With the Renewable Energy Directives RED II and RED III, the European Union has set binding quotas for sustainable hydrogen. These directives are rapidly opening up a high-growth market driven by strict sustainability requirements and transparent certification processes. A central element of this framework is the need for verified sustainability, assessed through approved certification systems such as CertifHy EU, ISCC EU, and REDcert EU. TÜV SÜD has already completed 19 successful certifications under all three schemes, strengthening its position as a trusted leader in this emerging sector.

Certification Schemes Strengthen Sustainability Assurance

EU-approved voluntary certification schemes play a crucial role in verifying that renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) meet stringent sustainability standards. The European Commission has accredited several systems—CertifHy EU, ISCC EU, and REDcert EU—all of which ensure compliance with essential requirements such as:

*Demonstrating significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared to conventional fuels

*Using renewable electricity to produce RFNBO

“These requirements, especially RFNBO-compliant electricity sourcing, are still new territory for most producers and electricity suppliers,” explains Michael Landspersky, Environmental Verifier and Lead Auditor at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH.

Key Requirements for RFNBO Electricity Sourcing

Currently, no standardized templates exist for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) used in RFNBO projects. However, several basic conditions must be met to ensure compliance:

*Clear identification of specific power generation plants

*No clauses allowing undeclared replacement of electricity generation assets

*Clear rules for delivering and canceling Guarantees of Origin (GO)

*Monthly provision of load profiles for grid feed-in data

While verifying grid-supplied electricity is relatively straightforward, Landspersky notes that direct supply setups—without public grid involvement—can be more complex, especially during initial implementation.

Companies Advised to Plan Sufficient Preparation Time

Landspersky advises companies to allocate three to six months to establish a certifiable system, assuming adequate resources are in place. Conducting a pre-audit can help organizations identify gaps early and determine whether their documentation and systems are ready for full certification.

TÜV SÜD Strengthens Market Leadership in RFNBO Certification

In March 2025, TÜV SÜD was officially recognized by the German Federal Environment Agency as a certification body for RFNBO. Since then, the company has completed 19 certifications for producers and traders in Germany, Austria, France, and Denmark. “This makes us the market leader in RFNBO certifications,” emphasised Landspersky. Additional certifications are underway in Germany, Italy, and Sweden.

Extensive Experience Supports Investor Decision-Making

TÜV SÜD’s strong market position stems from its long-standing expertise in green hydrogen certification. The organization introduced its CMS 70 GreenHydrogen standard as early as 2011 and has continuously updated it to match evolving technologies and regulatory requirements.

Moreover, TÜV SÜD has broad experience evaluating diverse technical configurations and supply chains across regions preparing to become the next generation of global energy suppliers—including Canada, the Middle East, North Africa, and India. Landspersky added, “Our pre-certifications and critical reviews often provide essential insights that help investors make informed decisions.”

INOX Air Products (INOXAP) entered into a long-term partnership with Grew Energy to supply ultra-high purity (UHP) nitrogen for its upcoming 3 gigawatt (GW) Solar PV Cell manufacturing facility in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh. The agreement strengthens the clean energy manufacturing ecosystem and supports India’s solar expansion goals.

Dedicated Pipeline Network to Ensure Continuous Supply

As part of the deal, INOXAP will make significant investments to develop a dedicated pipeline network from its existing Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Narmadapuram. This infrastructure will ensure reliable, round-the-clock nitrogen supply tailored to the precision needs of Grew Energy’s solar PV cell production.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy and Manufacturing Push

The partnership underscores both companies’ shared commitment to building a stronger and self-reliant clean energy ecosystem. Apart from meeting Grew Energy’s high-purity gas requirements, the collaboration will also boost the region’s industrial infrastructure. Grew Energy’s 3 GW Solar PV Cell manufacturing facility is expected to begin operations in early 2026, in line with its scheduled commissioning timeline.

