As a result, the company will be able to source renewable electricity directly from the solar project for its industrial operations. The captive power arrangement offers greater control over energy sourcing while ensuring a stable supply of renewable electricity.

Lower Emissions and Reduced Energy Costs

By sourcing electricity from the new solar facility, Privi aims to increase its clean energy consumption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. At the same time, the company expects the move to lower long-term electricity costs, as renewable energy projects can provide more predictable pricing compared with conventional power sources.

Supporting Long-Term Sustainability Goals

The investment forms part of the company’s broader sustainability and decarbonisation strategy. By integrating renewable power into its operations, Privi Speciality Chemicals Ltd aims to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting India’s transition toward cleaner energy systems. As per the press release, such initiatives are increasingly important for chemical manufacturers and energy-intensive industries, which are under growing pressure to adopt low-carbon energy solutions and improve environmental performance.

The government has allocated ₹20,000 crore under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 to accelerate the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The funding will support the research, design, development, and deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, the government informed the Rajya Sabha. According to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s nuclear energy ecosystem while supporting long-term clean energy goals.

Three Indigenous SMR Technologies Under Development

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is currently developing three indigenous Small Modular Reactor technologies as part of this mission.

These include:

*220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)

*55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55)

*High-temperature gas-cooled reactor (up to 5 MWth) designed for hydrogen generation

To validate these technologies, the first demonstration units will be installed at DAE sites. These lead projects will help establish technical feasibility and operational performance before large-scale deployment.

Key Project Approvals and Clearances

Progress on the SMR programme is already underway. The BSMR-200 and SMR-55 projects have received in-principle approval, marking an important step toward implementation. In addition, the Atomic Energy Commission has cleared the proposal for administrative and financial approval of the BSMR-200 project, which will now be submitted to the Union Cabinet for final clearance. Meanwhile, for the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, authorities have prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The project has also received siting consent and environmental clearance terms of reference from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Indigenous Technologies and Industry Participation

The government highlighted that several critical technologies required for SMR deployment have already been developed domestically. For example, Indian researchers have developed Advanced Purified Reactor Vessel Alloy (ApuRVA), a specialised material used for reactor pressure vessels. This development was achieved through collaboration between the nuclear research community and Indian industry.

In addition, engineers have developed the control rod drive mechanism—a key reactor safety component—entirely in-house. Most of the equipment required for these SMRs can be manufactured within India, with technical support from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. As a result, the programme is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in the nuclear energy sector.

Roadmap to Achieve 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047

Alongside SMR development, the government has outlined a long-term roadmap to expand India’s nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission. Currently, India’s nuclear power capacity stands at 8.78 GW, excluding Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-I. However, several ongoing projects are expected to significantly increase capacity in the coming years.

Private Sector to Play a Larger Role

To achieve the remaining 46 GW of nuclear capacity, the government plans to involve public sector enterprises, state governments, private companies, and joint ventures. These projects will be developed using different business models and advanced reactor technologies, including SMRs. The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify investment and accelerate nuclear power deployment in India.

Timeline for Bharat Small Modular Reactor

The Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is being jointly developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Once the project receives administrative and financial approval, construction of the first reactor unit is expected to take around 60 to 72 months. As reported by knnindia.co.in, as the programme progresses, SMRs are expected to play a key role in India’s clean energy transition, offering flexible nuclear power solutions that can support grid stability, hydrogen production, and long-term energy security.

KPI Green Energy Limited strengthened its renewable energy portfolio by signing a Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) for large-scale battery storage projects in Gujarat. The agreement was executed between the company’s subsidiary, Sun Drops Energia Limited, and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited. The development marks an important milestone for the company as it moves forward with its first utility-scale Independent Power Producer (IPP) battery energy storage project.

Project to Deliver 445 MW / 890 MWh Storage Capacity

The agreement covers the development of self-owned standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects with a total capacity of 445 MW / 890 MWh. These projects represent a significant investment in large-scale energy storage infrastructure. Notably, the BESPA follows a Letter of Intent issued in January 2026, confirming the project award to the KPI Group. With the agreement now in place, the company can begin the implementation phase of the project.

Awarded Through Competitive Bidding

The project was awarded through a competitive tariff-based bidding process conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited under Phase-VII of its battery storage procurement programme. To improve financial viability, the project will receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Power System Development Fund. This funding mechanism is designed to encourage investment in advanced grid infrastructure and accelerate the deployment of battery storage technologies. As a result, the project is expected to contribute significantly to the expansion of energy storage capacity in India’s power sector.

