Coromandel International Limited, an agri-solutions provider and a frontrunner in crop nutrition and specialty nutrients, announced the launch of Fertinex, a next-generation water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) specifically developed for fertigation applications. Developed through extensive in-house research and rigorous agronomic trials, Fertinex reflects Coromandel’s continued focus on innovation-led growth and farmer-centric solutions.

Optimised Nutrition Backed by Smart Signalling Technology™

At the core of Fertinex lies an optimised nutrient composition designed to deliver balanced and efficient crop nutrition through modern fertigation systems. In addition, the product is fortified with proprietary Smart Signalling Technology™ (SST)—a breakthrough innovation that enhances plant–microbe communication in the soil. By strengthening interactions between plant roots and beneficial micro-organisms in the rhizosphere, SST improves nutrient uptake, enhances soil health, and supports sustainable crop growth.

Enhancing Early Crop Establishment and Stress Resilience

Fertinex plays a critical role during the early stages of crop development. It supplies essential nutrients in a readily available form, enabling faster root establishment and stronger initial growth. Moreover, SST-powered fortification elevates crop physiology by improving nutrient assimilation and strengthening the plant’s natural ability to withstand both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. As a result, Fertinex significantly enhances nutrient-use efficiency while supporting robust and resilient crops.

Smart Plant–Microbe Interaction for Higher Productivity

The patented Smart Signalling Technology™ uses unique signalling molecules to stimulate communication between plants and beneficial soil microbes. This advanced interaction fosters a symbiotic relationship in the rhizosphere, leading to:

*Improved root development

*Enhanced nutrient efficiency

*Greater stress tolerance

*Higher overall crop productivity

Together, these benefits translate into healthier crops and improved yields.

Wide Crop Applicability and Sustainable Benefits

Fertinex is suitable for a broad range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, and plantation crops. By combining balanced nutrition with advanced signalling technology, the product offers farmers a reliable and sustainable solution for achieving high-quality produce and improved farm profitability.

Commercial Launch

The first batch of Fertinex was flagged off by S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Coromandel International Limited, at the company’s Visakhapatnam manufacturing facility. Avinash Thakur, Vice President and Business Head – SND and Organic, said, “At Coromandel, innovation remains central to everything we do. Fertinex, powered by Smart Signalling Technology™, demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced agri-solutions that enhance soil health, optimise nutrient efficiency, and improve farmer productivity. Through sustained investment in R&D, agronomic trials, global technology partnerships, and farmer education, we continue to build a sustainable and self-reliant agri ecosystem in India.”

Reduced Environmental Impact

Fertinex dissolves completely in water, ensuring uniform nutrient distribution across fertigation systems. This not only promotes faster root development and vigorous vegetative growth but also minimises nutrient losses and reduces environmental impact.

Building a Comprehensive Water-Soluble Fertilizer Portfolio

As per the press release, with this launch, Coromandel is introducing the Fertinex range, which will progressively expand into a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, research-driven water-soluble fertilizers. Through this initiative, the company aims to empower farmers across India with innovative solutions that support sustainable, productive, and profitable agriculture.

The Supervisory Board of Covestro elected Dr. Rainer Seele as its new Chairman on 18 December 2025. He officially succeeds Dr. Richard Pott with effect from 20 December 2025, following Dr. Pott’s decision to step down after many years of distinguished service on the Board. The leadership transition comes shortly after the successful completion of the strategic partnership between Covestro and XRG, marking an important milestone in the company’s transformation journey.

Dr. Richard Pott’s Defining Role in Covestro’s Evolution

Since Covestro’s founding in 2015, Dr. Richard Pott has played a pivotal role as chairman of the supervisory board, guiding the company through some of its most critical phases of development. Over more than a decade, he steered Covestro through its separation from Bayer, its successful initial public offering, and most recently, its strategic realignment with XRG. His leadership helped establish Covestro as a focused, innovation-driven, and sustainability-oriented global materials company.

Dr. Pott said, “It has been an honour to support Covestro on its journey and help shape the development of this exceptional company. I am convinced that the strategic partnership with XRG positions Covestro excellently for the future. I also wish my successor Dr. Rainer Seele all the best in his endeavours in guiding the company into its next phase of development.”

Industry and Leadership Experience

With his appointment, Covestro gains a Chairman with deep international experience across the energy and chemicals value chain. Since 2025, Dr. Rainer Seele has led XRG’s global chemicals business as President and played a key role in shaping and executing the strategic partnership with Covestro. Prior to joining XRG, Dr. Seele served as Chief Executive Officer of OMV AG from 2015 to 2021, where he led major strategic and operational initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at Wintershall, contributing significantly to the company’s long-term strategic direction.

