Saudi Aramco has awarded two offshore contracts to Saipem under their existing long-term agreement, strengthening ongoing collaboration on offshore and onshore infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia.

Contract Scope and Duration

First, under Contract Release Purchase Order (CRPO) 162, Saipem will execute a 32-month engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) scope. The contract covers the installation of approximately 34 km of offshore pipelines, with diameters of 20 inches and 30 inches, along with associated topside modifications at the Berri and Abu Safah oil fields. Meanwhile, the second contract, CRPO 165, has a duration of 12 months. It includes subsea intervention works at the Marjan field, as well as the EPC of 300 metres of onshore pipeline and related tie-in activities.

Fabrication and Offshore Execution

Importantly, Saipem will carry out fabrication activities at its Saudi fabrication yard, Saipem Taqa Al-Rushaid Fabricators Co. Ltd., located in Dammam. In parallel, offshore construction operations will utilise Saipem’s construction vessels currently operating in the region, ensuring continuity and operational efficiency.

Field Background: Berri and Abu Safah

Discovered in 1964, the Berri oil field is located along Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast and comprises both onshore and offshore production areas. The field holds an estimated 18.2 billion barrels of ultimately recoverable oil reserves. Adjacent to Berri, the Abu Safah field lies to the southeast and is operated by Saudi Aramco. It consists of multiple steel platforms, with several smaller wellhead platforms connected to larger central gathering platforms.

Marjan Crude Oil Increment Project

In addition, the Marjan crude oil increment project aims to boost production capacity by 300,000 barrels per day of Arabian Medium crude. The project scope includes a cogeneration facility, a water desalination plant, and the installation of new transfer pipelines to support increased output. As reported by ogj.com, Saipem values the two contracts at a combined $600 million. The deals highlight their strategic and financial significance for Aramco’s offshore development programme.

IFFCO inaugurated its advanced nano fertiliser plant in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, marking a major step in promoting science-driven and precision farming across India. The facility underscores the cooperative’s commitment to innovative, sustainable, and farmer-centric agricultural solutions.

High-capacity facility to boost nano urea production

Spanning twelve acres, the plant has a daily production capacity of 200,000 bottles of Nano Urea Plus. Designed with advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous quality controls, the facility reflects IFFCO’s strategy of integrating science, sustainability, and farmer welfare. Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO, emphasized the importance of innovation in agriculture: “Science plus innovation must ultimately translate into farmer welfare.”

Reducing urea dependence and improving nutrient efficiency

The facility is expected to reduce reliance on conventional urea, particularly in southern India, curb import requirements, and promote more efficient nutrient use on farms. By doing so, it supports precision farming practices that are both economically and environmentally beneficial. The inauguration aligns with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and highlights the role of cooperatives in fostering inclusive, technology-driven agricultural growth. As reported by projectstoday.com, Chairman Sanghani inspected the plant’s technological architecture and production processes, reaffirming IFFCO’s focus on cutting-edge innovation and operational excellence.

VA Tech Wabag (WABAG), a pure-play water technology company, secured a Letter of Award for a large repeat EPC order from the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), reinforcing its strong presence in the Middle East water market. The repeat mandate highlights SWA’s continued confidence in WABAG’s advanced water treatment capabilities.

50 MLD BWRO plant planned in Aljouf

WABAG will execute the EPC of a 50 MLD BWRO plant in Aljouf, Saudi Arabia, designing, supplying, constructing, and commissioning the facility within 14 months to strengthen the region’s water infrastructure.

Advanced treatment technology to ensure reliable supply

The BWRO plant will treat raw water sourced from bore well fields containing rare elements. To address this challenge, WABAG will deploy Ceramic Membrane technology, followed by Micron Cartridge Filtration and Reverse Osmosis. Together, these advanced processes will ensure long-term operational reliability and deliver a sustainable and high-quality water supply for Aljouf and surrounding areas.

Company highlights technology leadership in Saudi Arabia

Phani Sathish Kadiyala, Country Manager and Branch GM – KSA, said, “We are honoured by this repeat order from SWA, which reflects Saudi Arabia’s adoption of advanced water treatment technologies and reinforces WABAG’s leadership in BWRO, SWRO, and reuse solutions.”

Waaree Energies Ltd appointed Jignesh Rathod as its Chief Executive Officer–designate following the resignation of incumbent CEO Amit Paithankar, the company said in a regulatory filing. The appointment marks the beginning of a planned leadership transition at the solar manufacturing major.

