EpiLogic India launched a facility in Hyderabad, a key milestone in the company’s journey to advance agriculture, environmental testing, and analytical services in India. The inauguration reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening scientific capabilities and supporting sustainable development.

Leadership Addresses Vision and Strategic Goals

Dr Abhijit A. Pujari, Director of EpiLogic India, outlined the company’s vision, purpose, and long-term objectives. He highlighted how the Hyderabad facility will enhance India’s research infrastructure, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen industry collaborations. Keerthi Reddy, Country Manager India for Tentamus Group, introduced the global network, values, and commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability in international markets.

Dr Pavan, Lab Head at EpiLogic India, provided a detailed company profile and technical presentation, showcasing the facility’s modern laboratories, advanced technology platforms, scientific expertise, and service offerings. He also discussed future plans, including capacity expansion and strategic collaborations to support advanced research and industry requirements.

Facility Tour and Networking

Following the formal ceremony, guests toured the Hyderabad facility. They explored its laboratories, technology platforms, and infrastructure, all designed to meet international quality and safety standards. The event ended with a networking lunch, encouraging interactions among scientists, industry leaders, and partners.

Commitment to High-Quality Scientific Solutions

The successful inauguration underscores EpiLogic India’s dedication to providing reliable, innovative, and high-quality scientific solutions. As per the press release, the facility strengthens India’s research and testing ecosystem while supporting industry growth and global standards in analytical services.

In an effort to diversify its export footprint, Vikram Solar, one of India’s leading solar module manufacturers, aims to enter key markets such as the European Union, Australia and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) by the next financial year. At present, export orders make up around 15% of the company’s total order book, with the United States being its only active overseas market.

Shifting US Policy Landscape Drives Diversification

According to Chairman and Managing Director Gyanesh Chaudhary, major policy resets in the US -including the introduction of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and the phase-out of tax credits – have slowed solar deployment in the country. He noted that residential solar installations may drop by 20–30% in 2026, while long-term forecasts for utility-scale projects have also been revised downward.

Rising Tariffs and Changing Incentives Impact Indian Exporters

Although the US relies heavily on solar module imports, new domestic incentives are likely to boost local manufacturing. Meanwhile, Indian exporters currently face a 50% tariff, driven largely by additional duties linked to Russian oil imports. Despite these challenges, US customers continue to show strong faith in Vikram Solar. Chaudhary added that the company is exploring alternative sourcing routes—such as the Philippines, Turkey and North Africa—to secure non-Chinese solar cells, which are increasingly important for US-bound shipments.

Targeting New Growth Markets Worldwide

To strengthen its global presence, Vikram Solar is doubling down on new regions, including the EU, Australia and MENA. “Our objective is to be present in all major global solar markets,” Chaudhary said. The company’s international team is actively building partnerships and exploring opportunities that it aims to pursue in the next financial year.

Major Capacity Expansion Underway in Tamil Nadu

Vikram Solar recently commissioned its 5 GW advanced solar module manufacturing facility at Vallam, Tamil Nadu. The company now plans to commission another 6 GW module capacity at its upcoming Gangaikondan facility in the fourth quarter of this fiscal. In addition, the company expects to bring online 12 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity at the same location by the end of the next financial year. The total capex for the Gangaikondan project is approximately ₹6,200 crore.

GST Cut Boosts Retail Demand for Solar Modules

The company is also witnessing strong growth in the retail segment, following the reduction of GST on solar modules from 12% to 5%, which has accelerated solar adoption across India. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, Chaudhary highlighted that domestic demand remains robust, with India expected to deploy 42–45 GW of solar capacity this year—almost double the 25 GW installed in FY25.

ATGC Biotech, provider of pheromone and semiochemical-based crop protection solutions, established Semiophore Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture with Israel-based Luxembourg Industries Ltd. The JV was formalised during the Valedictory Session of the First International Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters Conference in New Delhi.

$10 Million Investment to Build Indo–Israeli Infrastructure

The Semiophore JV brings a cumulative investment of $10 million from ATGC Biotech, Luxembourg Industries and Semiophore. The investment will support the creation of modern infrastructure across India and Israel to scale advanced semiochemical technologies.

Registering 18 Indian Technologies in Global Markets

Under the collaboration, Semiophore will work to register eighteen Indian-developed semiochemical and pheromone technologies across key agricultural markets, including Israel, Brazil, Australia and Africa. These licensed solutions collectively target a multi-billion-dollar global market opportunity.