Transformation and Sustainability Agenda

Dr. Seele said, “I am very much looking forward to my role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Covestro. The company combines outstanding technological expertise with a highly skilled workforce and a clear strategic focus on sustainability and the circular economy. Together with the Management Board under the leadership of Dr. Markus Steilemann, and as part of the XRG family, we will continue to advance Covestro’s transformation, drive long-term value creation, and unlock its full potential. I would also like to thank Dr. Richard Pott for his outstanding contribution and for leading a successful transition.”

Continuity and Strategic Momentum

As per the press release, with this transition, Covestro ensures continuity at the top while reinforcing its strategic priorities around sustainability, circular economy solutions, and long-term value creation. The appointment of Dr. Seele underscores the company’s ambition to leverage strong governance and global partnerships as it enters its next phase of growth.

The government has rolled out a coordinated set of policy, regulatory, demand-side, and supply-side measures to accelerate the development and deployment of energy storage technologies. These initiatives cover Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and aim to address renewable energy intermittency while strengthening grid stability.

Role of energy storage in grid operations

Energy storage systems are being positioned to deliver critical ancillary services. These include frequency control, voltage regulation, peak shifting, congestion management, and black-start support, all of which are essential for reliable grid operations in a renewable-heavy power system.

Regulatory enablement and grid integration

To support this role, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Ancillary Services Regulations, 2022, have made energy storage systems eligible to provide secondary and tertiary reserve services. At the same time, Renewable Energy Management Centres (REMCs) and Automatic Generation Control (AGC) systems are enabling real-time monitoring and balancing of renewable power supply and demand.

Policy and regulatory measures

The government has introduced several enabling policy and regulatory reforms. These include amendments to the Electricity Rules in December 2022, formally recognising energy storage systems as part of the power system. In October 2022, ESS was included in the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure, improving access to institutional financing.

Further, the government issued the National Framework for Promotion of Energy Storage Systems in September 2023. More recently, draft safety and technical standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems were released in 2025 to strengthen operational safety and standardisation.

Demand-side and market incentives

On the demand side, the government introduced Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charge waivers for co-located BESS and pumped storage projects. In addition, storage has been integrated into ancillary services markets and Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) guidelines for distribution utilities. Energy storage projects can also participate in the High-Price Day-Ahead Market. Moreover, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) schemes are supporting the development of approximately 43 GWh of battery storage capacity.

Pumped storage and Co-location Initiatives

In parallel, the government is providing grants and regulatory facilitation for pumped storage projects. It has also issued advisories promoting the co-location of energy storage systems with solar power plants and expanded the range of ownership and operational models permitted for ESS deployment.

Enabling the energy transition

Collectively, these measures form a critical pillar of India’s broader strategy to scale up energy storage capacity. As reported by knnindia.co.in, by improving grid reliability and flexibility, the initiatives are expected to support India’s transition towards a renewable-based, resilient, and sustainable energy ecosystem.

India’s biogas sector is set to attract investments exceeding ₹5,000 crore in 2026–27, driven by rising interest from investors and industry stakeholders, according to the Indian Biogas Association (IBA). The association noted that the current calendar year has already seen strong momentum, with an expanding pipeline of compressed biogas (CBG) projects.

Growth in CBG infrastructure

As of now, more than 100 CBG plants have been commissioned across the country. In addition, investor participation and project development activity remained robust through 2025, signalling sustained confidence in the sector. Supporting this trend, government data shows that 94 operational CBG plants sold over 31,400 tonnes of compressed biogas during FY 2024–25. According to IBA, this performance provides clear evidence of accelerating market uptake and commercial viability.

Untapped potential in small and medium plants

Beyond large projects, the sector also holds significant potential for efficiency improvements and higher capacity utilisation in the country’s millions of small-scale traditional biogas digesters. At the same time, national programmes are scaling up support for medium-sized biogas plants.

These facilities not only provide cleaner cooking fuel but also generate rural employment and produce organic manure, strengthening the circular economy.

Policy support and ecosystem development

Looking ahead, the IBA expects a sharp increase in the commissioning of new CBG facilities. Moreover, the association anticipates the development of organised feedstock supply chains and more unified, integrated policy frameworks to accelerate biogas adoption nationwide.

GST reform to boost investments

Gaurav Kedia, Chairman of the IBA, said a relaxed GST regime would significantly improve ease of doing business in the CBG ecosystem. “A reduction of 7 per cent in the applicable GST rate for the CBG sector will materially enhance project viability. As a result, we expect a 4–5 per cent increase in new investments in the industry over the short to medium term,” Kedia said. He added that indirect benefits across the value chain would be even larger. “By 2026, the CBG industry size is expected to reach approximately $3–4 billion and further expand to nearly $5 billion by 2030,” he noted.