Importance of the Partnership

Diganta Sarma, Head of Strategy and Business Development at INOXAP, said, “This long-term agreement marks a major milestone in bolstering India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem by securing a reliable and sustainable supply of high-purity industrial gases. Such partnerships not only support nationwide development but also accelerate regional industrial growth.” He added that collaborations like this reflect India’s progress toward its Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India ambitions.

Nirmal Jain, VP of Engineering and Projects at Grew Energy, stated, “At Grew Energy, our vision is to make India a global hub for manufacturing Solar PV cells. Strong partnerships like this will play a critical role in achieving that vision. With INOX Air Products as our gas supply partner, we are confident in scaling our capabilities.”

Strengthening India’s Industrial and Clean Energy Landscape

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, for INOXAP, this agreement marks another milestone in its journey to support fast-growing sectors such as solar energy, semiconductors, and electronics. INOXAP has secured multiple large-scale solar industry deals over the past year. It continues to position itself as a key enabler of India’s clean energy manufacturing sector.

India is emerging as one of the world’s strongest drivers of oil demand growth, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), even as industrialized nations accelerate the shift toward cleaner energy. In its World Energy Outlook 2025, the IEA highlighted that energy-market dynamics are increasingly shaped by a group of emerging economies, led by India and Southeast Asia, with support from the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Collectively, these regions are taking over the growth baton from China, whose oil demand growth is now plateauing.

Structural Shift in Global Oil Consumption

The IEA notes a structural handover in global oil demand. While China’s influence on consumption has flattened, new growth pockets are emerging across Asia. Under the Current Policies Scenario, global oil demand is projected to rise to around 113 million barrels per day by mid-century, approximately 13% higher than 2024, indicating that the world has not yet reached peak oil.

India Leads Global Oil Demand Growth

India stands out as a key driver of future demand. According to the IEA’s India Oil Market analysis:

*India will contribute more than one-third of the projected 3.2 million barrels per day global gains by 2030

*Total demand is expected to reach 6.6 million barrels per day by 2030

This makes India the largest single contributor to global oil demand growth this decade, outpacing other economies while consumption in advanced nations declines and China’s growth plateaus.

Factors Driving India’s Oil Demand

Several factors underpin India’s robust demand growth:

*Strong economic momentum: GDP growth near 7% annually drives industrial output, transport, and petrochemical consumption

*Demographics and urbanization: A young population, expanding middle class, and rapid urban growth increase energy needs

*Transport and logistics: Airlines, freight networks, and manufacturing hubs intensify fuel requirements

Strategic Vulnerabilities

India’s rapid oil demand growth also carries strategic risks:

*The country imports over 85% of its crude oil, making it vulnerable to price swings and geopolitical shocks

*While India targets net-zero emissions by 2070 and rapidly deploys renewables, oil remains central to near-term economic growth

As reported by the pressinsider.com, the IEA warns that even though global supplies appear adequate today, faster-than-expected demand growth could strain existing buffers, increasing volatility in oil and gas markets.

A Turning Point for Global Energy Security

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted that the convergence of old and new energy risks marks a turning point for global energy security. Vulnerabilities now span:

*Oil and natural gas markets

*Critical minerals

*Electricity grids

He urged governments to adopt a more integrated approach to the energy transition, considering the synergies and trade-offs between energy security, affordability, access, competitiveness, and climate goals. “Energy security is front and center for many governments,” Birol said, emphasizing the need for coordinated policy frameworks to manage both energy transition and economic growth effectively.

Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers dedicated to sustainable investment, has announced a $30 million investment in Varaha’s Kheti soil carbon project. The initiative empowers smallholder farmers in India to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, marking Mirova’s first carbon investment in the country and its largest single commitment under nature-based carbon strategies to date. The move reinforces Mirova’s ambition to scale high-integrity climate solutions across Asia.

Pioneering High-Impact Climate Solutions

Founded in 2022, Varaha is one of Asia’s largest carbon project developer, delivering innovative climate solutions that:

*Build soil organic carbon

*Afforest agricultural lands

*Generate biochar

Varaha focuses on high-integrity carbon projects that empower smallholder farmers, positioning agriculture as a powerful tool for greenhouse gas removal while enhancing rural livelihoods across South Asia.