Multiple BESS Installations Across Gujarat

Under the BESPA, Sun Drops Energia Limited will develop, own, and operate the battery energy storage systems over the long term. The BESS facilities will be installed at multiple locations across the state of Gujarat. Once operational, the storage capacity will be supplied to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited under a long-term arrangement. The systems will help support grid stability, peak load management, and reliable power supply.

Strategic Expansion into Energy Storage

The agreement represents the KPI Group’s entry into the implementation stage of its first utility-scale IPP battery storage project. The company said the project strengthens its position in the rapidly expanding renewable energy and energy storage market. By securing this contract, KPI Green Energy Limited is expanding beyond conventional renewable power generation into integrated energy storage solutions. As reported by solarquarter.com, as renewable energy capacity continues to grow, battery storage systems will play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand, stabilising electricity grids, and enabling higher penetration of solar and wind energy.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes industries and increases electricity demand, India must significantly expand its nuclear power capacity to support the digital infrastructure required for the AI era. According to Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, nuclear energy will need to grow nearly twelvefold—from 1.7 percent to about 20 percent of India’s energy mix—to meet the rising power requirements driven by AI technologies.

Speaking at the 2026 Karnataka State Annual Meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry in Bengaluru, Gopalakrishnan highlighted the scale of opportunity AI presents for India’s economy. However, he also emphasized that the country must act quickly to build the energy and digital infrastructure needed to sustain this technological shift.

AI Applications Expected to Grow Rapidly

Gopalakrishnan noted that the economic potential of AI goes far beyond the development of models and computing infrastructure. According to him, the AI application economy could grow to nearly ten times the size of the underlying AI models and infrastructure within the next five to ten years.

This expansion will create new digital services and platforms across industries. For example, applications such as digital shopping assistants, AI-driven healthcare advisors, and personalised information services are expected to become more common as AI systems are widely adopted. As a result, the demand for large-scale computing power—and the electricity needed to support it—will continue to increase.

AI Could Boost Industrial Productivity

Meanwhile, Rabindra Srikantan, who also serves as Managing Director of ASM Technologies Ltd, highlighted the transformative impact AI could have on industrial productivity. According to Srikantan, AI adoption could increase industrial productivity by around 30 percent. The technology can automate repetitive processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve decision-making across sectors. However, he pointed out that industries dealing with sensitive or classified data, such as defence, may adopt AI more cautiously due to security and regulatory concerns.

AI to Influence Every Sector of the Economy

Gopalakrishnan also stressed that AI will reshape nearly every part of the economy. From consumer services and agriculture to banking and healthcare, the technology will increasingly influence how businesses operate and how services are delivered. As AI capabilities improve, companies are expected to integrate intelligent systems into everyday operations. Consequently, businesses will rely more heavily on digital platforms, advanced analytics, and automated decision-support systems.

Large-Scale Workforce Retraining Needed

While the opportunities are significant, Gopalakrishnan warned that the workforce must adapt quickly to keep pace with technological change. India currently has around 5.5 million IT professionals, many of whom will need to retrain and develop new AI-related skills. According to him, these professionals must become proficient in AI tools, data analysis, and machine learning applications to remain competitive in the evolving digital economy. Moreover, the transformation will not be limited to the technology sector. Students from a wide range of disciplines—including engineering, liberal arts, and management—will need to learn how to work effectively with AI systems.

Stronger Domestic R&D Needed

Another major priority, Gopalakrishnan said, is strengthening India’s domestic technology capabilities. Increasing investment in research and development will be critical if the country hopes to build its own AI technologies instead of relying heavily on imported systems. He also highlighted several challenges, including the pace of investment and the urgency required to build advanced technological infrastructure. Without faster progress, India risks falling behind global leaders in AI innovation.

Policy Support Could Strengthen the AI Ecosystem

Srikantan noted that recent government initiatives could help accelerate the development of India’s AI ecosystem. In particular, higher budget allocations for deep technology and research in recent years may encourage innovation and strengthen the country’s technological base. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with sustained policy support, industry collaboration, and increased investment, India could position itself as a major player in the global AI economy.

Industry efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are struggling to keep pace with the rapid rise of drug-resistant infections, according to a new report. The study highlights a worrying slowdown in the development of new treatments even as resistant pathogens continue to spread globally.

The report, published by the Access to Medicine Foundation, reveals that the pipeline of medicines targeting antimicrobial resistance has shrunk by 35 percent over the past five years. The foundation, an independent non-profit working to improve access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries, warns that the decline in innovation could significantly hamper global efforts to control resistant infections.