About the Indian Biogas Association

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the Indian Biogas Association is the country’s first and largest national professional body representing the biogas sector. Its members include technology providers, project developers, plant operators, policy experts, and representatives from science and research institutions across India.

Venwind Refex Power Limited (VRPL), a subsidiary of Refex Industries, signed a contract with a leading independent power producer for the supply of wind turbine generators (WTGs) for upcoming wind power projects. The agreement covers a total installed capacity of 148 MW and involves projects located in Tamil Nadu.

Scope of work

VRPL will handle the complete scope of supply, including the design, procurement, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and delivery of the WTGs. In addition, the company will provide related technical and supervisory assistance to support project execution. VRPL will supply the equipment in line with established industry standards and project specifications.

Project timeline

The contract, awarded by a domestic entity, is scheduled for completion by September 2026. Accordingly, VRPL will execute deliveries in a phased manner to align with the project’s construction schedule.

Strategic significance

As reported by projectstoday.com, the order further strengthens VRPL’s presence in the wind power sector and deepens its footprint in Tamil Nadu, one of India’s key wind energy hubs. As a result, the company continues to build momentum in renewable energy equipment supply while expanding its order book.

Aarti Industries Limited (AIL), an Indian specialty chemicals company, secured multiple long-term supply contracts for key chemical commodities, including methanol and toluene. The agreements have been signed with globally established manufacturers and suppliers across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and South-East Asia.

Strengthening feedstock security

Methanol and Toluene form the backbone of AIL’s downstream product portfolio, supporting applications across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, FMCG, advanced industrial segments, and specialty intermediates. By locking in long-term supply, AIL significantly strengthens its feedstock security while gaining improved cost visibility, supply predictability, and operational continuity amid shifting global trade and supply-chain dynamics.

Coverage and operational impact

Collectively, the newly secured contracts will cover a substantial portion of AIL’s annual Methanol and Toluene requirements. As a result, the company expects enhanced margin stability and greater operational resilience across its manufacturing network.

Management perspective

Suyog Kotecha, CEO and Executive Director of Aarti Industries Limited, said securing dependable access to critical feedstocks remains central to the company’s growth strategy and customer commitments. “These long-term supply agreements enhance the robustness of our supply chain, provide greater operating certainty, and strengthen our ability to serve customers consistently across global markets. We remain focused on building enduring relationships with credible global suppliers aligned with our long-term vision,” he said.

Strategic alignment and outlook

The supply tie-ups align closely with AIL’s strategy of partnering with high-credibility global suppliers, diversifying sourcing, and improving cost and supply visibility across key value chains. As Aarti Industries continues to expand its global footprint, these long-term sourcing initiatives reinforce its commitment to disciplined execution, supply-chain resilience, and sustainable long-term value creation within the global chemical ecosystem.

Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. (TCL), through its US subsidiary TCL Specialities LLC, is progressing its new manufacturing facility in West Virginia towards pre-commissioning and startup. The company plans to bring a portion of the Maleic Anhydride (MAN) unit online by the end of the current calendar year. Thereafter, it expects to complete the startup and stabilisation of all remaining units during the first half of 2026.

Product portfolio and capacity

The state-of-the-art West Virginia complex houses two major production units. The Maleic Anhydride plant will have an annual capacity exceeding 40,000 tonnes (90 million lbs). In parallel, the food ingredients plant will produce more than 30,000 tonnes (66 million lbs) per year of Malic Acid and Fumaric Acid.

These products serve critical end-use sectors. MAN supports applications in high-strength composites, water treatment, coatings, and emerging biodegradable polymers. Meanwhile, Malic and Fumaric acids are essential food ingredients widely used in beverages, snack foods, and food processing.

Technology and feedstock advantage

Strategically located in the Marcellus–Utica shale region, the facility uses n-Butane as its sole feedstock, providing a strong cost and supply advantage. In addition, the plant incorporates TCL India’s proprietary and patented technologies, which enable lower capital investment, high energy efficiency, advanced automation, and enhanced safety standards.

Market focus and strategic rationale

Through this facility, TCL Specialities LLC aims to serve underserved MAN customers in the North-Eastern and Mid-Western US, as well as other regional markets. At the same time, the company plans to supply Malic Acid and Fumaric Acid to customers across North America, Latin America, and Europe.

Notably, around 75 percent of these food ingredients are currently imported into the US. By establishing domestic production, TCL seeks to strengthen local supply chains and reduce import dependence, in line with broader US manufacturing initiatives.

Strengthening TCL’s global footprint

As reported by dprjuniversal.com, overall, the West Virginia project marks a key step in Thirumalai Chemicals’ strategy to expand its specialty chemicals and food ingredients portfolio while deepening its manufacturing presence in the US. As the facility moves closer to full operations, TCL is positioning itself to capture new growth opportunities across multiple high-value markets.

