Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has taken a significant step toward solar power storage and energy conservation by installing a battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Mandamarri area in Mancherial district, Telangana.

One MW Experimental BESS to Boost Efficiency

SCCL has set up a one MW experimental BESS unit connected to its 28 MW Mandamarri solar power plant, at an estimated investment of ₹2.73 crore. This innovative system allows the company to capture approximately 9.1 lakh units of otherwise unused solar energy each year, which could translate into potential savings of up to ₹70 lakh annually. The unit is scheduled for commissioning soon, marking a major advancement in energy efficiency and renewable energy utilization for SCCL.

Expansion Plans Across Coal Mining Areas

Buoyed by this success, SCCL plans to extend BESS installations to other suitable locations within its coal mining regions. This initiative aligns with the company’s strategy to maximize solar energy use and reduce wastage, while ensuring sustainable power management.

Commitment to Renewable Energy

SCCL currently operates solar plants with a combined capacity of 245.5 MW across its coal belt. The Mandamarri BESS project reinforces the company’s commitment to integrating renewable energy into its operations and demonstrates a proactive approach toward sustainable and cost-efficient power management. As reported by projectstoday.com, by deploying battery energy storage, SCCL is not only enhancing its solar plant efficiency but also setting a benchmark for energy sustainability in the mining sector.

Tata Power Company Ltd announced plans to set up a 10-GW ingots and wafers manufacturing facility in Odisha, with an estimated investment of ₹10,000 crore. This move marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its solar manufacturing capabilities.

Backward Integration to Boost Solar Production

Ingots and wafers are essential raw materials for producing solar cells, modules, and semiconductor chips. By establishing this facility, Tata Power aims to backward integrate these key components into its existing solar cell and module production. This will support both domestic consumption and exports, enhancing the company’s competitiveness in the global solar market. Currently, Tata Power operates 4.55 GW of cell and module manufacturing capacity, and the new facility will significantly expand its production capabilities.

Location Options and Strategic Advantage

Tata Power is evaluating two potential locations for the facility: Gopalpur in Ganjam district and Cuttack. Both sites offer strategic proximity to ports, facilitating easier logistics, export, and raw material access. As reported by money.rediff.com, with this investment, Tata Power aims to strengthen India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem while supporting its growth in renewable energy and global exports.

India is working to become the world’s lowest-cost producer of green hydrogen by sharply reducing production costs from ₹401.6 per kg to ₹89.24 per kg by 2030. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant shared this vision at the National Green Economy Conclave, organised by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

Transforming Key Sectors Through Affordable Green Hydrogen

Kant highlighted that reaching the Rs 89.24 per kg benchmark would transform sectors such as:

*Steel

*Fertilisers

*Mobility

*Heavy transport

He emphasised that achieving this price point would also position India as a global leader in green energy.

Policies and Renewable Growth Driving the Shift

According to Kant, three major developments are enabling this ambitious target:

*The National Green Hydrogen Mission

*Rapid expansion of solar energy capacity

*Falling renewable energy tariffs

Kant stressed that green hydrogen will play a central role in India’s long-term clean manufacturing strategy, while creating new opportunities for startups in recycling, new materials, and circular economy solutions. As reported by ibef.org, India’s push toward low-cost green hydrogen marks a major step in its journey toward clean energy leadership, sustainable growth, and a resilient green economy.

Projects and Development India Ltd. (PDIL) has opened the bidding process for the establishment of an ammonia-urea fertiliser plant at Namrup, Assam. The project aims to strengthen fertiliser production capacity in the region and contribute to India’s agricultural growth.

Turnkey Contract Ensures Complete Responsibility

The project will be executed on a lumpsum turnkey (LSTK) basis, placing full responsibility on the selected bidder. This approach ensures seamless execution from design to commissioning, including:

*Procurement of process licences

*Basic and detailed engineering design

*Fabrication, transportation, and storage of plant equipment and materials

By managing all stages, the contractor will deliver a fully operational plant ready for performance testing.