Clear Division of Roles and Strengths

As part of the agreement:

*ATGC Biotech will contribute intellectual property, technology, regulatory dossiers, capex and R&D leadership.

*Luxembourg Industries will invest in capex, regulatory processes, marketing and manufacturing.

Targeting a Wide Range of High-Value Crops

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the JV aims to scale eighteen advanced semiochemical technologies, including attract-and-kill, aggregation and anti-aggregation systems. These solutions will address global pest management needs across major crops such as grapes, apples, citrus, almonds, tomatoes, cotton, corn, cabbage, cauliflower and avocados.

Reliance Group announced that its subsidiary, Reliance Infrastructure, is setting up one of India’s most advanced and fully integrated solar manufacturing ecosystems. The facility will cover the entire value chain – ingots, wafers, cells and modules – making it one of the country’s most comprehensive solar production platforms.

Next-Generation Technology to Bridge Supply Gaps

Reliance Infrastructure will build the upcoming manufacturing facility using next-generation technology. This facility will help India bridge its growing demand-supply gap, as the country will need 55–60 GW of solar modules annually by 2030, while upstream manufacturing capacity lags far behind.

Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Security

By creating a high-value, vertically integrated production ecosystem, Reliance Infrastructure aims to reduce import dependence and enhance India’s clean energy security. The facility will support the country’s push toward energy independence and rapid adoption of renewable power.

Expanding into End-to-End Battery Manufacturing

Additionally, Reliance Infrastructure is establishing a complete battery manufacturing ecosystem, spanning cell production, pack assembly and grid-scale containerised Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the presentation highlights that India’s current stationary storage base is below 1 GWh, but demand is projected to soar to 250 GWh by 2032. At present, domestic manufacturing meets less than ten percent of the expected requirement, underscoring the need for large-scale expansion.

Atirath Holdings India signed an agreement with the Telangana government. The company committed to invest ₹4,000 crore in bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG) projects across the State. Under the plan, Atirath Holdings will establish twenty-five compressed bio-gas (CBG) plants, each with a twenty tons per day (TPD) capacity. Atirath Holdings will set up the plants at multiple locations, enabling wide-scale production and distribution of clean fuel.

First Plant Ground-Breaking in January

Authorities will hold the ground-breaking ceremony for the first CBG plant in January in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. The project team aims to make the entire plant fully operational within fifteen months, ensuring a fast execution timeline.

Bio-CNG: A Clean and Efficient Alternative

Bio-CNG, also known as compressed bio-gas, is produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion and purification. As reported by thehindu.com, with a methane content of over ninety-eight percent, it closely resembles conventional CNG. As a result, it serves as an ideal substitute for automotive, industrial, and commercial applications.

Telangana’s Rise as a Green Energy Hub

The investment highlights Telangana’s growing reputation as a leading destination for green energy and sustainable development. Chairman of Atirath Holdings, Lt. R. Balakrishnan, noted that the initiative supports the State’s focus on clean energy adoption and environmental responsibility.

Expansion Plans in Andhra Pradesh

Previously, Atirath Holdings signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up another 25 CBG plants, also with 20 TPD capacity, backed by a separate ₹4,000-crore investment. This demonstrates the company’s broader strategy to expand renewable fuel infrastructure across South India.

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India convened the first International Science and Technology Clusters Conference on December 4–5, 2025, in New Delhi. The event, themed “Making Lives Easier Through S&T,” brought together global experts, senior government officials, and industry leaders for two days of high-impact discussions.

Driving Innovation That Improves Everyday Life

The conference focused on practical innovations that can make daily living easier and more efficient. Speakers highlighted advancements in healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, and environmental sustainability, showcasing how science and technology can address real-world challenges.

Key Releases and Collaborative Milestones

Throughout the event, organisers launched several important publications and announced new international collaborations. To strengthen global cooperation, participants signed twelve Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as clean energy solutions, emerging technologies, and sustainable development initiatives.

Expanding the Impact of S&T Across Sectors

As reported by official-press.com, participants consistently emphasised the importance of scaling innovations across ministries and industries. They noted that closer coordination between government bodies, research institutions, and industry partners will help accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies.

Honeywell announced that Technip Energies selected the company to deliver integrated automation and safety technologies for the Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) projects. These developments are among the UK’s most important carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives.

