Inox Green Energy Services Ltd, one of India’s leading renewable operations and maintenance (O&M) providers, announced that its parent company, Inox Wind Ltd, along with group company Inox Solar Ltd, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with KP Energy Ltd and KPI Green Ltd of the KP Group. These MoUs establish strategic partnerships to jointly develop 2.5 GW of wind and 2.5 GW of solar power projects across multiple Indian states.

Inox Green to Lead O&M Services Across All Projects

Under the agreements, Inox Green will actively manage the O&M services for all wind turbine generators and solar modules installed under the partnership. This move further strengthens the company’s position as a trusted and long-term O&M partner for large-scale renewable deployments. Additionally, Inox Green has included the respective press releases issued by Inox Wind and Inox Solar in the subsequent pages of its official statement.

Company Strengthens Its Growing Renewable Portfolio

Inox Green currently manages 12.5 GW of renewable assets, including investments, making it one of India’s largest renewable O&M players. As reported by devdiscourse.com, the company continues to expand its footprint by offering long-term operations and maintenance services that support the growth and reliability of wind and solar energy projects nationwide.

In a major boost to India’s energy innovation ecosystem, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) opened applications for its newly launched ‘Elevate’ cohort under the BPCL Ankur Fund. The programme actively seeks high-potential startups developing solutions in Green Technology and Cybersecurity and Resilience for Energy Operations. It also supports BPCL’s long-term vision of sustainability and digital excellence.

Building on the Success of the Ankur Initiative

BPCL, a Fortune Global 500 company, has been fostering early-stage innovation through Ankur, its flagship startup initiative introduced in 2016. Since its launch, Ankur has supported 30 startups and provided ₹28 crore in grant funding, helping scale breakthrough technologies across the energy value chain. BPCL has introduced the new ‘Elevate’ cohort to expand this momentum. It aims to bring more future-ready solutions into the Oil & Gas sector.

Who Can Apply

BPCL is now inviting startups that already have a PoC, prototype, MVP, or fully implemented solution and are ready to scale their innovations within energy operations. The programme focuses on startups capable of delivering measurable impact and rapid deployment.

Key Deadline

As reported by indiamasterminds.com, the last date to submit applications is December 09, 2025. Startups are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of BPCL’s mentorship, industry access, and growth support.

Voltsun Labs, part of the Ravi Jaipuria-led RJ Corp, will invest ₹1,743 crore to build a greenfield solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Naidupeta MPSEZ, located in the Tirupati district.

State Allots Land and Extends Policy Support

To enable the project, the Andhra Pradesh government is allotting 37 acres of land at concessional rates. The investment has been approved under the AP Industrial Development Policy 2024–29, with the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) clearing a tailored incentive package.

Integrated 2 GW Manufacturing Ecosystem Planned

Voltsun Labs will develop an integrated 2 GW solar manufacturing ecosystem across two phases. Each phase includes 1 GW of solar cell capacity and 1 GW of solar module capacity.
The facility will deploy advanced TOPCon monocrystalline and bifacial technologies, positioning it at the cutting edge of India’s solar manufacturing landscape.

The State government will support the project by providing essential external infrastructure, including:

*40 MW power load

*Three million litres per day (MLD) water supply

*Support for a captive solar plant

These enablers aim to accelerate project execution and ensure operational readiness.

Strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s Clean-Tech Cluster

According to the State government, this investment further strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s fast-growing clean-tech cluster. The cluster already includes solar module makers, pumped-storage developers, and companies in the emerging green hydrogen ecosystem.

Government Fast-Tracks Approvals for Timely Execution

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, to ensure speedy implementation, the government has instructed APIIC, the Industries Department, and all relevant agencies to fast-track approvals through the Single Desk Portal 2.0. This move reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s position as one of India’s most investor-friendly destinations.

AstraZeneca Pharma India and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries have announced a new “second brand partnership” to co-market Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate (SZC) in India. Doctors widely use the therapy to treat hyperkalaemia, a high-potassium condition that commonly affects patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF).

Two Brands, One Goal: Wider Patient Reach

Under the agreement, both companies will promote, market, and distribute SZC in India under separate brand names.

*AstraZeneca will market the drug as Lokelma

*Sun Pharma will offer it as Gimliand

Leadership Highlights the Importance of Collaboration

Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India, said the partnership will help broaden access to this vital therapy across the country. Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, emphasized that Sun Pharma remains committed to expanding access to innovative treatments that support healthcare providers and improve patient quality of life.

Hyperkalaemia: A Growing Concern in CKD and Heart Failure Patients

Hyperkalaemia is a serious medical condition that frequently affects individuals with CKD and heart failure, especially those receiving renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor therapy, which can raise potassium levels.

According to company data:

*Up to 50% of CKD patients experience hyperkalaemia

*Around 42% of chronic HF patients are also affected

These high prevalence rates underscore the need for effective, accessible treatments like SZC.