Comprehensive Scope of Work

The LSTK contract covers all critical aspects of the plant, including:

*Civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation works

*Assembly and installation of plant facilities

*Obtaining statutory approvals required for operation

*Conducting testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning activities

This ensures that the plant will meet high standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Performance Guarantee and Handover

Upon completion, the contractor will carry out a performance guarantee test run (PGTR). Once the plant successfully meets the guaranteed performance parameters, it will be fully handed over to PDIL for operation.

Important Timeline

Interested bidders must submit their proposals by 10 February 2026. PDIL encourages qualified companies with experience in fertiliser plant projects to participate and contribute to this strategic initiative in Assam. As reported by projectstoday.com, the project marks a significant step in expanding India’s fertiliser production and supporting regional agricultural development.

Sumitomo Chemical entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation (AUECC), a leading Taiwanese semiconductor process chemicals manufacturer. The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Once completed, the acquisition will help Sumitomo Chemical expand its global footprint. It will establish the company’s first semiconductor process chemicals manufacturing base in Taiwan and a second facility in the United States, complementing its existing Texas site.

Meeting Rising Demand in a Growing Semiconductor Market

The global semiconductor industry is poised for sustained growth, fuelled by rapid digitalization across IoT, the rise of generative AI, and surging demand for data centers. As chips become more advanced, the cleaning and drying chemicals used in semiconductor fabrication must meet ultra-high-purity requirements, often at the parts-per-trillion (ppt) level. Maintaining these levels requires exceptional quality control and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Sumitomo Chemical’s Longstanding Leadership

Sumitomo Chemical has long operated as a global leader in semiconductor process chemicals. Over the years, the company has leveraged deep technological expertise to deliver high-quality products and a reliable supply system. To stay ahead of future demand, the company has been scaling up capital investments. It opened a new Texas facility in 2022 and is pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen its competitive position.

AUECC’s Strong Capabilities and Global Reach

Established in 1998, AUECC specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing semiconductor process chemicals. The company runs production sites in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Nevada, USA. It is widely recognized for its strong product lineup, rigorous quality management systems, and integrated supply solutions—including tailored packaging and global logistics. These capabilities have earned AUECC the trust of top-tier semiconductor manufacturers in both Taiwan and the United States.

Synergies to Boost Global Supply and Customer Value

Sumitomo Chemical plans to enhance its global supply chain by integrating AUECC’s extensive sales and procurement networks. This move will also expand its ability to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers worldwide. In addition, combining the technological strengths of both companies will help maximize synergies. This includes improving production efficiency at AUECC while further elevating product quality and customer value.

Reinforcing a Long-Term Growth Strategy

Sumitomo Chemical Group views the semiconductor materials business as a key growth engine. The acquisition of AUECC reinforces this strategy by strengthening its leadership position and supporting its goal of doubling FY2024 sales by FY2030. According to the company’s press release, the Group will continue to expand its presence in semiconductor materials. It aims to ensure a stable supply of high-quality products to global chipmakers and support the growth of a smarter, more connected society.

Eveready Industries India Ltd. introduced the Eveready Ultima Lithium range, its most powerful line of batteries, available in AA and AAA sizes. Designed specifically for high-drain, tech-intensive devices, these batteries promise unmatched performance and longevity.

Long-Lasting Power for Modern Devices

The Ultima Lithium batteries can last up to 15 times longer than standard alkaline batteries and feature a shelf life of up to 15 years. This makes them perfect for:

*Smart gadgets

*Drone remotes

*Gaming consoles

*Security systems

*VR headsets

*High-power toys

With these batteries, consumers can enjoy consistent and reliable power, even in devices that demand continuous energy.

Safety and Environmental Responsibility

Eveready Ultima lithium batteries employ 100% leak-proof safety technology, protecting devices from potential damage. They are free from hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, making them safe for users and the environment.