Unified Automation Architecture for Enhanced Operations

Honeywell will supply its Integrated Control and Safety Systems (ICSS) to create a unified automation architecture for both projects. This system brings together process control and safety functions, helping ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations across the NZT Power and NEP sites.

World’s First Gas-Fired Plant with Carbon Capture

The NZT Power project is set to become the world’s first gas-fired power plant with full carbon capture capability. Once operational, the Teesside facility will support the UK’s transition to net zero by reducing industrial emissions. The plant will generate over 740 megawatts of flexible, low-carbon power—enough to meet the annual electricity needs of more than one million homes. In addition, the project will capture up to two million tonnes of CO₂ per year. NEP’s infrastructure, the UK’s first CO₂ transportation and storage system, will then transport and store it.

NEP to Anchor the UK’s East Coast Cluster

The NEP project will transport CO₂ captured from multiple industrial facilities across Teesside and the Humber, forming part of the East Coast Cluster. Honeywell’s technology will support the new CO₂ transportation and storage network. The network includes an onshore pipeline system and an offshore saline aquifer beneath the North Sea.

Honeywell’s Technology to Accelerate Clean Energy Efforts

Menzo Bijmolen, Vice President and General Manager – EMEA, Industrial Automation Projects and Automation Solutions at Honeywell, said the integration of Honeywell’s systems will be vital to shaping the future of clean energy in the UK. He emphasized that scaling carbon capture requires innovative automation technologies that enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Consortium Led by Technip Energies

Technip Energies leads a consortium with GE Vernova and construction partner Balfour Beatty to deliver the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for both NZT Power and NEP. These projects form a central component of the UK’s national decarbonization strategy and are expected to become a global benchmark for CCS infrastructure. They aim to reduce emissions from heavy industry and power generation by capturing and safely storing millions of tonnes of CO₂ each year. The projects also seek to attract investment in clean energy technologies.

Supporting UK’s Clean Power Goals

As per the press release, Honeywell’s involvement reflects its commitment to advancing the global energy transition. The company achieves this through automation, digitalization, and deep industry expertise. The company has around 4,000 employees across more than 20 UK sites. It actively supports the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition through its work on the NZT Power and NEP projects.

ExxonMobil, Aramco and Samref have signed a Venture Framework Agreement (VFA) to evaluate a major upgrade of the Samref refinery in Yanbu and expand it into an integrated petrochemical complex. This move marks an important step toward strengthening the facility’s long-term competitiveness.

Plans to Boost Production and Reduce Emissions

As part of the evaluation, the companies will explore capital investments to upgrade and diversify output, including high-quality distillates that support lower-emission performance. They will also assess new opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions through an integrated strategy across refinery operations.

Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership

Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream President, said the next phase of Samref represents “a step in our long-term strategic collaboration with ExxonMobil.” He added that the project is designed to convert more crude oil and petroleum liquids into high-value chemicals. This will reinforce Aramco’s liquids-to-chemicals strategy and position Samref as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s growing petrochemical industry.

Aligning with Global Energy and Low-Emission Priorities

Jack Williams, Senior Vice President at Exxon Mobil Corporation, stated that the company values its long partnership with Aramco and its decades-long presence in Saudi Arabia. He noted that the proposed project aligns with ExxonMobil’s strategy to invest in high-value products that meet evolving energy needs while supporting a lower-emission future.

Preliminary Engineering and Design Work to Begin

The companies will now begin preliminary front-end engineering and design (pre-FEED) for the proposed expansion. As per the press release, this phase aims to maximize operational strengths and enhance Samref’s competitiveness. It will also address the rising demand for high-quality petrochemical products in the Kingdom. All plans remain subject to market conditions, regulatory approvals and final investment decisions by Aramco and ExxonMobil.

At the Annual GPCA Forum in Bahrain, consulting industry leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic discussions and guiding high-level sessions. The forum, held from 8–11 December at Exhibition World Bahrain, is the flagship event of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), representing the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf.

Bringing Industry Stakeholders Together

The four-day forum convenes CEOs, senior executives, policymakers, academics, and technology providers from across the chemical and petrochemical sectors. Participants will explore industry trends, forge strategic partnerships, showcase innovations—particularly around sustainability—and network across the value chain.

Consulting Experts Leading Key Sessions

Five consulting leaders will headline sessions, offering insights on AI, innovation, partnerships, carbon management, and global trade. David Champagne, senior partner at McKinsey & Company and Global Lead of its Scientific AI practice, will deliver the keynote ‘Intelligence at Scale: AI’s Breakthrough Moment for Chemicals’. He advises life sciences and chemical clients globally, helping them leverage emerging technologies such as AI to boost R&D productivity.