The Kheti Project: Transforming Smallholder Agriculture

The Kheti soil carbon project aims to transition over 337,000 smallholder farmers across 675,000 hectares in Haryana and Punjab toward regenerative practices, including:

*Direct seeding of rice

*Crop residue management

*Reduced tillage

Robust Implementation and Monitoring

Varaha combines local expertise with a robust implementation model, partnering with local organizations to execute the project on the ground. Its digital platform provides real-time monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable climate and social outcomes.

Delivering Climate and Community Co-Benefits

Beyond carbon mitigation, the Kheti project is designed to deliver strong co-benefits:

*Ecosystem regeneration: Improved soil health, biodiversity conservation, reduced water use, and minimized chemical inputs

*Livelihood enhancement: Higher agricultural yields, lower input costs, better air quality, and net job creation

*Gender and inclusion: Targeted support for women farmers and female entrepreneurship in rural communities

Leadership Voices

Madhur Jain, MD and CEO, Varaha, said, “This partnership validates Varaha’s vision to make regenerative agriculture a cornerstone of India’s climate strategy. Our model combines scientific rigor with meaningful smallholder impact, and we are grateful to Mirova for their trust and partnership. Together, we aim to make India a global leader in greenhouse gas reduction, showing that climate resilience and rural prosperity go hand in hand.”

Charlotte Lehmann, Senior Investment Director, Mirova, added, “This transaction — our largest carbon deal to date and our first in India — marks a pivotal milestone. It demonstrates how carbon finance can transform agriculture while strengthening resilient rural communities across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Mirova’s Commitment to Nature-Based Solutions

Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), one of India’s largest diversified agri-food businesses, signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Andhra Pradesh (AP). Under the agreement, the company will invest ₹70 Crore to expand its dairy processing and value-added product capacities and establish new Samadhan Centers, one-stop solution hubs for oil palm farmers.

The MoU signing ceremony was held in the presence of Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, along with Sunil Kataria, MD and CEO of Godrej Agrovet, and Rakesh Swami, Group President – Corporate Affairs, Godrej Industries Group.

Strengthening Agri-Food Processing in Andhra Pradesh

Nara Chandrababu Naidu emphasized said, “We are delighted to partner with Godrej Agrovet, a strong and reliable partner. This collaboration will strengthen our agricultural ecosystem, create sustainable livelihoods, and drive economic growth.” The Chief Minister’s remarks highlighted the state’s commitment to investor-friendly policies and fostering partnerships that boost the agri-economy.

Commitment to Farmers and Innovation

Sunil Kataria, MD and CEO of Godrej Agrovet, expressed, “This MoU demonstrates our intent to expand agri-food processing capabilities while continuing to empower farmers. With a strong legacy in food innovation, we aim to advance India’s nutrition landscape and contribute to the growth of the agri-economy.”

Expansion of Dairy Processing Capacities

Godrej Agrovet’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Creamline Dairy Products Limited, which markets products under the Godrej Jersey brand, will expand its dairy processing and value-added product capacities in three phases. The expansion will enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, and meet the growing demand for nutritious dairy products across India.

Establishing Samadhan Centers for Oil Palm Farmers

Godrej Agrovet’s oil palm business, India’s largest processor, will set up five new Samadhan Centers. These centers will serve as one-stop solution hubs, offering:

*Knowledge and advisory services

*Tools and technical support

*Comprehensive solutions for crop management

As per the press release, by empowering farmers with expert guidance and resources, the Samadhan Centers aim to increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability across the oil palm sector.

A Strategic Partnership for Andhra Pradesh’s Growth

Rakesh Swami, Group President, Corporate Affairs, Godrej Industries Group, highlighted, “The signing of this MoU reflects the state’s speed of doing business and partnership-oriented approach. We look forward to contributing to Andhra Pradesh’s growth story and expanding our footprint across consumer, real estate, and finance sectors.”

