Eni signed a long-term LNG sales agreement with Thailand’s Gulf Development Company, marking a major step in its strategy to expand a diversified global LNG portfolio. The new deal strengthens Eni’s presence in high-growth Asian markets. It also reinforces its commitment to building stable, multi-year supply relationships worldwide.

Eni to Supply 0.8 MTPA LNG for 10 Years

Under the agreement, Eni will supply 0.8 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG to Gulf Development for a period of 10 years. Deliveries will begin in 2027 and will be received at regasification terminals across Thailand. Gulf, one of the country’s largest private power producers, will use the LNG to support Thailand’s growing energy demand.

Building on Previous Collaboration

The long-term agreement builds on the momentum created by a two-year LNG supply contract signed in 2024. Under that earlier deal, Eni committed to delivering approximately 0.5 MTPA of LNG starting in 2025. The continued partnership highlights the strong alignment between the two companies and Thailand’s rising need for secure, long-term energy supplies.

Strengthening Eni’s Asian Footprint

This is Eni’s first long-term LNG supply contract with Thailand, and it significantly enhances the company’s footprint in the Asian energy market. The agreement also supports Eni’s broader strategy to diversify its customer base and expand LNG sales in regions with robust demand growth.

Supporting Eni’s Global LNG Growth Plan

Eni aims to increase its global LNG portfolio to around 20 MTPA by 2030. To achieve this, the company is leveraging major LNG projects across Congo, Mozambique, the United States, Indonesia, and other countries. As per the press release, the new long-term deal with Gulf Development plays a key role in accelerating Eni’s transition into a leading global LNG supplier.

Arkema, a global player in specialty materials, and Semcorp, manufacturer of lithium-ion battery separators, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a strategic collaboration. The partnership aims to speed up innovation in battery separator technologies while supporting Semcorp’s international growth. Under the agreement, Arkema will deliver high value-added material solutions and technical expertise to help expand Semcorp’s high-performance separators across global markets, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), Energy Storage Systems, and Consumer Electronics.

Enabling the Next Generation of Battery Separators

As part of the collaboration, both companies will jointly develop next-generation separator technologies. Arkema provides advanced material science, while Semcorp offers manufacturing strength. The partnership will enhance battery performance, safety, and durability.

Why Separators Matter in Modern Battery Systems

Separators are essential to lithium-ion battery safety and efficiency. They prevent short circuits between the anode and cathode and support ionic transport within the cell. Their design directly influences thermal stability, lifecycle, and overall reliability. Arkema has decades of expertise in Specialty Materials and is a trusted supplier to the global battery industry. Its separator portfolio—including Kynar® PVDF and Incellion™ acrylic-based solutions—meets rising demand for safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting energy storage systems.

Semcorp’s Global Growth Ambitions

Semcorp supplies leading battery manufacturers worldwide. Through this partnership, the company aims to accelerate the development of advanced separator technologies that are crucial to next-generation battery safety and performance. Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and CEO of Arkema, emphasized, “Building on Arkema’s longstanding legacy in advanced battery materials, our strategic partnership with Semcorp is essential to driving breakthroughs and securing long-term leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.”

Complementary Strengths for a Cleaner Future

Tony Xiaohua Li, CEO of Semcorp, added, “Technological advancement in separators is vital to the high-quality development of the new energy industry. Arkema’s expertise, especially in high-end materials like Kynar® PVDF, strongly complements our specialization in separator manufacturing. Together, we will accelerate the development and global deployment of high-performance separators.” Both leaders highlighted that the collaboration will not only advance separator technology but also reinforce the companies’ positions in the global battery ecosystem.

Strengthening the Global Battery Value Chain

As per the press release, overall, the MoU marks an important step toward strengthening the global battery value chain. It underscores Arkema and Semcorp’s shared commitment to enabling cleaner mobility. It also promotes sustainable energy storage through advanced materials and next-generation technologies.

The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) signed an agreement with the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) to explore rare earth minerals present in waste generated from its coal mining operations. The study will assess materials such as shale, fly ash, bottom ash, and overburden waste—streams that hold promising potential for rare earth extraction.

SCCL Chairman N. Balram said the initiative marks a practical step toward identifying valuable minerals within existing waste deposits. Rare earth elements have already been detected at several SCCL sites, especially in opencast mines. This collaboration will now help determine whether these resources can be recovered at scale.

Driving Extraction Through Indigenous Technologies

IMMT Director Ramanuj Narayan emphasised that the research will rely on indigenous technologies. By using locally developed extraction methods, the organisation aims to strengthen India’s scientific capabilities while supporting cost-effective mineral recovery.

