The Gujarat government is exploring Japanese technical and financial assistance to expand its network of compressed biogas (CBG) plants across the state. The proposed collaboration aims to strengthen biogas infrastructure while supporting the wider adoption of renewable and alternative fuels.

Japan-Gujarat Discussions Focus on CBG Plants

A high-level meeting was recently held in Gandhinagar to discuss opportunities for cooperation. The meeting brought together Toyokazu Nagamune from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kenichiro Toyofuku, Managing Officer at Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Takuro Takeuchi, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India. During the meeting, Suzuki Motor Corporation and JICA presented a proposal to establish compressed biogas plants through cooperative dairy organisations.

Proposal Receives Initial Support

The proposal received a positive initial response from Gujarat authorities. Consequently, the discussions are expected to pave the way for a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the participating organisations. The proposed partnership could combine Japanese technical expertise and financial support with Gujarat’s existing dairy cooperative network. Moreover, expanding CBG production through dairy organisations could create opportunities to utilise agricultural and organic waste as a feedstock for renewable fuel production. As reported by projectstoday.ai, the initiative is expected to support Gujarat’s efforts to expand its biogas infrastructure and renewable energy ecosystem while exploring new avenues for sustainable fuel production.

Waaree Energies will merge its group company Indosolar with itself in a deal valued at around ₹9.5 billion. The proposed merger will bring the group’s solar cell and module manufacturing operations under a single entity. According to the companies, the consolidation will help simplify the group structure and generate potential cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Merger to Integrate Solar Manufacturing Operations

Both Waaree Energies and Indosolar manufacture solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, Indosolar does not operate its own solar cell manufacturing capacity and currently depends on Waaree Energies and other manufacturers for its cell requirements. Following the merger, Waaree Energies will integrate the businesses under one corporate structure. As a result, the group expects to streamline manufacturing operations and improve coordination between solar cell and module production.

Consolidation to Support Cost Efficiency

The companies said the merger will simplify the group’s organisational structure while creating opportunities to reduce costs. Furthermore, integrating the two businesses could improve operational coordination across the solar manufacturing value chain. As reported by reuters, the transaction will therefore consolidate Waaree’s solar manufacturing activities and strengthen its integrated approach to solar cell and module production.

IIIT Hyderabad and Hexagon R&D India are setting up the Hexagon Digital Twin Centre of Excellence (CoE) to advance research and education in digital twins, computer vision and spatial computing. The centre will combine artificial intelligence (AI) with industry-grade technologies to help convert research concepts into practical applications.

Centre to Connect Research with Industry

The CoE will provide students, faculty and researchers with access to Hexagon’s Leica BLK360 G2 precision imaging laser scanner and associated software. These technologies will enable researchers to create high-fidelity digital twins and explore new approaches to capturing and digitally representing physical environments. Furthermore, the centre will support applied research, prototypes and proof-of-concepts focused on real-world industry challenges. Students and researchers will also gain hands-on experience with industry-grade technologies and datasets while developing applications in spatial computing and computer vision. Prof. Sandeep K. Shukla, Director, IIIT Hyderabad, said the collaboration will provide researchers and students with access to advanced technologies and real-world spatial data. He added that the centre will help create opportunities to translate academic research into practical applications and build a stronger research and innovation ecosystem.

Focus on AI and Digital Twin Applications

The collaboration will build on Hexagon’s academic partnerships in deep technology and foundational sciences while supporting the development of AI capabilities in India. Through the CoE, students and researchers can explore how digital twins, computer vision and spatial computing can address challenges across industries. In addition, access to real-world datasets and industry technologies will help researchers test ideas in practical environments. Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President and Head of Hexagon’s R&D India, said that technologies capable of capturing, understanding and digitally representing the physical world are creating new possibilities across industries. He added that the collaboration will give students and researchers access to Hexagon’s technologies as well as real-world industry challenges.

Advancing Deep-Tech Research in India

Nora Hollenstein, VP, AI Hub at Hexagon AB, said the company has research collaborations across the world and aims to extend this ecosystem to India through the new centre. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the CoE will provide an environment where researchers can test new ideas, conduct deeper research and develop solutions for real-world applications. Consequently, the initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry in areas such as AI, digital twins, computer vision and spatial computing.

Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GSFC) launched seven new crop protection products under its SARDAR brand, expanding its presence in India’s agrochemical market. The new portfolio is exclusively for the domestic Indian market. The launch marks a strategic expansion beyond GSFC’s established fertiliser business and strengthens its offering of agricultural inputs to farmers.

Seven Products Target Key Crop Protection Needs

The products address different crop protection requirements, including herbicide and insecticide applications. By expanding its portfolio, GSFC aims to provide farmers with a broader range of solutions through its established agricultural distribution network. The company’s simultaneous launch of seven products also indicates a broad market rollout rather than a phased introduction.

GSFC to Leverage Existing Farmer Network

GSFC will distribute the new crop protection products through its existing network, including Kisan Suvidha Kendras (KSKs). This approach allows the company to leverage its established supply chain and distribution infrastructure. Moreover, the integration of crop protection products with GSFC’s existing fertiliser portfolio will enable the company to offer a wider range of agricultural inputs through its existing farmer network.

Launch Highlights Expansion into Agrochemicals

The launch event took place at Swarnim Sankul in Gandhinagar and was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The state-level participation highlights the importance of GSFC’s expansion into the crop protection segment. Consequently, the company is positioning its SARDAR brand as an additional offering alongside its established fertiliser business. As reported by scan X, with seven new products now added to its portfolio, GSFC is expanding its presence across the crop protection and agrochemical markets while using its existing manufacturing, distribution and farmer connect capabilities.

Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd. (ECPL), a global manufacturer of specialty carbon and carbon black products, strengthened the measurement and management of Scope 3 emissions across its value chain. The initiative expands the company’s emissions accounting beyond its direct operations and provides greater visibility into indirect emissions. The programme covers Epsilon Carbon’s existing operations at its integrated carbon complex in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, which has an annual production capacity of 5,00,000 tons of Specialty Carbon and 215,000 tons of Carbon Black. The facility combines carbon manufacturing with energy circularity initiatives within an integrated production ecosystem.

Scope 3 Assessment Covers Value Chain Emissions

In line with the GHG Protocol, Epsilon Carbon has assessed the Scope 3 categories relevant to its operations. The assessment covers material and applicable sources of indirect emissions generated across the company’s value chain. Scope 3 emissions can arise from activities such as purchased goods and services, transportation, business activities and the downstream use of products, where applicable. Therefore, the assessment gives Epsilon Carbon a clearer view of emissions beyond its operational boundaries and helps identify potential opportunities for emissions reduction.

Building on Energy Efficiency and Scope 2 Progress

The new Scope 3 programme builds on Epsilon Carbon’s ongoing efforts to reduce operational emissions and improve energy efficiency. The company has reported a 98% reduction in Scope 2 emissions compared with its baseline year. Its 17 MW captive power plant uses waste heat generated from carbon black operations to produce power, thereby supporting energy recovery and reducing emissions. Additionally, Epsilon Carbon has achieved a 6% reduction in energy consumption intensity compared with its baseline year. During the reporting period, 77% of the company’s energy requirements were met through waste heat recovery, helping avoid more than 89,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Focus on Suppliers and Emissions Data

Epsilon Carbon plans to strengthen supplier engagement and improve the quality and transparency of emissions data across its value chain. The company will also integrate circularity and resource-efficiency considerations into its value chain strategy. Furthermore, Epsilon Carbon is aligning its emissions disclosures with globally recognised sustainability reporting frameworks and practices. This approach will help improve consistency in emissions tracking and reporting.

Scope 3 Framework to Support Decarbonisation

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said that meaningful climate action requires companies to look beyond their own operations and understand the environmental impact of the wider value chain. He added that Scope 3 measurement provides greater visibility into emissions while enabling deeper engagement with partners and suppliers. This visibility, he noted, will support more informed decision-making as Epsilon Carbon expands its operations and advances its decarbonisation plans. As per the press release, the Scope 3 framework will enable Epsilon Carbon to track value chain emissions more consistently, strengthen supplier-level engagement and develop data-driven emissions-reduction initiatives.

Garware Hi-Tech Films Ltd (GHFL) and Lubrizol signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and manufacture advanced Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)-based film solutions in India. The partnership combines Lubrizol’s TPU technology with GHFL’s film manufacturing expertise to target premium Paint Protection Film (PPF) and other specialty applications. The companies will focus on high-value applications across the automotive, architectural, industrial and electronics sectors.