Driving Sustainable Growth and Community Impact

Through the investment, Godrej Agrovet reinforces its commitment to farmers, communities, and industrial growth. The partnership with Andhra Pradesh will:

*Expand dairy and value-added product capacities

*Enhance the oil palm supply chain through Samadhan Centers

*Create sustainable livelihoods and strengthen the agri-food ecosystem

*Support the state’s economic growth with investor-friendly collaborations

Key Highlights:

*Total Investment: ₹70 Crore

*Focus Areas: Dairy processing expansion & Samadhan Centers

*Phases: Three-phase expansion for dairy business

*Farmer Support: Five new one-stop Samadhan Centers

*Location: Andhra Pradesh

Nuberg EPC, a global leader in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for the chemical process industry, has secured the EPC contract to execute a 120 TPD Chlor-Alkali expansion and an 80 TPD Calcium Chloride Plant for Al Ghaith Chemical Industries LLC in Sur Industrial City, Oman.

The development marks the second phase of Al Ghaith’s integrated chemical complex and represents the first large-scale Chlor-Alkali expansion in Oman. The project highlights Nuberg EPC’s pivotal role in advancing the Sultanate’s industrial growth and chemical self-reliance.

Comprehensive EPC Scope for Seamless Delivery

The project will be executed on a Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) basis, covering:

*FEED and Detailed Engineering

*Procurement and Fabrication

*Construction, Commissioning, and Handover

By managing the entire EPC value chain in-house, Nuberg EPC ensures efficient execution, superior quality, and timely delivery. Project implementation is already underway, with completion targeted within 19 months, reinforcing the company’s reputation for agile project execution.

Building on Phase I Success

In Phase I, Nuberg EPC delivered a 70 TPD Chlor-Alkali Plant, laying the foundation for Al Ghaith’s operations in Oman. The current expansion adds 120 TPD of Chlor-Alkali capacity, bringing the total production to 190 TPD and significantly strengthening Oman’s downstream chemical ecosystem. Over the years, Nuberg EPC and Al Ghaith have cultivated a strong, technology-driven partnership. Their collaboration spans landmark projects in Abu Dhabi, including:

• A 60 TPD Chlor-Alkali Plant, later expanded to 120 TPD
• A 125 TPD Calcium Chloride Plant
• A 50 TPD Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Plant

Each milestone demonstrates Nuberg EPC’s expertise in executing complex chemical plants with precision, reliability, and world-class quality.

Driving Industrial Transformation in Oman

“Al Ghaith’s business expansion reflects the trust our partners place in Nuberg’s technological expertise and execution capabilities,” said A K Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, Nuberg Group of Industries. “Our long-standing partnership with Al Ghaith demonstrates Nuberg’s ability to deliver value-centric EPC solutions that power industries and drive economic growth. Together, we are strengthening Oman’s chemical manufacturing landscape with innovative, safe, and efficient projects,” added Tyagi.

Expertise Across Chlorine Derivatives

Beyond caustic soda, Nuberg EPC excels in designing and executing plants for chlorine derivatives, including:

*Calcium Chloride

*Ferric Chloride

*Stable Bleaching Powder

*Chlorinated Paraffin Wax

*EDC to PVC

*Chloro Methanes

Given chlorine’s highly reactive nature, converting it into safer, value-added derivatives is critical for industrial sustainability and operational safety. Nuberg’s advanced process technologies, automated control systems, and modular plant designs ensure precision, scalability, and seamless integration.

Expanding into Next-Generation Industries

Nuberg EPC is also pushing boundaries beyond conventional EPC projects:

*Green Energy: Green Hydrogen, CBG, Hydrogen Mobility, 2G Bio-Ethanol, Green Methanol, Green Ammonia

*Fertilizers: NPK Fertilizer Plants

*Oil & Gas: SRU and PPU units

Through these initiatives, Nuberg combines innovation, efficiency, and ecological intelligence, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation industrial transformation.