The approach aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in critical minerals essential for renewable energy, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Key rare earth elements—such as lanthanum, cerium, and dysprosium—play a vital role in these sectors, making reduced import dependency a national priority.

Mapping Mineral Zones and Evaluating Feasibility

As part of the partnership, SCCL and IMMT will identify mineral-rich zones within the company’s operational areas. The teams will establish baselines for extraction feasibility and evaluate how processing technologies can be integrated with current mining infrastructure. These insights could ultimately guide future investments in rare earth processing facilities in the region.

Supporting India’s Critical Minerals Strategy

With India accelerating its clean energy transition and expanding domestic manufacturing, the need for reliable sources of critical minerals has intensified. The SCCL–IMMT collaboration offers a pathway to assess whether mining waste can contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term mineral security and supply diversification. As reported by manufactuingtodayindia.com, the effort not only advances scientific research but also strengthens the foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient critical minerals ecosystem in India.

The government has extended the tenure of Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), by one additional year, effective December 7, 2025, in consultation with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Department of Public Enterprises. They will finalise the terms and conditions of his re-employment, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet announced. The extension comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment, as India faces rising pressure from the United States to reduce its purchases of Russian oil.

Extension Comes Amid Growing U.S. Pressure on Russian Oil Imports

India’s oil procurement strategy has been under increased scrutiny since US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Russian oil earlier this year. Despite this, Singh had affirmed in August that ONGC would continue sourcing Russian crude as long as it remained commercially viable. “There is no bar or sanction on Russian oil as of now. Unless our government decides otherwise—which is not the case at present,” Singh had noted, emphasising India’s focus on cost-efficiency and energy security.

Singh’s Leadership and Industry Experience

Singh took charge as ONGC Chairman in December 2022. Before joining ONGC, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), one of India’s largest oil refining and marketing companies. His nearly 38 years of experience in the oil and gas industry includes leading multiple strategic business units at BPCL, such as:

*Retail

*LPG

*Pipelines

*Supply chain optimisation

He also served as President (Africa & Australasia) at Bharat PetroResources Ltd. This BPCL upstream subsidiary focuses on overseas oil and gas exploration.

ONGC’s Strategic Role

As reported by businesstoday.in, ONGC is India’s leading oil and gas producer. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring national energy security. Singh’s extended leadership is expected to provide continuity. He will guide the company through global market volatility, geopolitical shifts, and an evolving regulatory environment.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) have taken a major step toward strengthening India’s petrochemical and energy infrastructure by signing a fifteen-year Ethane Unloading, Storage and Handling (USH) Services Binding Term Sheet. The agreement will commence between October and December 2028 and continue for fifteen years from the start date.

PLL to Build One of India’s Most Advanced Ethane Facilities

Under the agreement, PLL is developing one of India’s most advanced ethane handling facilities at Dahej, Gujarat. The project includes:

*An ethane storage tank of nearly 1,70,000 cubic metres

*A specialised third jetty equipped to handle ethane, propane and LNG

This will be India’s first integrated jetty capable of receiving multiple feedstocks, strengthening its role as a strategic import hub. The new infrastructure is expected to attract third-party imports, expanding opportunities for India’s downstream petrochemical industry.

ONGC Reserves 600 KTPA Capacity at Dahej

As part of the term sheet, ONGC will reserve around 600 KTPA of capacity in PLL’s upcoming ethane storage and handling system. PLL will take full responsibility for:

*Receiving ethane imported by ONGC or its subsidiaries

*Storing and handling the cargo

*Re-delivering it at the designated delivery point

The agreement will serve as the basis for future definitive contracts between the two companies.

Revenue Opportunity

PLL expects to generate approximately ₹5,000 crore in gross revenue during the 15-year term of the contract, beginning in FY 2028–29. The project aligns with PLL’s strategy to expand beyond LNG by adding ethane and propane handling capabilities, thereby creating world-class import infrastructure for India’s growing petrochemical sector.

Ensuring Feedstock Security

For ONGC, the agreement is a critical step in securing a steady and reliable supply of ethane for ONGC Petro Additions Limited (OPaL), which operates one of India’s largest petrochemical complexes at Dahej. As reported by businessupturn.com, ONGC plans to import ethane through Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) of around 100,000 CBM capacity. The imports will be arranged under long-term, short-term, and spot contracts, ensuring steady feedstock for OPaL’s world-scale ethylene cracker unit.

The government has strengthened its efforts to expand domestic chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing by combining infrastructure development with Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers announced. Several schemes are currently being implemented to drive investment, scale up production capacity, and reduce reliance on imports across key sectors.