Transition period to ensure continuity

Rathod, who currently serves as Director – Operations, will work closely with the outgoing CEO during the transition period to ensure business continuity and a smooth leadership handover, the company said. Rathod has been with Waaree Energies since November 2007 and currently oversees end-to-end operations across the company’s manufacturing facilities. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, during his tenure, he has played a key role in scaling production capacities, driving operational efficiencies, strengthening quality systems, and supporting Waaree’s expansion and modernisation initiatives.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules manufacturer Grew Solar bagged a ₹2,028.33 crore contract from NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) for the supply of high-efficiency solar PV modules. The order marks one of the largest PV module supply contracts under NTPC REL’s current renewable energy programme. Grew Solar will supply about 1,464.5 MW of solar PV modules across multiple sites in Uttar Pradesh, with the deal valued at around ₹2,028.33 crore, one of NTPC REL’s largest module supply partnerships.

High-efficiency modules to support clean energy expansion

Grew Solar will supply high-efficiency PV modules built with advanced technology and strong quality standards, supporting NTPC REL’s renewable expansion and India’s clean energy and decarbonisation goals.

Company highlights Atmanirbhar Bharat focus

Vinay Thadani, CEO and Director, Grew Solar, said, “We see every project as a responsibility to power progress with integrity and purpose, and remain committed to advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem.”

Manufacturing expansion underpins growth strategy

As reported by knnindia.co.in, backed by the Chiripal Group, Grew Solar commissioned 1.2 GW of PV module capacity at Dudu, Rajasthan, in 2022 and subsequently expanded operations to 3.0 GW.

NTPC Ltd and IIT Bombay have successfully drilled India’s first underground CO₂ storage evaluation well, advancing the country’s CCS efforts. The initiative aims to assess the feasibility of long-term carbon dioxide storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project began in November 2022 under NITI Aayog’s supervision and focuses on assessing coal seams and sandstone reservoirs for CO₂ storage as part of India’s climate strategy.

Research partnership drives geological assessment

The project brought together NTPC’s research arm, NETRA, and IIT Bombay’s Department of Earth Sciences in a collaborative research effort. As part of this work, the teams developed India’s first geological storage atlas for methane-rich coalfields, providing a scientific foundation for future CCS deployment.

Drilling operations completed in Jharkhand

The drilling operations took place at Pakri Barwadih in Jharkhand. The first well, drilled in September 2025, reached a depth of 1,200 metres to study subsurface geological characteristics. The team drilled a second well on December 21, 2025.

Milestone supports India’s net-zero ambitions

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the successful drilling marks a key milestone in India’s indigenous CCS efforts, paving the way for scalable carbon mitigation in power and industry.

CareEdge Ratings expects India’s domestic petrochemical consumption to grow 6–7% p.a. in the medium term, driven by economic expansion and steady downstream demand. The rating agency noted that rising consumption continues to underpin long-term demand across key petrochemical segments.

Import dependence drives capacity expansion plans

CareEdge highlighted that strong growth in domestic consumption has made reducing import dependence a strategic priority for India’s petrochemical sector. Consequently, both public and private sector players have announced aggressive capacity expansion plans across major petrochemical products.  India’s petrochemical consumption will grow robustly at 6–7% p.a. in the medium term, driven by economic expansion and downstream product demand.

Polypropylene capacity set to outpace demand growth

Polypropylene (PP) capacity is expected to rise sharply. CareEdge estimates PP capacity will grow 1.8 times between FY25 and FY30, outpacing 1.4 times demand growth, likely reducing India’s PP import dependence significantly by FY30.

Cost competitiveness remains key challenge

CareEdge cautioned that capacity additions alone will not ensure profitability. Instead, cost competitiveness will remain the most critical factor for domestic petrochemical players. Sustained product spread recovery and returns on large investments will depend on operating efficiency, global markets, and pricing dynamics.

Global oversupply to weigh on near-term margins

CareEdge expects weak prices and spreads due to global oversupply, mainly from China, with demand lagging capacity growth, pressuring Indian manufacturers’ profitability and margins amid competition from cheaper Chinese imports.

Marginal recovery in profitability in H1FY26

Despite pressures, operating profitability improved slightly in H1FY26, aided by lower input costs from falling crude prices. CareEdge noted healthy growth in India’s major petrochemical consumption, including polymers, aromatics, and elastomers. However, limited domestic capacity additions during this period resulted in high import dependence to meet rising demand. To bridge this gap, domestic producers have now outlined large-scale expansion programmes.

Profitability hinges on costs and policy support

As per thehindubusinessline.com, CareEdge said India’s petrochemical growth will need better cost competitiveness, supportive global markets, and targeted government aid to sustain profitability.

Grasim Industries Ltd board approved a composite scheme with Essel Mining, ABREL, and other group entities to streamline its renewable operations and boost execution across the clean energy value chain.

Transfer of Essel Mining’s renewable energy undertaking

Under the approved scheme, Essel Mining and Industries’ renewable energy undertaking will be transferred to Aditya Birla Renewables, a wholly owned subsidiary of Grasim, on a slump sale basis as a going concern. Importantly, the transfer will take place without assigning individual values to assets and liabilities. The company said it will execute the transaction in line with applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act.