Tata Chemicals Limited announced that its Singapore subsidiary will acquire 100 percent of Singapore-based Novabay for an enterprise value of €25 million. The acquisition marks a strategic step in Tata Chemicals’ efforts to expand its presence in high-value, non-cyclical product segments.

Deal Structure and Timeline

The transaction, signed through a share purchase agreement (SPA), will see Tata Chemicals International Pte. Limited (TCIPL)—a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Chemicals—acquire the entire equity share capital of Novabay, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The company expects to complete the acquisition by March 2026, following the fulfilment of conditions outlined in the SPA. Currently, Novabay operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of France-based Novacarb.

Funding and Valuation

Tata Chemicals will fund the acquisition entirely through cash. While the agreed enterprise value is set at €25 million (approximately S$37.8 million), the final consideration will remain subject to adjustments for net debt, working capital, and other standard closing items. Following completion, Novabay will become a 100 percent subsidiary of TCIPL and an indirect subsidiary of Tata Chemicals.

Strategic Rationale

As reported by theweek.in, Tata Chemicals Managing Director and CEO R. Mukundan said Novabay’s focus on premium-grade sodium bicarbonate “aligns seamlessly” with the group’s strategy to scale up its portfolio in high-value, non-cyclical segments. He added that the acquisition is expected to accelerate Tata Chemicals’ long-term growth and strengthen value creation for stakeholders.

KBR secured a contract from Fikrat Al-Tadweer to supply its PureMSM green methanol technology for Saudi Arabia’s first biomethanol plant. The pioneering project will convert landfill gas into clean fuels, supporting the Kingdom’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Technology scope and capabilities

KBR’s PureM solution is designed for commercial-scale deployment and enables low-cost renewable methanol production. Importantly, the technology offers high flexibility, as it can process multiple feedstocks, including biogas, gasification-derived syngas, hydrogen, and pure CO₂. Under the agreement, KBR will provide technology licensing, proprietary engineering design, catalyst supply, and proprietary equipment for the biomethanol facility.

Alignment with Saudi sustainability goals

Commenting on the development, Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions, said the project aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s national policy to eliminate landfill gas emissions while creating sustainable fuels. “This collaboration underscores KBR’s commitment to advancing global energy security and supporting the Kingdom’s vision for a cleaner, greener future,” he added.

KBR’s track record in sustainable technologies

As per the press release, for more than 50 years, KBR has remained at the forefront of developing, commercialising, and designing innovative and sustainable process technologies. Through projects such as this, the company continues to strengthen its role in enabling the global energy transition.

INOXGFL Group committed to a substantial ₹5,500 crore expansion plan to build solar module and solar cell manufacturing capacity across India and abroad over the next two years. The move marks a strategic step in strengthening India’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem and reducing import dependence.

Furthermore, the company launched its first large‑scale facilities in Gujarat this week as part of this pledge.

Gujarat Facilities Commissioned to Kickstart Expansion

To begin with, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated INOXGFL’s new solar module plant at Bavla near Ahmedabad. This facility has an initial 3 GW production capacity and represents the first phase of larger manufacturing ambitions. In addition, the group also commissioned a 1.2 GW nacelle and hub manufacturing unit for wind turbines nearby, further boosting its renewable value chain.

The new facilities use next‑generation TOPCon technology to enhance solar module efficiency and durability and support India’s broader renewable targets, including achieving 500 GW of non‑fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Group Strategy: Build Comprehensive Solar Value Chain

Looking ahead, INOXGFL plans to deploy the ₹5,500 crore investment to establish a combined 11 GW of solar module capacity and 8 GW of solar cell capacity by the end of fiscal year 2027, both within India and internationally. This expansion will include new manufacturing units in Gujarat and a major solar cell facility under development in Odisha.

As per Businessline, the group’s ₹5,500 crore commitment aims not only to scale up domestic production but also to bolster export potential and strengthen India’s position in the global solar manufacturing landscape (source: The Hindu Businessline).

Renewable Ecosystem Integration Across Business Units

Moreover, INOXGFL’s solar push complements its broader renewable portfolio, which already includes wind power manufacturing, EPC services, and operations and maintenance offerings. The group’s Inox Solar subsidiary will handle PV cell and module production, while related companies focus on power evacuation, installation, and after‑sales services.

Executive Director Devansh Jain said the integrated approach will help INOXGFL serve commercial, industrial, and utility customers while creating a more resilient domestic supply chain for clean energy equipment.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

Finally, the new plants are expected to generate significant employment in Gujarat and beyond, with estimates of more than 2,000 new direct and indirect jobs created as manufacturing scales up. Local officials highlighted the contribution toward clean energy adoption and regional economic development.