Declining Pipeline of AMR Drugs

The number of projects under development by large research-based pharmaceutical companies has dropped sharply. In 2026, only 60 projects are currently in development, compared with 92 projects in 2021. The decline signals a worrying gap between the growing threat of AMR and the pharmaceutical industry’s capacity to deliver new antibiotics and related treatments. Experts note that antibiotic development is scientifically complex, expensive, and often commercially unattractive, which has contributed to the shrinking pipeline.

Urgent Need for New Antibiotics

According to Jayasree K. Iyer, Jayasree K. Iyer, CEO at Access to Medicine Foundation, the global health community cannot afford to slow down innovation in this field. “The need for new antibiotics has never been greater,” she mentioned. She further warned that without significant change, antimicrobial resistance could lead to a devastating rise in deaths from preventable infections over the next two decades, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in low-income countries. Consequently, the lack of sustained infectious disease research and development (R&D) has emerged as one of the biggest challenges in addressing the AMR crisis.

Mixed Performance Among Pharmaceutical Companies

The report analysed the research and development activities of 15 pharmaceutical companies, including seven large research-based firms and eight small and medium-sized enterprises. Among the companies evaluated were GSK, Pfizer, Shionogi, Merck & Co., and Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

The findings show that GSK remains the industry leader, with a pipeline of 30 drugs, including preventive vaccines and antibacterial therapeutics. Among these are three innovative medicines currently under development.

Meanwhile, Shionogi has moved into second place, overtaking Pfizer, which previously held that position in 2021. However, overall progress across the sector remains uneven. The report notes that no company has yet reached its full potential in addressing AMR, indicating that far greater investment and collaboration will be required.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and stop responding to antimicrobial medicines. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist longer, and the risk of spread increases.

Although resistance develops naturally over time through genetic changes in pathogens, human activity has dramatically accelerated the process. In particular, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials in healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry have intensified the problem.

Rising Global Health Threat

Recent data from the World Health Organization illustrates the scale of the challenge. As of late 2025, one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections is resistant to standard treatments. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance already causes more than 35,000 deaths every year in the European Union. As reported by eoronews.com, the global outlook is even more concerning. Between 2025 and 2050, bacterial AMR could directly cause around 39 million deaths worldwide if current trends continue.

Saatvik Green Energy Limited expanded its clean energy portfolio by incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary, Saatvik Power Storage Solutions Limited. The new entity will focus on developing battery technologies and energy storage systems to support the growing deployment of renewable energy. Through the initiative, Saatvik aims to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly evolving energy storage sector and support the integration of renewable power into the electricity grid.

Strategic Move Beyond Solar Manufacturing

The establishment of the new subsidiary is part of Saatvik’s broader strategy to expand beyond solar module manufacturing and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services. By entering the energy storage segment, the company plans to build a fully integrated clean energy platform that combines solar power generation with advanced storage capabilities. This integrated approach is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems.

Targeting 20 GW Energy Storage Opportunities

Looking ahead, the subsidiary plans to explore opportunities to develop up to 20 GW of energy storage capacity over the next five years. Such storage infrastructure will play a critical role in enhancing grid stability and improving renewable energy integration across key electricity markets in India. As renewable generation increases, energy storage systems will become essential for managing fluctuations in power supply and demand.

Expanding Storage Solutions Across Multiple Segments

Saatvik intends to develop battery and energy storage solutions across multiple application areas. These include:

*Utility-scale storage projects supporting large renewable power plants

*Commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage systems

*Distributed renewable energy solutions for retail and residential users

By addressing diverse market segments, the company aims to create a broad and scalable energy storage portfolio.

Leadership Emphasizes Role of Storage in Energy Transition

Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Limited, emphasized that energy storage will play a crucial role in the next phase of renewable energy growth. He noted that the formation of the subsidiary reflects the company’s long-term vision of building an integrated clean energy ecosystem that includes solar manufacturing, EPC services, and advanced storage technologies.

Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Expansion

According to the company, the move will contribute to India’s transition toward reliable and sustainable renewable power systems. As the country continues to expand its renewable capacity, demand for energy storage solutions is expected to grow significantly.

Strong Manufacturing Base in Solar Sector

Saatvik Green Energy Limited is currently a major solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer serving utility-scale, commercial and industrial, EPC, and distributed solar markets. The company operates a 4.8 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Ambala, Haryana. In addition, it is developing an integrated solar manufacturing facility in Odisha, which will include 4 GW module capacity and 4.8 GW solar cell production capacity.