PCPIRs Anchor Infrastructure Development for the Chemical Industry

At the core of the manufacturing expansion are the Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs). These regions follow a cluster-based development model, offering large-scale and environmentally compliant infrastructure. They also provide common facilities and support services, making them attractive hubs for new investments and job creation.

Plastic Parks Strengthen Downstream Processing Capacity

The ministry is also advancing the Plastic Park Scheme to consolidate downstream plastic processing. The scheme supports the development of modern industrial parks with shared infrastructure, with the Centre providing up to 50% of project cost, capped at ₹40 crore per park. The government has approved nine parks, and they are progressing through various stages of implementation.

Centres of Excellence Fuel Innovation in Petrochemicals

To promote research and technological advancement, the government has established eighteen Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the petrochemicals scheme. These centres focus on:

*Developing new technologies

*Improving existing processes

*Supporting R&D in polymers, plastics and chemicals

The government finances up to 50% of project cost, with a ceiling of ₹5 crore.

Bulk Drug Parks

In the pharmaceuticals sector, three bulk drug parks have been approved in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh with a total outlay of ₹3,000 crore. Each park will receive up to ₹1,000 crore in central assistance for key infrastructure, including:

*Effluent treatment systems

*Utilities and logistics

*Warehousing

*Waste-management facilities

States are supplementing these efforts with additional incentives such as capital subsidies and GST reimbursements.

Medical Devices Parks

Similarly, three Medical Devices Parks—in Greater Noida, Ujjain and Kanchipuram—are progressing with a combined budget of ₹300 crore. Common infrastructure across these parks is nearing completion.

As of September 2025:

*194 medical device manufacturers have been allotted land

*Construction has begun for 34 units

As reported by ddnews.gov.in, PLI schemes accelerate domestic API and pharmaceutical production. The ministry highlighted significant gains under the PLI schemes aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported APIs, KSMs and drug intermediates.

India’s agrochemical industry is poised to grow 6–7 percent in FY26, supported by a strong revival in exports after two weak years. However, domestic demand remains muted as the prolonged monsoon has affected kharif-season sales, according to Crisil Ratings.

Export Momentum Drives Growth Despite Weak Domestic Demand

The industry’s return to 8–10 percent growth in FY27 will depend heavily on sustained export momentum and a rebound in local offtake. Exports—contributing nearly 50 per cent of industry revenue—are improving as global supply chains stabilise. Latin America accounts for 34 per cent of export earnings, followed by North America (19 per cent) and Europe (12 per cent). The US market remains steady, with 80–85 per cent of Indian shipments exempt from tariffs, allowing India to supply about 20 per cent of US agrochemical imports.

“Improved farm sentiment globally will drive up export revenue by 8–9 per cent this fiscal. However, domestic demand will feel the impact of excess rainfall causing crop damage, product returns and delayed field readiness,” said Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, Crisil Ratings. “With realisations stabilising after two years of sharp corrections, the overall growth outlook of 6–7 per cent remains more volume-driven than price-led,” Sethi added.

Stable Margins

Margins can remain stable thanks to steady realisations, benign raw-material prices and minimal impact from US tariffs. Modest capex and improved working-capital discipline will keep leverage in check, with debt-to-EBITDA likely to improve to around 1.3 times and interest coverage rising to 7 times. Domestic prices have also stabilised as China’s inventory overhang eases, with import realisations steady at around $5 per kg. Key risks include climate-related disruptions, regulatory tightening and currency volatility.

Operating Margins to Hold Steady

“Operating margins of agrochemical makers are expected to hold steady at 12.5–13.0 per cent, although still below the pre-pandemic peak of ~15 per cent,” said Poonam Upadhyay, Director, Crisil Ratings. She noted that a sharp correction in realisations last fiscal led to stability, which better operating leverage, softer input costs, and tighter cost controls support. As reported by alchempro.com, annual investments of around ₹5,500 crore in import substitution, new registrations and debottlenecking will continue. Steady cash accruals and disciplined working-capital management will keep borrowing needs low.

LANXESS launched LewaPlus Online, a new browser-based version of its design software for ion exchange systems. The online platform complements the existing desktop solution and works seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. The software is now accessible directly via the LANXESS website, offering users flexibility and convenience.

Flexible, Collaborative Design for Ion Exchange Systems

“LewaPlus Online makes the design of ion exchange systems more flexible and easier. The software requires no installation and can be accessed quickly, with the database always up to date for all users,” said Dr. Stefan Neufeind, Head of Business Development and Applications for Liquid Purification Technologies at LANXESS. A key feature of the online platform is project sharing, allowing multiple users to collaborate on the same project in real time. Users can also export results directly from the browser for documentation and archiving. The desktop version of LewaPlus remains available for those who prefer it.