Supporting Oman’s Vision 2040

As per the press release, the project reinforces Nuberg’s role as a trusted global EPC partner, supporting Oman’s Vision 2040. By delivering high-performance, next-gen industrial infrastructure, Nuberg continues to set new standards in EPC excellence, driving technological progress, economic growth, and long-term value for its clients.

Key Highlights:

*EPC contract: 120 TPD Chlor-Alkali + 80 TPD Calcium Chloride Plant

*Location: Sur Industrial City, Oman

*Execution: Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) basis

*Completion timeline: 19 months

*Total Chlor-Alkali capacity post-expansion: 190 TPD

*Phase I success: 70 TPD Chlor-Alkali Plant delivered

Honeywell partnered with TotalEnergies to pilot its AI-assisted Experion Operations Assistant at the Port Arthur Refinery. The initiative empowers operators to make timely, informed decisions while laying the groundwork for enhanced operational autonomy in refinery operations.

Transforming Control Room Operations with AI

With AI integration, operators can:

• Forecast potential maintenance events before they occur
• Minimize risks linked to unsafe operations
• Reduce production downtime and losses

This predictive capability ensures that operators are proactively equipped to maintain safe and efficient refinery performance.

Early Pilot Success at Port Arthur

TotalEnergies implemented an initial pilot of Experion Operations Assistant at the Delayed Coking Unit (DCU) of its Port Arthur Refinery. Early results demonstrate that the AI solution forecasted five potential events, helping to minimize downtime and reduce emissions from flaring. On average, predictions were made 12 minutes before alarm incidents, giving operators valuable time to take corrective action and prevent disruptions.

Leadership Perspectives

Raphael Duflos, VP and General Manager of TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Platform, stated, “Partnering with Honeywell at our Port Arthur Refinery is a key step toward operational excellence. We believe this solution can enhance safety, reduce downtime, and minimize product losses.”

Jim Masso, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Solutions, added, “Honeywell’s expertise helps solve customers’ toughest challenges with solutions like Experion Operations Assistant. This pilot with TotalEnergies bridges the gap between autonomous technology and operators, enabling safer, more efficient operations.”

Driving Industrial Autonomy and Efficiency

Located in Southeast Texas near the Gulf Coast, TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Platform refines crude oil into transportation fuels and produces petrochemicals used in plastics, rubber, and pharmaceuticals. As per the press release, the pilot reflects a successful collaboration between Honeywell, TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Platform, and its technology headquarters OneTech, demonstrating the potential of AI-assisted systems to increase efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial operations.

Air Liquide successfully commissioned the world’s first industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot unit, capable of converting 30 tons of ammonia per day into hydrogen. This milestone marks a major step toward developing low-carbon hydrogen supply chains and overcoming key transportation challenges in the global hydrogen economy.

Breaking Barriers in Hydrogen Transport

Efficient long-distance hydrogen transport has long been a critical challenge for scaling the hydrogen economy. Ammonia (NH₃), composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, emerges as a cost-effective hydrogen carrier. Ammonia can be produced in regions rich in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydro. Existing global infrastructure supports the large-scale production, transport, and utilization of ammonia. Once transported to end-users, ammonia can be “cracked” back into hydrogen, supporting industrial and mobility decarbonization. Air Liquide’s industrial-scale demonstration proves the viability of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and enables the development of world-scale ammonia cracking plants.

Advancing Low-Carbon and Renewable Hydrogen

The new proprietary technology expands Air Liquide’s hydrogen production portfolio, with innovations across key areas:

• Process safety and material testing
• Advanced catalysis for ammonia cracking
• Efficient ammonia combustion
• Molecule separation

The successful scale-up from laboratory research to industrial application demonstrates Air Liquide’s capacity to deliver first-of-their-kind solutions for clients and the energy transition.