Built to Withstand Extreme Conditions

The batteries operate efficiently across a wide temperature range of -30°C to +60°C, ensuring dependable performance in challenging conditions. Whether in mountainous regions, deserts, industrial sites, or defense environments, Ultima Lithium batteries maintain consistent power output.

Commitment to Innovation

Anirban Banerjee, CEO of Eveready Industries India Ltd., stated, “Eveready Ultima Lithium batteries represent a major leap in our innovation journey. Building on our heritage of leadership and trust in the carbon-zinc and alkaline battery segments, Ultima Lithium delivers superior performance and reliability. It offers consumers the best power solution for a diverse range of high-drain and performance-heavy devices. This launch reflects our commitment to meeting evolving consumer needs and reinforcing Eveready’s promise of dependable power, whenever and wherever it’s needed.”

Premium Design for Digital Lifestyles

Targeting premium market segments, Eveready has packaged Ultima lithium batteries in convenient sets of two, priced at ₹250 per piece. They are available at premium retail stores, leading e-commerce platforms, and quick commerce channels, catering to India’s growing demand for digital and tech-enabled lifestyles. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, Eveready reinforces its leadership in innovation with the launch of Ultima Lithium. The new range offers consumers a reliable, high-performance power solution for modern technology.

Major Fertilizer Capacity Expansion

Building on the strong and trusted partnership, Engineers India Limited (EIL) has once again joined hands with Nigeria’s Dangote Group to create one of the world’s largest hubs for nitrogenous fertilizers, comprising six Ammonia–Urea production trains. EIL has been awarded a prestigious contract to provide Project Management Consultancy (PMC) and Engineering, Procurement & Construction Management (EPCM) services for the expansion of the Dangote Fertilizer Complex in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. This major expansion includes the addition of four new fertilizer production trains, significantly scaling up the complex’s capacity and technological sophistication.

Upon completion of this expansion, Dangote Fertilizer will rank among the world’s largest fertilizer complexes, with a production capacity of 8 million tons of urea annually and six fully integrated Ammonia–Urea production trains. This milestone not only strengthens Africa’s industrial ecosystem but also highlights EIL’s unmatched engineering expertise, execution excellence, and leadership in delivering mega projects across the global hydrocarbon and fertilizer value chain.

Speaking on the development, President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, Aliko Dangote said, “This milestone further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Dangote and EIL, whose proven expertise and consistent excellence have made them our most trusted partner for both the Fertilizer Complex and the Refinery & Petrochemical Complex. With these projects, the Lekki industrial zone is emerging as the region’s powerhouse—home to the world’s largest refinery and the world’s largest fertilizer complex. We deeply appreciate the exemplary manner in which EIL executed the First Train of our refinery complex. Their professionalism, engineering depth, and project management excellence have been outstanding.”

Replying to a question from Chemical Industry Digest, Aliko Dangote said that the fertilizers produced from Dangote plant will be used not only in Nigeria and rest of Africa, but also exported to Europe, US and to India.

Chairman and Managing Director, EIL, Vartika Shukla said, “EIL is proud to strengthen its partnership with the Dangote Group in shaping Africa’s industrial future. The expansions reflect our shared commitment to delivering world-scale assets with engineering excellence, project management expertise and technological leadership. The addition of four large scale fertilizer trains positions the complex as a global-scale urea hub with six integrated production trains—an achievement that underscores our collective focus on execution excellence and engineering leadership. Dangote is also creating one of the world’s most advanced and fully integrated refinery and petrochemical complexes.”

Refinery Capacity Expansion

Engineered and executed by EIL in 2024, Dangote’s Lekki refinery is among the world’s largest single-train refineries, producing Euro-V quality gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and polypropylene as a transformative asset for Africa’s energy landscape, standing as a testament to EIL’s engineering brilliance and execution leadership. The project has reshaped Africa’s energy architecture and elevated the region as a major hub for world-class hydrocarbon assets across the entire value chain.