Sun Pharma Brings Strong Commercial Capability

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as India’s largest pharmaceutical company, Sun Pharma supports the partnership with a 15,000-strong field force across chronic therapies and the acute care segment. This extensive network is expected to significantly enhance the therapy’s reach across healthcare settings.

SunHydrogen, Inc., the developer of breakthrough technology that produces renewable hydrogen using only sunlight and water, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CTF Solar GmbH, a subsidiary of China National Building Materials Group (CNBM). The agreement was formalized at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Expanded Partnership Builds on Previous Agreements

The MoU strengthens the companies’ ongoing collaboration built through earlier agreements in December 2023 and July 2024. It also marks an important milestone in their shared mission to advance and commercialize SunHydrogen’s photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production technology. Under the expanded framework, both parties will focus on engineering, pilot manufacturing, and large-scale module development to move the technology toward global market readiness.

Advancing Device Performance and Pilot Manufacturing

Through this collaboration, SunHydrogen and CTF Solar will work together to:

*Improve solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies

*Launch pilot manufacturing initiatives

*Produce approximately 1,000 full-size modules for pilot demonstrations

*Align the technology with high-volume manufacturing processes

*Advance SunHydrogen’s proprietary catalysts and stabilization coatings

*Explore opportunities to expand the platform to additional applications

These activities will help establish the foundation for scaling SunHydrogen’s green hydrogen solution.

Leadership Highlights the Importance of the Agreement

“This new agreement is an important step forward in our collaboration with CTF Solar,” said Tim Young, CEO of SunHydrogen. “Together, we are building the foundation for scalable, real-world hydrogen production using sunlight and water. Signing this expansion at one of the world’s largest trade shows highlights the global significance of our partnership and the growing momentum behind clean hydrogen innovation,” Young added.

Bastian Siepchen, CEO of CTF Solar GmbH, added, “Together with SunHydrogen, we are lifting our technology to the next level. Announcing this at such a major trade show allows us to showcase our progress to a wide and engaged audience. We are preparing the technology for mass production.” SunHydrogen also expressed appreciation for the support of Ms. Yanfei Gao, President Assistant of China Triumph International Engineering Co., Ltd. (CTIEC), and leaders from CNBM who attended CIIE.

Next Steps Toward Pilot-Scale Validation

The MoU establishes a 30-day window from its effective date to finalize a Phase 1 Collaboration Agreement. This next agreement will specify detailed milestones, resource commitments, and execution plans. Both organizations expect Phase 1 to speed up pilot-scale validation and drive early commercial deployment.

Combining Expertise for Scalable Green Hydrogen Production

CTF Solar brings more than 20 years of experience in thin-film CdTe photovoltaic technology, engineering, and high-volume manufacturing. When combined with SunHydrogen’s advanced catalysts and reactor design, the partnership aims to create a cost-effective, scalable, and solar-integrated hydrogen production platform.

SunHydrogen’s Ongoing Commercial and Technology Roadmap

Looking ahead, SunHydrogen remains focused on:

*Executing its 30 m² pilot project in Austin, Texas

*Strengthening commercial partnerships

*Expanding global collaborations

*Enabling decentralized, renewable hydrogen production at scale

As per the press release, with this strengthened partnership, both companies are positioned to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation green hydrogen technology.

Amid the urgent global race to secure critical minerals for the energy transition, the British Geological Survey (BGS) is drawing renewed attention to South America’s exceptional geological potential. The region holds rare geological conditions that can support rising global demand for lithium, copper, rare earths, and other essential minerals needed for clean energy systems.

BGS Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance

Jonathan Ford, Director of National Geoscience at the BGS, and Karen Hanghøj, BGS Executive Director and member of the Organizing Committee for the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026, presented this analysis in a recent column for Global Mining Review.

They note that South America’s geological diversity—from the Pacific margin and the Andes to the ancient cratonic shields in the east—creates one of the richest mineral landscapes on the planet. This diversity has already produced world-class deposits and gives the region a decisive role in the global energy future.

Rising Demand Makes South America Central to Supply Security

With demand for critical minerals surging due to the expansion of clean technologies, electric mobility, and digital economies, the BGS stresses the need to carefully assess South America’s supply capabilities. According to Ford and Hanghøj, the continent is well positioned to support a sustainable and secure supply of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs).

Lithium Triangle Emerges as a Global Powerhouse

One of the strongest examples of this potential is the Lithium Triangle, which holds around half of the world’s lithium resources. Its vast ‘salar’ deposits, located in some of the most extreme Andean environments, both challenge and underline the strategic value of responsible extraction. As the authors note, the region’s geopolitical significance continues to grow.

A Leading Supplier of Copper, Niobium, and Emerging Discoveries

South America remains the world’s largest supplier of niobium and a dominant producer of copper. The region also hosts major reserves of molybdenum, silver, tin, iron, and bauxite.
Moreover, its dynamic geology continues to generate new discoveries. The Vicuña mining district, for instance, is considered the largest greenfield copper discovery of the past 30 years.