Driving the Energy Transition

Armelle Levieux, Member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing Innovation, Technology, and Hydrogen Energy activities, stated, “The commissioning of our ammonia cracking pilot unit in Antwerp is a key milestone. This world-first achievement paves the way for new low-carbon hydrogen supply chains. By proving industrial-scale ammonia cracking, Air Liquide demonstrates its ability to innovate and provide concrete solutions to its customers while contributing to the energy transition. I am immensely proud of our teams’ dedication and work in achieving this success.”

Supporting Innovation and Industrial Growth

Rallis India Limited, a Tata enterprise and a leading player in the agri-inputs sector, has launched NuCode™, a pioneering brand dedicated to advanced biological solutions for soil and plant health. The initiative represents a major step toward sustainable and science-led agriculture in India.

Decoding Nutrition for Sustainable Farming

NuCode™, short for “Nutrition Code”, reflects Rallis India’s belief that healthy crops start with scientifically balanced soil. The brand focuses on decoding the biological processes that drive crop nutrition, growth, and resilience, offering farmers smarter, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional inputs.

A New Generation of Biological Solutions

Under the NuCode™ umbrella, farmers will gain access to a scientifically formulated range of biologicals, including:

*Bio-fertilisers – to naturally enrich and restore soil health

*Bio-stimulants – to boost plant growth, stress tolerance, and productivity

*Bio-pesticides – to protect crops through environmentally safe methods

The products will be offered in organized, easy-to-use solution sets, replacing traditional offerings with a modern, framework-based system designed for next-generation agriculture.

Empowering Farmers Through Science

The launch of NuCode™ reinforces Rallis India’s commitment to empowering farmers with science-based knowledge, tools, and training. By promoting high-efficacy biological inputs, Rallis aims to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides while ensuring long-term soil vitality and crop productivity.

“NuCode™ products are designed to deliver visible and measurable results, helping farmers build trust in biological solutions,” the company said. “Our goal is to support India’s transition toward sustainable and regenerative farming.”

Vision for the Future

“NuCode™: Where Science Nurtures Soil, and Soil Nurtures Life.” As per the press release, this initiative aligns with Rallis India’s strategic vision to lead the soil and plant health segment through innovation and sustainability. With NuCode™, Rallis India is fostering a future-ready agricultural ecosystem. Science and sustainability work hand in hand to secure the nation’s farming future.

Cosmo First Limited, a global conglomerate with diverse businesses in Specialty/Consumer Films and Chemicals, Rigid Packaging, and Petcare, has entered a 50-50 joint venture with Filmax Corporation, a leading South Korean films and chemicals company. The new entity will introduce and scale Cosmo First’s business verticals in South Korea while leveraging Cosmo First’s global network to bring Filmax products to international markets.

Partnership Highlights

The joint venture combines the strengths of both companies:

*Cosmo First: Cutting-edge technology, global supply chain, and expertise in innovative specialty and consumer films, chemicals, and rigid packaging

*Filmax Corporation: Strong brand equity, market reach, and consumer loyalty in South Korea

Both partners hold equal equity stakes, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term growth and value creation. The JV aims to deliver enhanced products for manufacturers and brand owners, blending local insights with global best practices.

Leadership Perspectives

Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director of Cosmo First, said, “This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Cosmo First. By joining hands with Filmax Corporation, we merge global innovation with South Korean excellence. Together, we are confident of achieving ambitious growth, delivering superior value to customers worldwide, and setting new standards in specialty film solutions.”

Byung Ik Woo, Chairman of Filmax Corporation, added, “Our partnership with Cosmo First reinforces our leadership in the region and takes our expertise to the global stage. By combining Cosmo First’s proficiency in specialty films and chemicals with our strong market presence in South Korea, we aim to set new industry benchmarks. We look forward to driving a value-driven and impactful collaboration.”

Global Growth and Innovation

The JV underscores a strategic alignment between innovation and market reach, creating opportunities for:

*Expansion of Cosmo First’s specialty film and chemical solutions in South Korea

*International distribution of Filmax products through Cosmo First’s global arms

*Enhanced value for customers by integrating local market insights with global expertise