Merger of renewable subsidiaries into ABREL

The board approved merging Electrotherm Renewables and ABREL’s three subsidiaries—ABREL EPCCO Services, ABREL Renewables EPC, and ABREL EPC—into Aditya Birla Renewables under the composite arrangement.Consolidation to drive scale and efficiency.

The restructuring will consolidate renewable energy assets and services under one platform, simplifying structure, improving coordination, and enabling faster, more efficient project execution.

Subject to statutory and regulatory approvals

As reported by indiainfoline.com, Grasim said it will implement the scheme after securing shareholder, creditor, and regulatory approvals, including from the NCLT.

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) launched Dharamrut, a natural, seaweed-based botanical extract, at the Co-operative & Farmers Conference in Bengaluru on Sunday. The new product, enriched with amino acids and alginic acids, reinforces IFFCO’s push towards sustainable, technology-driven, and farmer-centric agriculture. Importantly, the introduction of Dharamrut strengthens IFFCO’s expanding portfolio of nano fertilisers and advanced bio-based agricultural inputs, offering farmers integrated solutions for improved productivity and soil health.

Advancing innovation-led sustainable farming

K J Patel, Managing Director, IFFCO, said, “Dharamrut demonstrates IFFCO’s commitment to innovation-led sustainable farming. Botanical products enriched with amino acids and alginic acids improve nutrient-use efficiency, enhance crop vigour, and strengthen overall farm performance,” Patel said. Moreover, he emphasised that combining nano fertilisers with bio-based inputs enables farmers to achieve higher yields while optimising input costs. “At the same time, this approach improves soil health, which is critical for climate-smart and sustainable agriculture,” he added.

Strengthening cooperative engagement with farmers

The conference attracted around 2,000 farmers and focused on reinforcing cooperative values while accelerating the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. Dileep Sanghani, Chairman, IFFCO, added, “For decades, cooperatives have formed the backbone of Indian agriculture. By introducing farmer-centric innovations and strengthening cooperative institutions, we help farmers enhance productivity while protecting soil health and sustainability”.

Product designed to boost crop vigour and soil health

IFFCO has formulated Dharamrut as a natural seaweed extract to enhance nutrient absorption, stimulate root and shoot development, and improve overall crop vigour. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, in addition, the product supports long-term soil health and strengthens crop resilience against environmental stress. As a result, Dharamrut is well suited for farmers adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Pluss Advanced Technologies Ltd., a division of Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) and part of the Murugappa Group, has earned prestigious recognition at the CII Industrial Innovation Awards 2025.

Top Honours in Manufacturing Innovation

At the awards, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Pluss was named Top Innovative Company – Manufacturing (MSME category). In addition, the company secured a place among the Top 20 Innovative Companies, reinforcing its leadership in advanced manufacturing and technology-driven innovation.

Advancing Sustainability-Led Technologies

CII recognised Pluss for its contributions to sustainability-focused innovation, particularly in thermal energy storage, specialty polymers, and energy storage applications. Through these technologies, the company translates deep research and engineering expertise into scalable, real-world solutions.

As countries intensify efforts to address climate change and energy transition, Pluss’ solutions enable efficient storage of waste heat and cold, improving energy efficiency across industries. Meanwhile, its advanced polymer materials support the recycling of polymers and mixed film waste, addressing one of the most complex challenges in plastic waste management and circular economy adoption.

Leadership Perspective on Innovation

Samit Jain, Managing Director, Pluss Advanced Technologies Ltd., emphasised, “Innovation has always been central to how Pluss builds, grows, and competes. We invest deeply in research and engineering—not as an end in itself, but to create technologies that solve real-world challenges at scale. This recognition from CII reinforces our belief that sustained innovation, backed by strong execution and purpose, can create long-term value for both industry and society”.

Strong R&D Backbone with Global Market Impact

Driven by a robust R&D foundation, Pluss continues to pursue measurable impact through continuous innovation in thermal energy storage and specialty polymers. Today, over 40 per cent of the company’s revenue comes from developed markets, including the United States and Europe, highlighting the global relevance of its innovation-led portfolio.

‘Designed in India, Made in India for the World’

Pluss follows a “Designed in India, Made in India for the World” strategy. Under this approach, the company develops technologies locally and deploys them across international markets, addressing global challenges related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and resource optimisation.

Acknowledging Industry Support and Team Effort

As per the press release, the company said the award reflects the collective efforts of its teams. It also highlights the continued support of its strategic investor, Carborundum Universal Ltd. The company noted that CUMI’s technical expertise, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to innovation drive the development of robust and scalable solutions.