High-Quality Geological Data Is Key to Unlocking Potential

According to the BGS, the successful development of these resources depends on accessible, high-quality geological information. They emphasize that timely discovery, responsible development, and effective resource management are essential to attracting and de-risking investment in the mineral sector.

International Cooperation Will Shape Sustainable Supply Chains

Because mineral supply chains operate globally, the BGS underscores that international cooperation is the only way to set shared standards for sustainability. This includes strengthening governance, transparency, accountability, and regional value addition.

Looking Ahead to WMC 2026 in Lima

Karen Hanghøj’s role on the Organizing Committee for WMC 2026 in Lima connects these insights directly to upcoming global mining discussions. The Congress will focus on how to responsibly increase mineral production to meet the world’s energy-transition needs.

Partnerships Will Drive Responsible Mineral Development

As per the press release, Ford and Hanghøj stress that partnerships between governments, industry, and civil society will be vital. These collaborations help share good practices and build resilient, responsible mineral supply chains—a core theme of the 2026 Congress, which aims to promote more innovative, sustainable, and future-ready mining.

Arunachalam Vellayan, 72, Chairman Emeritus of Coromandel International and former Chairman of the Murugappa Group, passed away.  Vellayan dedicated several decades to the Murugappa Group, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term growth. He provided strategic direction across its diverse businesses and consistently championed value creation. His vision and integrity helped strengthen the Group’s position as one of India’s most respected industrial conglomerates.

Key Roles Across Group Companies and Beyond

Throughout his illustrious career, Vellayan served on the Boards of several Murugappa Group companies, including Coromandel International Limited and EID Parry Limited, where he also held the role of Chairman. Additionally, he contributed his expertise to organisations such as Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Limited, EXIM Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank.

Influence Across Industry Bodies and Institutions

Vellayan also held key roles in major industry bodies, including the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, the Fertiliser Association of India, the Indian Sugar Mills Association, and the All India Cycle Manufacturers Association. He also supported education as Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIM Kozhikode.

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

An alumnus of The Doon School, SRCC, Aston University, and Warwick Business School, Vellayan embodied lifelong learning and was honoured with Doctor of Science degrees from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Aston University for his industry impact.

A Legacy of Values, Insight and Stewardship

Admired for his sharp business acumen, clear leadership, and steadfast commitment to the Group’s values, Vellayan leaves an enduring legacy, with his contributions continuing to inspire leaders across the Murugappa Group and the wider business community.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has strengthened India’s energy security by beginning domestic oil production from the Jyoti-1 well in Gujarat’s Block CB-ONN-2005/9. This marks IOCL’s first-ever domestic oil output from the block.

Minister Announces the Breakthrough

Union Minister of Petroleum Hardeep Singh Puri announced the achievement, calling it a significant boost to India’s journey toward energy independence. He emphasised that the new production reflects IOCL’s growing commitment to the upstream sector.

Part of IOCL’s Renewed Upstream Focus

IOCL has been expanding its exploration and production activities to support the government’s goal of maximising domestic energy resources. The successful start at Jyoti-1 demonstrates the company’s renewed push to tap indigenous reserves and reduce reliance on imports.

Strengthening India’s Broader Energy Strategy

Exide Industries plans to begin production at its lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility by the end of FY’26. The first phase will focus on NCM-based cylindrical cells designed for two-wheeler applications, marking a major step in the company’s EV battery strategy.

OEM Discussions and Product Roadmap

Exide is in advanced discussions with leading OEMs for these cells, and two major manufacturers are expected to be its initial customers. After rolling out the first production line, the company will introduce a prismatic LFP line aimed at stationary energy storage applications.

Strong Investment Backing

The company has made a significant financial commitment to its battery business. Exide’s total equity investment in its subsidiary, Exide Energy, now stands at ₹3,947 crore, including ₹645 crore infused in FY’26. The investment supports capacity creation, technology development, and long-term competitiveness.

Production Ramp-Up and Utilisation Targets

Despite softer sales in Q2, Exide expects a strong rebound in Q3, supported by improved cost efficiency and manufacturing upgrades. As reported by projectstoday.com, during the initial phase, the company is targeting sixty percent utilisation, with expectations of reaching 80–90% utilisation as operations stabilise.

GAIL (India) has invited bids to hire agencies for topographical, geotechnical, and hydrological surveys across multiple pipeline projects on a pan-India basis. The surveys will support GAIL’s ongoing and upcoming infrastructure development efforts.

Two-Year Annual Rate Contract

The services will be awarded under a two-year Annual Rate Contract (ARC). The contract covers a wide geographical stretch, requiring survey partners with strong expertise in working across diverse terrain and environmental conditions.

Scope of Work

The selected bidder will be responsible for delivering comprehensive survey reports. These reports must include:

• Detailed topographical analysis
• Soil investigation and geotechnical findings
• Hydrological assessments of water flow and drainage patterns

These insights are essential for the planning, design, and safe execution of pipeline projects.

As reported by projectstoday.com, GAIL has invited all interested agencies to submit their bids on or before 04 December 2025.