Marc van Grondelle, partner at Boston Consulting Group, will lead the session ‘CEO Plenary:

From Vision to Value – How High Impact Partnerships are Reshaping the Chemical Industry’. Panelists include Markus Kamieth (BASF) and Peter Vanacker (LyondellBasell). Van Grondelle specializes in joint ventures, alliances, and strategic partnerships through BCG’s Global Advantage practice.

Piet de Paepe, senior partner at Bain & Company and Global Practice Lead for Chemicals, will host ‘Innovation at the Crossroads:

What Shapes the Future?’. Panelists include Hans Bohnen (Röhm), Steve Prusak (Chevron Phillips Chemical), and Stefan Doboczky (Borealis). De Paepe notes, “Innovation needs both speed and strategic direction. Balancing demand-led opportunities with technology-driven advances helps companies respond to market shifts while building durable advantage. AI is raising the bar for research productivity and time-to-impact.”

Andrew Toumazi, CEO of FGE NexantECA, will lead ‘Redefining Carbon Management:

Technology Pathways Powering GCC’s Carbon Capture & Storage Ambitions’. Toumazi, based in London, assumed the CEO role following the merger of FGE and NexantECA, backed by TA Associates, and will guide discussions on carbon management and sustainability initiatives in the region.

On the final day, Arun Bruce, Founder and CEO of Transformation X, will lead ‘The Future of Trade Flow:

Chemical Value Chains in a Multipolar Global Economy’. Panelists include Ignacio Torras (Tricon Energy), Stephan Schnabel (HELM), and Udo Lange (Stolt-Nielsen). Bruce brings two decades of experience from Boston Consulting Group, where he led the Middle East Operations practice. Transformation X specializes in procurement and supply chain services.

Top Consulting Firms Recognized in the Middle East

Notably, four of the five consulting firms contributing to the event were recently named among the Top Chemicals Consulting Firms in the Middle East for 2025, highlighting the strategic expertise brought to the forum.

Driving the Future of the Chemicals Industry

As reported by consultancy-me.com, with consulting leaders guiding discussions on AI, innovation, partnerships, carbon management, and global trade, the GPCA forum promises to be a strategic platform for shaping the chemicals industry’s future. Their insights will help companies navigate emerging trends, strengthen collaborations, and accelerate sustainable growth across the Gulf region.

Fineotex Chemical Limited (FCL), a global player in specialty performance chemicals, has announced a landmark acquisition in the United States through its subsidiary. This move represents a transformative step in Fineotex’s journey toward global expansion and technological leadership in high-performance and sustainable chemical solutions.

Strategic Acquisition 

The acquisition brings CrudeChem Technologies Group, a well-established U.S.-based specialty chemical manufacturer, into Fineotex’s portfolio. CrudeChem specializes in advanced chemical fluid additives and comprehensive oilfield chemical solutions for the global oil and gas sector. With over a decade of proven performance, the company has earned strong customer trust and forged long-term partnerships with several of the world’s largest energy producers and oilfield service companies.

Access to a Rapidly Growing North American Market

North America’s oilfield chemicals market is projected at $11.5 billion in 2025. It shows strong growth across midstream, refining, and water-treatment segments. Through this acquisition, Fineotex gains a strong foothold in a high-growth market and positions itself to capture emerging opportunities in global energy and chemical solutions.

Building a Global Specialty Platform

Sanjay Tibrewala, Executive Director, Fineotex Chemical Limited, said, “The acquisition marks a defining moment in Fineotex’s global growth journey to build a $200-million oilfield chemical business within the coming years. The U.S. company’s technological capabilities, strong customer relationships, and commitment to sustainable performance perfectly complement our long-term vision. Together, we are creating a powerful global platform that will deliver world-class specialty solutions and set new standards of innovation and environmental responsibility in the oil and gas industry. Fineotex will hold a controlling stake and plans to gradually increase its investment and ownership over the coming years.”

A Transformative Step Toward Innovation and Sustainability

The acquisition supports Fineotex’s strategy to strengthen its technological leadership. It also helps expand its global footprint and deliver sustainable, high-performance chemical solutions. By combining expertise and resources, the company aims to drive innovation. It seeks to meet evolving industry demands, and contribute to environmentally responsible practices across the oil and gas value chain.

Looking Ahead