₹118 Crore Investment to Drive TPU Film Manufacturing

As part of the initiative, GHFL plans to invest around ₹118 crore in a dedicated TPU film platform. Nearly 25% of the investment is expected to support new product development and technology capabilities. The dedicated TPU extrusion platform will enable GHFL to accelerate product development, improve manufacturing control and respond more quickly to evolving customer requirements. In addition, the facility will provide a technology base for developing advanced films for multiple specialty applications.

TPU Platform to Strengthen Premium PPF Business

The facility will also support backward integration of GHFL’s premium PPF business. According to the company, it is expected to become India’s first dedicated TPU extrusion platform focused on premium PPF applications. Furthermore, the initiative will support GHFL’s plan to expand its PPF manufacturing capacity to more than 600 LSF. By producing TPU in-house, GHFL expects to improve product consistency and strengthen supply-chain resilience. It will also reduce the company’s dependence on imported TPU films and provide greater control over raw material availability and product development.

Collaboration to Support Innovation and Margins

The partnership is expected to strengthen the economics of GHFL’s PPF business while supporting an estimated 150–200 basis point improvement in consolidated EBITDA margins. Monika Garware, Joint Managing Director and Vice Chairperson, GHFL, said the partnership marks an important step in the company’s move towards a technology-led specialty films business. She added that combining Lubrizol’s TPU technology with GHFL’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities will help accelerate innovation and develop differentiated products for Indian and global markets. The collaboration will also enable GHFL to explore new, high-value specialty film applications beyond PPF, thereby broadening its product portfolio.

Supporting Advanced Materials Manufacturing in India

The initiative is expected to strengthen advanced material processing and specialty film manufacturing in India. Moreover, increased local TPU processing can help build domestic capabilities in high-performance film technologies. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the partnership therefore aligns with the broader Make in India objective by supporting local manufacturing, technology development and value addition in advanced materials.

Pesticides manufacturers’ association CropLife India elected Gyanendra Shukla, MD and CEO of Rallis India, a TATA Enterprise, as its Chairman. Alongside him, Rajvir Rathi, Head of Agricultural Affairs and Policy at Bayer Crop Science, and Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director of BASF Agricultural Solutions India, will serve as Vice-Chairmen. CropLife India represents seventeen companies involved in crop protection research and development. Together, its member companies account for around 75% of the domestic crop protection market, according to the association.

Shukla Moves from Vice-Chairman to Chairman

Shukla has served as Vice-Chairman of CropLife India since October 2025. He now succeeds Ankur Aggarwal of Crystal Crop Protection, who led the association for two terms beginning in 2024. During his tenure, Aggarwal strengthened CropLife India’s engagement with the government, particularly on the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025. Subsequently, at its recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM), the CropLife India Board acknowledged Aggarwal’s contribution. It also thanked former Vice-Chairman Mohan Babu Boppana of Bayer CropScience for his service to the association.

Leadership Brings Extensive Industry Experience

Shukla brings more than 35 years of experience across the crop protection and seeds sectors. His professional experience spans India, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, providing extensive exposure to the agricultural inputs industry. Meanwhile, Rathi brings more than 20 years of experience in regulatory and government affairs. He has also led CropLife India’s Advocacy & Communications Committee since its formation. Ranuva brings 23 years of industry experience, including 16 years with BASF Agricultural Solutions across different regions. He currently heads BASF Agricultural Solutions’ business in India. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with the new leadership team, CropLife India will continue to represent the interests of the crop protection industry while engaging with policymakers and stakeholders on key regulatory and agricultural issues.

Premier Energies commissioned a 7 GW N-type TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility at Naidupeta in Andhra Pradesh. The facility has entered trial production, taking the company’s total solar cell manufacturing capacity to 10.6 GW. According to the company, the expanded capacity makes Premier Energies India’s largest solar cell manufacturer.

₹3,293 Crore Investment in Solar Manufacturing

Spread across 101 acres, the new facility was developed with a capital expenditure of ₹3,293 crore. Premier Energies said the plant is the largest solar cell manufacturing facility in India. Moreover, the company commissioned the facility on schedule and within its planned budget, marking a significant milestone in its solar manufacturing expansion.

Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Technologies

The facility is designed for high-volume production and digitally enabled manufacturing. It can produce approximately 88,000 solar cells per hour, supporting higher throughput and operational efficiency. Furthermore, Premier Energies has integrated advanced digital systems and artificial intelligence into the manufacturing process. These technologies support predictive performance analysis, tighter process control and precision manufacturing. Fully automated material handling, transportation, packing and packaging systems further improve production consistency and throughput.

Focus on High-Efficiency TOPCon Technology

The 7 GW facility is designed to support future upgrades to next-generation TOPCon+ technologies, including poly-finger metallisation and advanced edge-isolation processes. Following stabilisation and ramp-up, the company is targeting an average solar cell efficiency of approximately 25.8%. Consequently, the facility will strengthen Premier Energies’ ability to meet growing demand for high-efficiency solar products in domestic and international markets.

Supporting Solar Manufacturing Integration

According to Chiranjeev Saluja, Managing Director, Premier Energies, the company expects the new capacity to improve its ability to serve rising demand with greater supply reliability and operating efficiency. The facility also supports Premier Energies’ strategy to achieve greater backward integration into ingots and wafers. This approach is aimed at building a more integrated and globally competitive solar manufacturing platform while supporting India’s clean energy transition.

Zero Liquid Discharge for Sustainable Manufacturing

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the facility incorporates a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system designed to maximise water recycling and reuse. As a result, the plant combines large-scale solar cell manufacturing with measures aimed at improving resource efficiency and supporting more sustainable production practices.

Engineers India Limited (EIL) signed a contract agreement with the Dangote Group to provide Project Management Consultancy (PMC) and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) consultancy services for a major greenfield refinery and petrochemical project in Kenya. The contract is valued at more than US$450 million, strengthening EIL’s international presence in the refining and petrochemical sector.

Project to Strengthen East Africa’s Fuel Supply

The proposed refinery and petrochemical project is expected to increase domestic fuel production in East Africa. In addition, the project could reduce the region’s dependence on imported petroleum products and support greater energy security. Once operational, the facility is also expected to supply petroleum products to international markets, thereby supporting Kenya’s position in the regional and global energy landscape.

EIL Expands Partnership with Dangote Group

The contract builds on EIL’s longstanding association with the Dangote Group. EIL previously provided PMC and EPCM consultancy services for the 650,000 barrels-per-day (BPD) Integrated Refinery and Petrochemical Complex at the Lekki Free Zone in Nigeria. The Lekki facility is currently recognised as the world’s largest single-train refinery. Furthermore, EIL is associated with the planned expansion of the complex to 1.4 million BPD.

Strengthening EIL’s Global Refining Expertise

As reported by psuconnect.in, with the Kenya project, EIL will further expand its international portfolio in refinery, petrochemical and energy infrastructure consultancy. The contract also reinforces the company’s role in supporting large-scale energy projects across emerging markets.

Waaree Energies Limited has secured a 2 GW solar PV module supply contract from a leading domestic solar developer. The one-time order strengthens the company’s domestic order pipeline and provides visibility for module supplies over the medium term.

Module Deliveries to Span FY27 and FY28

Under the contract, Waaree Energies will supply 2 GW of solar PV modules during FY2026-27 and FY2027-28. The staggered execution will provide a structured delivery schedule across two financial years. Moreover, the order will support capacity utilisation across the company’s expanding solar module manufacturing operations.

Solar Manufacturing Capacity Reaches 25.8 GW

Waaree Energies had scaled its aggregate solar module manufacturing capacity to approximately 25.8 GW by early September 2026. The new domestic order will therefore add to the company’s growing module demand pipeline while supporting its manufacturing scale-up.

Expanding Domestic Solar Market Presence

The latest contract follows Waaree Energies’ efforts to expand its manufacturing capacity and diversify its order mix. In addition to its international business, the company is strengthening its presence among domestic renewable energy developers. The contract covers the supply of high-efficiency solar modules to a prominent domestic renewable energy player, further supporting Waaree Energies’ position in India’s solar manufacturing sector. As reported by sahi.com, the two GW contract is expected to support manufacturing capacity utilisation, domestic market expansion and visibility for module deliveries across FY27 and FY28.