Strengthening Position in the Renewable Energy Ecosystem

With the launch of its energy storage subsidiary, Saatvik aims to strengthen its role in the renewable energy value chain. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, by combining solar generation, manufacturing expertise, and energy storage technologies, the company plans to capitalize on emerging opportunities in grid-scale and distributed storage solutions, further supporting India’s clean energy transition.

ACME Solar Holdings Ltd commissioned 142.67 MW / 481.49 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in Rajasthan. The project marks the first phase of the company’s large-scale energy storage initiative, which will be implemented through multiple special purpose vehicles. This installation represents an important milestone in ACME Solar’s strategy to expand its energy storage infrastructure alongside renewable energy capacity.

Part of a Larger 585 MW Storage Plan

The newly operational facility forms part of the company’s planned battery storage capacity of 585 MW / 2011.24 MWh across several project entities. Over time, the company intends to significantly scale up these installations to support its growing renewable energy portfolio. According to ACME Solar, its expanding renewable assets will ultimately require around 17 GWh of battery energy storage capacity across different phases and locations in India.

Connected to the Inter-State Transmission Network

The commissioned BESS facility is connected to the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) network, allowing it to support power flow across the national grid. Initially, the project will operate on a merchant basis. Under this model, the company will generate revenue by leveraging the price differences between peak and non-peak electricity demand periods.

Energy Storage Supports Grid Balancing

Battery energy storage systems function by charging during periods of low electricity demand and discharging power when demand rises. As a result, they help stabilize electricity supply and improve grid efficiency. This operating model not only enables ACME Solar to optimize power utilization but also contributes to better grid balancing, particularly as renewable energy generation continues to expand.

Critical Infrastructure for Renewable Energy Growth

As India rapidly increases renewable energy capacity, energy storage solutions are becoming essential. BESS infrastructure helps manage fluctuations in renewable generation, especially from solar and wind sources. By storing surplus electricity and releasing it when required, battery systems enhance grid reliability and energy security.

Integration with Long-Term Renewable Projects

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, ACME Solar plans to integrate these battery storage assets with its Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) projects. Once integrated, the combined projects will operate under long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with a tenure of 25 years. Through this strategy, the company aims to create a stable and dispatchable renewable power supply, supporting India’s transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Aarti Industries Limited, a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, bagged a multi-year agrochemical supply agreement valued at approximately $150 million with a major global agrochemical innovator. The agreement will run until March 31, 2030, transforming an earlier annual supply engagement into a structured medium-term contract with significantly higher volumes. Under the deal, Aarti Industries will manufacture and supply a key agrochemical intermediate used in crop-protection formulations for global agricultural markets.

Supplying Critical Crop-Protection Intermediates

As part of the contract, Aarti Industries will produce and supply a specialized intermediate chemical that plays a vital role in the formulation of crop-protection products. The customer will utilize this intermediate to manufacture pesticides and other agricultural solutions that support global food production. The agreement strengthens Aarti Industries’ position as a reliable supplier of high-value agrochemical intermediates to multinational agrochemical companies.

Contract Expands Volumes and Revenue Visibility

The new agreement converts an earlier annual arrangement into a longer-term supply contract with increased volumes. Over the contract period, the deal is expected to generate approximately $150 million in revenue, providing Aarti Industries with stronger medium- to long-term earnings visibility. Furthermore, the company has confirmed that it already possesses sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet the contract requirements. As a result, the agreement will improve capacity utilisation and production volumes without requiring additional capital expenditure (capex).

Leveraging Integrated Manufacturing Capabilities

To deliver the required volumes efficiently, Aarti Industries plans to leverage its integrated and scalable manufacturing platform. In addition, the company will utilize its process chemistry expertise and global regulatory compliance framework to maintain high quality and reliability in supply. These capabilities enable the company to serve large global customers while meeting strict regulatory standards across multiple international markets.

Strong Global Demand for Agrochemical Intermediates

Meanwhile, global demand for agrochemical intermediates continues to grow. Rising food demand, evolving farming practices, and the increasing need for effective crop-protection solutions are driving this trend. At the same time, multinational agrochemical companies are increasingly seeking trusted, integrated supply partners that can ensure reliable and scalable production. This shift is creating new opportunities for established specialty chemical manufacturers like Aarti Industries.

Strengthening India’s Role in Global Chemical Supply Chains

The agreement also highlights India’s growing importance as a global hub for specialty chemical manufacturing. Companies such as Aarti Industries are expanding their role in international supply chains by providing high-quality chemical intermediates to global innovators. Moreover, the development aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, which aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and build resilient global supply networks.