Building on this strong and trusted partnership, EIL has also once again joined hands with Dangote and signed an MoU to partner as the PMC and EPCM consultant for this Project. Once completed, this expansion increasing the capacity to 1.4 million per day, will position Dangote as the world’s largest petroleum refinery, strengthening fuel production within Africa, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting regional energy security.

Honeywell’s UOP is the process technology provider for the refinery – petrochemical complex. The petrochemical complex will double the production capacity of polypropylene to 2.4 mtpa based on propane dehydrogenation.

Nigeria’s Leading Company

The Dangote Group, headquartered in Lagos, is Nigeria’s foremost multinational conglomerate and a dominant industrial force in West Africa. With diversified interests spanning oil & gas, petrochemicals, fertilizers, cement, sugar, and food, the Group is one of the region’s largest employers and operates across 17 African countries. Its flagship 650,000 barrels-per-day Integrated Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in the Lekki Free Zone is among the largest single-train refineries globally. The Group also owns a world-class Fertilizer Complex, currently producing 2.65 million tons of urea annually, further cementing its role as a key player in global agricultural inputs.

On EIL

Engineers India Limited (EIL), a premier engineering consultancy under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, has been a trusted partner in shaping global energy and industrial assets. With proven strength across the entire project lifecycle—from concept to commissioning—EIL delivers excellence in oil & gas, refining, petrochemicals, fertilizers, metallurgy, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors.

Other Collaborations

At the press conference in Mumbai on 26^th November, other MOU’s were also signed and exchanged between Dangote Group and the collaborators.

Saipem of Italy will provide the engineering and design package for the projects.

Topsoe A/S of Denmark will provide the technology and complete process package for the ammonia plants of the fertiliser complex.

Thyssenkrupp Uhde’s Fertiliser Technology (UFT) considered as a low emission, efficient process will be employed for the urea plants of the Dangote fertiliser expansion.

India’s Thermax subsidiary, Thermax Babcock & Wilcox Energy Solutions Ltd will supply 4 units of 400 tph hipressure utility boilers for both refinery and petrochemical expansions in a Rs. 580 crore deal.

Thermax Babcock & Wilcox Energy Solutions Limited (TBWES), the wholly owned subsidiary of Thermax, bagged a significant international order worth over ₹580 crore from Dangote Industries. The contract supports the company’s refinery and petrochemical complex in Nigeria, further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two organisations.

Contract Covers High-Pressure Utility Boilers

TBWES will deliver four units of 400 TPH high-pressure utility boilers along with all associated auxiliaries. The company will handle the complete lifecycle of the project—right from design and manufacturing to project management, engineering, procurement, and supply of plug-and-play boiler modules. It will also oversee supervision during construction and commissioning, ensuring smooth execution.

Building on a Strong Partnership

Thermax’s relationship with Dangote Industries spans several years. In 2017, the company won a publicly announced contract valued at $157 million to supply boilers, heat recovery steam generators, and flue gas steam generators for Dangote’s massive refinery project in Lekki, Nigeria. Since then, Thermax has consistently supported the group with installation, commissioning, upgrades, and modernisation initiatives, cementing its role as a trusted technology partner in critical energy systems.

TBWES Expands Capabilities in Industrial Steam Solutions

TBWES brings extensive expertise in steam generation and serves a wide variety of industrial sectors. The company designs systems that operate on solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels, and it also specialises in heat recovery from turbine and engine exhaust. As reported by businessupturn.com, additionally, TBWES provides customised heaters for the chemical, petrochemical, and refinery industries. Its services division continues to enhance the performance and lifespan of ageing boilers and heaters through targeted renovation and modernisation solutions.

The government approved a ₹7,280-crore scheme to accelerate the manufacturing of rare earth permanent magnets (REPM) in India. This major step aims to reduce the country’s long-standing dependence on Chinese imports – especially in critical sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, consumer electronics, and aerospace.