First Module: Demineralization

The online version launches with a demineralization module, enabling users to efficiently plan and size water treatment systems. LANXESS will gradually add additional modules, expanding the platform’s capabilities for various ion exchange applications.

Boosting Productivity and Efficiency

As per the press release, LewaPlus supports the design of customized process and system configurations, with a focus on water treatment and the food and beverage industry. By using the software, operators can increase productivity while reducing chemical and water consumption. This supports sustainable and efficient operational practices.

In a significant step toward sustainable plastics management in Asia, CARBIOS and Wankai New Materials, a subsidiary of Zhink Group and one of the world’s largest PET producers, signed a definitive agreement to deploy CARBIOS’s PET biorecycling technology at scale. The initiative will begin with the construction of a PET biorecycling plant in China.

Joint Venture to Build First PET Biorecycling Plant in China

*Capacity: 50,000 tons of PET waste per year

*Ownership: Wankai holds 70% and CARBIOS holds 30%

*Construction financing: €115 million, funded 30% by equity and 70% by debt, with Wankai guaranteeing the debt

*Location advantage: The site, provided by Wankai, is already equipped with essential infrastructure, including equipment and waste treatment facilities, reducing investment costs

*Timeline: Construction expected to start in Q1 2026, with commissioning by Q1 2027

Exclusive Licensing and Technology Deployment

The two companies approved a license agreement, whereby CARBIOS will license its PET depolymerization technology to the joint venture. This ensures:

*Exclusive rights: CARBIOS technology licensed exclusively to Wankai in Asia for an initial three-year period.

*Capacity expansion potential: The companies will sign licenses for at least 100 kt per year of additional capacity, and they can extend them in five-year increments if they secure additional licenses for at least 200 kt per year.

As per the press release, CARBIOS and Wankai have committed to a long-term collaboration with the ambition to develop multiple PET biorecycling plants across Asia. This partnership aligns with both companies’ vision to scale sustainable PET recycling solutions. It also promotes circular economy initiatives in the region.

ABB India has launched the ACS380-E drive, the newest addition to its all-compatible drive portfolio. The drive supports automation-centric machine building, simplifies machine integration, and fully future-proofs modern industrial automation needs.

Supporting India’s Shift to Digital and Smart Factories

India’s manufacturing sector is rapidly adopting digitalization and smart-factory upgrades. Rising automation, the demand for consistent quality, and the push toward Industry 4.0 are accelerating this transition. ABB’s ACS380-E drive directly supports this evolution by offering advanced connectivity, improved flexibility, and faster commissioning.

Designed for High Performance and Cybersecurity

“As the Indian industrial landscape evolves with advanced automation and the rising need for energy efficiency, it is crucial for variable speed drives to adapt effortlessly to diverse industrial applications,” said AR Madhusudan, President and Local Division Manager, Drive Products, ABB India. “Our customers across industries will be well-equipped to build high-performance machines with the future-proof ACS380-E drive, backed by robust cybersecurity for maximum uptime and compliance,” Madhusudan added.

The drive is engineered specifically for industrial machinery applications across sectors such as textiles, cable and wire, plastics, intralogistics, and more. It accelerates commissioning, installation, wiring, and assembly, while preparing companies for stricter cybersecurity requirements.

Built-In Connectivity to Reduce Complexity

The ACS380-E comes with embedded dual Ethernet ports and selectable industrial protocols, all included as standard. This eliminates the need for external option modules, reducing both installation time and system complexity. Additionally, USB-C–based commissioning and firmware access via Ethernet streamline setup and ensure the drive remains up to date with the latest cybersecurity enhancements.

Broad Motor Compatibility and Seamless Automation Integration

The new drive supports all common rotary motor types and works across global voltage ranges from 100–600 V. It delivers superior motor control for applications such as packaging lines, conveyors, extrusion systems, and multi-axis machinery. It is also ready to integrate effortlessly with all major automation systems, including ABB’s AC500 PLC and solutions from other leading automation providers. Its compact design and flexible installation options make it ideal for space-constrained control cabinets.

Enhanced Engineering Tools for Faster Deployment

Powered by ABB’s Drive Composer software—and compatible with the new Drive Composer 3—the ACS380-E enables quick monitoring, adaptive programming, and rapid offline configuration. These tools help machine builders speed up development and optimize system performance. As per the press release, the ACS380-E machinery drive is now available in India and covers ratings up to 22 kW, 400 V. ABB launched the drive at ENGIMACH 2025 in Gandhinagar, held from December 3 to 7, 2025.