As reported by venturasecurities.com, by increasing local production and reducing dependence on geographically concentrated supply sources, such initiatives help mitigate geopolitical supply risks while boosting India’s competitiveness in the global specialty chemicals industry.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, partnered with Nigerian Breweries Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading brewers, and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd, a prominent African clean energy infrastructure developer, to establish one of Africa’s largest recycled PET (rPET) production facilities.

Through this strategic collaboration, the partners aim to accelerate circular economy development and strengthen sustainable packaging value chains across the region. The project represents a major step toward increasing recycling capacity and reducing plastic waste in Africa.

Large-Scale rPET Facility Planned in Lagos

The partners plan to build the state-of-the-art recycling facility in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. The plant is expected to produce up to 45,000 tonnes of food-grade recycled PET (rPET) resin annually, making it one of the largest such facilities in Africa.

Construction and commissioning activities are scheduled with a targeted start-up in the first half of 2027. Once operational, the plant will convert post-consumer PET bottles into high-quality recycled material suitable for packaging applications.

Importantly, the project will help meet the growing demand for recycled content while reducing plastic waste. At the same time, it is expected to generate local economic value by improving collection systems, creating jobs, and expanding participation in Nigeria’s recycling ecosystem.

Leveraging Expertise Across the PET Value Chain

Indorama Ventures, the world’s largest recycler of PET used in beverage packaging, will contribute global expertise in sustainable materials and recycling technologies. Nigerian Breweries, an operating company of Heineken, will provide strong market insight and local engagement within Nigeria’s beverage industry. Genesis Energy will support the initiative with sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions required to operate the facility efficiently.

Together, the partners plan to develop commercially viable rPET operations that enable responsible growth and deliver long-term environmental benefits. However, the project will proceed subject to regulatory approvals, technical validation, and operational implementation.

Supporting Nigeria’s Plastic Waste Management Policy

The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, introduced in 2020. The policy aims to ensure that all plastic packaging in the country becomes recyclable, reusable, biodegradable, or compostable by 2030.

Given its strategic location and strong logistics infrastructure, Lagos offers an ideal base to expand recycling operations that can serve both national and regional markets. Consequently, the facility is expected to play an important role in strengthening Nigeria’s plastic waste collection and recycling systems.

Indorama Ventures Expands Global Recycling Footprint

Yash Lohia, Executive President of Petchem and Chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, highlighted the significance of the project. According to him, the collaboration marks a major milestone in the company’s global recycling strategy. By establishing its largest recycling facility to date and one of Africa’s largest rPET plants, Indorama Ventures aims to bring its advanced technologies and sustainability expertise to a rapidly growing region. He noted that scaling sustainability solutions locally is essential for building resilient packaging systems that deliver lasting environmental and economic value.

Currently, Indorama Ventures operates 20 recycling facilities across 11 countries and has already recycled more than 160 billion post-consumer PET bottles into high-quality recycled materials. The Nigerian plant will be the company’s first recycling investment in Africa, demonstrating its long-term commitment to expanding circular infrastructure and strengthening recycling ecosystems worldwide.

Genesis Energy to Provide Sustainable Infrastructure

Genesis Energy will play a key role by supporting the project with sustainable energy and infrastructure solutions. The company currently operates across 11 African countries and manages utility-scale generation projects totaling more than 780 MW in operations, construction, and advanced development. Its activities span countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Mali, along with projects in the United Kingdom.

Genesis Energy deploys a diversified energy mix that includes solar, wind, battery storage, and natural gas solutions. Looking ahead, the company plans to allocate up to $2 billion annually over the next five years, targeting a total installed and contracted capacity of 10 GW.

Cross-Sector Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Speaking about the partnership, Akinwole II Omoboriowo, Chairman and CEO of Genesis Energy, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration. He explained that the initiative demonstrates how clean energy investments can support climate-resilient economic development. By combining circular economy principles with sustainable infrastructure and energy systems, the project aims to deliver long-term environmental impact while creating new economic opportunities.

Environmental and Socio-Economic Benefits

Beyond industrial development, the rPET project is expected to generate broader environmental and social benefits. Specifically, it will increase PET bottle collection, divert plastic waste from landfills, and promote improved recycling practices. In addition, the partners plan to engage local communities and stakeholders to encourage responsible waste management and strengthen the recycling value chain.