Reducing Import Dependence

India currently relies heavily on China for rare earth magnet, which are vital for motors, turbines, and advanced technologies. By launching this scheme, the government is moving decisively toward strengthening domestic supply chains and improving national resilience.

Manufacturing Push

Under the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets’, the government plans to create an annual manufacturing capacity of 6,000 metric tons.
This capacity will be awarded through a global competitive bidding process, selecting five beneficiaries, with each allowed to produce up to 1,200 tonnes. The approach ensures fair competition, encourages world-class manufacturing, and promotes high-quality production standards within the country.

Significant Financial Support to Encourage Investment

To attract strong industry participation, the scheme offers:

*₹6,450 crore in sales-linked incentives

*₹750 crore as capital subsidy

Together, these incentives are expected to reduce project costs, support technology adoption. It also ensure the long-term viability of the manufacturing ecosystem.

Seven-Year Timeline for Building a Global-Scale Industry

The programme has a seven-year timeline. It gives companies time to set up facilities, streamline operations, and ramp up production. During this period, the scheme intends to:

*Create new employment opportunities

*Promote advanced manufacturing

*Strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical technologies

Driving India Toward Technological Self-Reliance

Overall, the initiative marks a strategic leap toward building a robust, competitive, and self-sufficient rare earth magnet industry in India. As reported by devdiscourse.com, by encouraging domestic production and reducing external dependencies, the government is paving the way for stronger industrial growth and long-term economic stability.

The government plans to support hundred engineering colleges in advancing quantum research by providing ₹1 crore each to set up laboratories for undergraduate minor programmes. Department of Science and Technology (DST) Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar announced the initiative.

He noted that DST has already received over 500 proposals, from which 100 institutions will be selected. “We are going to set up teaching labs in hundred engineering colleges and institutions for undergraduate minor programs,” he said. Karandikar added that DST will also establish a quantum algorithms technical group to strengthen capacity building, support start-ups, and drive technology development.

Strong Progress Under National Quantum Mission

Karandikar highlighted the significant progress made under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems and the National Quantum Mission (NQM). He praised IIT Bombay for its leadership in supporting start-ups, developing new technologies and advancing work on Indian-language large language models.

Under the NQM, the four hubs — IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay — have demonstrated strong advancements in recent months. The quantum sensing hub at IIT Bombay has been particularly impressive, he said.

India to Establish Major Quantum Fabrication Facilities

Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh announced two major quantum fabrication and central facilities under the NQM. With an investment of ₹720 crore, these facilities will be set up at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru. Two smaller facilities will also come up at IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur. These centres will help India indigenise the fabrication of quantum computing chips and quantum sensors, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and speeding up technology development.

Boosting India’s Cryogenics and Quantum Capabilities

India currently depends on overseas facilities for quantum device fabrication, which slows down development. The new infrastructure will be accessible to academia, research institutions, industry, start-ups, MSMEs and strategic sectors. It will enable faster prototyping, technology development and small-scale production.

Dr. Singh said the initiatives will strengthen India’s capabilities in:

*Cryogenic engineering

*Superconductivity

*Quantum computing

*Quantum sensing

*Photonics

*Healthcare technologies

*Green energy devices

He also highlighted the importance of liquid helium, a critical resource for MRI systems, materials characterization and cryogenic electron microscopy.

New Cryogenics Facility to Reduce Costs Dramatically

The minister announced a new cryogenics facility equipped with an efficient helium recovery system. This system is expected to reduce the cost of cryogenic experiments to one-tenth of current expenses while conserving one of the world’s rarest materials. “As global demand for quantum computers rises, India must strengthen its cryogenics infrastructure,” Singh said. He added that advancements at the Quantum Lab and the new facility underscore India’s growing leadership in next-generation science and technology. As reported by msn.com, he said IIT Bombay’s work shows how academia, government and industry can collaborate effectively. This collaboration is helping build a world-class scientific ecosystem for future technologies.