A Major Step Toward Circular Packaging in Africa

The signing of the partnership agreement marks the first milestone in a long-term development roadmap. Through this collaboration, Indorama Ventures, Nigerian Breweries, and Genesis Energy aim to build a scalable recycling platform that supports sustainable packaging solutions across Africa. As per the press release, the project reflects the partners’ shared commitment to responsible investment, environmental stewardship, and Nigeria’s transition toward a more circular and resource-efficient economy.

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) convened an exclusive CEO Roundtable during the India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference, bringing together more than 100 global and Indian leaders from the chemical and petrochemical sectors. The session featured an interaction with Devendra Fadnavis, who engaged directly with senior executives to discuss the sector’s future growth, policy needs, and Maharashtra’s ambition to become a leading global chemicals hub.

Industry Insights Presented by Knowledge Partners

During the session, McKinsey & Company, the knowledge partner for the conference, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the strategic importance of the chemicals industry to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Adding academic perspective, M. M. Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence at Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), shared valuable insights on the sector’s technological and research potential.

Industry Leaders Set the Stage for Strategic Dialogue

The discussions began with opening remarks from Ramya Bharathram, President of ICC and CFO of Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and policymakers.

The roundtable discussions were moderated by:

*Samir Somaiya, Vice President of ICC and CMD of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd

*Jayant Dhobley, Additional Vice President of ICC and CEO – Global Chemicals at Aditya Birla Group

Prominent industry voices also contributed to the discussion, including:

*Bimal Goculdas, MD and CEO of DMCC Speciality Chemicals Ltd

*Ravi Goenka, Executive Chairman of Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd

*Rajendra V. Gogri, Chairman and Managing Director of Aarti Industries Ltd

*Alexander Gerding, Managing Director of BASF India Limited

Together, they examined the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s chemical sector.

Maharashtra’s Vision for a Globally Competitive Chemicals Sector

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significant contribution of the chemical industry to Maharashtra’s industrial economy. He noted that the state’s economic growth is strongly driven by its manufacturing base.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy-led industrial development, focusing on improving the ease and cost of doing business. In addition, he emphasized the importance of faster environmental clearances and regulatory support to accelerate industrial investments. Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored the need to develop skilled talent for the sector. He called for stronger industry–academia collaboration with institutions such as:

*Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)

*Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT)

*Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)

Such collaboration, he said, would help build a future-ready workforce for the rapidly evolving chemicals industry.

Focus on MSMEs and New Chemical Parks

Another important theme of the roundtable was the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening the chemicals ecosystem. Fadnavis stressed that the Maharashtra government is ready to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop new chemical hubs equipped with plug-and-play infrastructure, enabling faster project implementation and future expansion.

“As an outcome of this CEO Roundtable, I invite the Indian Chemical Council to work with the Government of Maharashtra to formulate a policy for the chemical industry that defines the sector’s future in the state, including the type of parks, infrastructure and investments we need to create,” said Devendra Fadnavis.

Industry Calls for Policy Stability and Infrastructure Development

Industry leaders at the roundtable pointed out that India’s chemical sector is currently at a strategic inflection point. With the right policy framework and investments, the country could significantly expand its participation in global chemical value chains.

Participants highlighted several critical enablers for growth, including:

*Policy stability and regulatory clarity

*Modern industrial infrastructure

*Reliable feedstock availability

*Increased research and innovation

*Stronger collaboration between government and industry

These factors, they noted, will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Strengthening Global Competitiveness and Sustainable Manufacturing

The high-level interaction also focused on strengthening India’s global competitiveness in chemicals while building resilient supply chains. Executives from leading Indian and multinational companies discussed the evolving global business landscape, including geopolitical shifts, supply chain diversification, and opportunities for India to emerge as a preferred manufacturing destination. At the same time, participants emphasized the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices as the industry continues to expand.

CEO Roundtable Reinforces Industry–Government Collaboration

Ramya Bharathram highlighted the importance of such forums in shaping the sector’s future. “Platforms like the CEO Roundtable enable meaningful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, helping shape a shared roadmap for the future of the chemical sector,” she said.

India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference: A Key Industry Platform

The India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference, organized annually by the Indian Chemical Council, remains one of the most influential gatherings in the sector. Each year, the event brings together policymakers, global CEOs, technology providers, and industry experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the chemical industry.

As per the press release, through initiatives such as the CEO Roundtable, the conference continues to strengthen collaboration between government and industry, reinforcing the shared ambition to position India—and Maharashtra in particular—as a globally competitive, sustainable, and innovation-driven chemicals manufacturing hub.