NTPC invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from technology providers and industry partners to develop and install a grid-connected Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) using sodium-ion battery technology at its existing thermal power stations and office buildings. Through the pilot project, NTPC aims to assess the potential of sodium-ion batteries for energy storage under Indian grid and climatic conditions. The initiative will also help the company evaluate the technology for future large-scale deployment.

Pilot to Assess Sodium-Ion Battery Performance

The proposed NTPC sodium-ion battery pilot will evaluate several technical and commercial parameters, including technical performance, safety and reliability, battery degradation, operational characteristics, grid performance and techno-commercial viability. The results will help NTPC determine whether sodium-ion battery technology can support larger-scale energy storage applications across its facilities.

NTPC Seeks Two Pilot Configurations

As part of the EoI, applicants must submit technical and techno-commercial proposals for two possible pilot configurations.

Option 1: A BESS with 100 kWh of usable energy capacity, providing a common benchmark for comparing the proposed technologies.

Option 2: A BESS with a capacity proposed by the applicant, based on a standard configuration and a scale suitable for demonstrating the technology effectively.

NTPC will determine the final pilot capacity and execution model after evaluating the proposed technology and its Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

Funding Requirements Linked to Technology Readiness

The financial contribution expected from participants will depend on the maturity of the proposed sodium-ion battery technology. For technologies at TRL 4, involving validation in a laboratory environment, and TRL 5, involving model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment, the participating company must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost. However, for technologies at TRL 6 and above, which involve prototype demonstration in an industrial environment or higher levels of maturity, NTPC will not mandate a minimum financial contribution. Any contribution from the applicant for these higher-TRL technologies will instead be determined through mutually agreed commercial terms.

NTPC to Provide Site and Operational Support

NTPC will provide land within its premises for the installation and commissioning of the BESS. In addition, the company will support the pilot’s operation and maintenance activities. This arrangement will allow participating technology providers to demonstrate sodium-ion battery performance in an actual power-sector environment.

Pilot Could Support Future Energy Storage Deployment

The pilot represents NTPC’s effort to evaluate alternative battery technologies as India expands its energy storage requirements. As reported by pv.magazine-india.com, by testing sodium-ion batteries in real-world operating conditions, NTPC can assess their performance, safety and economic viability before considering broader deployment. The project could therefore contribute to the development of diversified and potentially more resilient battery energy storage solutions for India’s power sector.

LICO Materials developed a process to recover graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap, becoming the first company in India to achieve this. The recovered graphite will be supplied to Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM) as a secondary feedstock for graphite anode production, creating a new circular pathway for battery materials. The collaboration could help India reduce its dependence on virgin and imported graphite while improving resource efficiency across the growing battery value chain.

Graphite Supply Chain Faces Growing Pressure

Graphite accounts for approximately 20–30% of a lithium-ion battery’s weight and serves as a critical material for battery anodes. However, the global graphite supply chain remains highly concentrated. China currently accounts for more than 90% of global graphite refining capacity and around 80% of mining, highlighting the need for diversified and resilient sources of the material. Meanwhile, India’s rapidly expanding battery manufacturing sector is driving additional demand for graphite-based anode materials.

Battery Growth to Drive Graphite Demand in India

The Ministry of Heavy Industries expects India’s lithium-ion battery demand to reach 210 GWh by 2030. Meeting this demand could require approximately 200,000–230,000 tons of graphite anode material annually. Therefore, recovering graphite from used batteries and manufacturing scrap could provide an important secondary source of the critical material. It could also reduce pressure on virgin resources while supporting India’s efforts to develop a more self-reliant battery materials ecosystem.

LICO Develops Graphite Recovery Process

LICO will use its proprietary critical mineral recovery processes to extract graphite from end-of-life batteries and battery manufacturing waste. The recovered material will then be supplied to EAM for further processing and qualification. Gaurav Dolwani, CEO and Founder, LICO Materials, said, “Graphite is a critical material for the battery industry, yet its supply chain remains highly concentrated in China. Recovered graphite gives us an opportunity to retain material that is already within the battery ecosystem and return it to productive use. Supplying this recovered graphite to Epsilon Advanced Materials marks a breakthrough in our journey beyond battery recycling and brings us closer to closing the graphite loop.” Following processing and development work, samples of the recovered graphite are expected to be available for customer validation by the end of 2026.

Recovered Graphite to Return to Battery Production

EAM will process and qualify the recovered graphite before using it as a secondary feedstock in its graphite anode materials platform. Epsilon Advanced Materials manufactures synthetic, natural and blended graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems and other applications. By incorporating recovered graphite into its feedstock mix, EAM can diversify its material sources while improving resource efficiency across the battery materials value chain.

Partnership Supports Battery Material Circularity

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Advanced Materials, said, “As global battery manufacturing expands, diversifying sources of graphite has become increasingly important. Recovered graphite provides an opportunity to complement conventional feedstocks while retaining valuable material within the battery ecosystem. Our work with LICO creates a pathway to bring recovered graphite back into advanced anode material production and strengthens the circularity of the battery materials value chain.” The collaboration combines LICO’s graphite recovery technology with EAM’s anode material manufacturing capabilities. As a result, valuable graphite can remain within the battery ecosystem for longer instead of being lost after battery use or manufacturing. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the partnership marks LICO’s expansion beyond conventional battery recycling. By recovering and reintegrating critical materials, the company aims to support a more circular, resilient and resource-efficient battery industry in India.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) brought together industry leaders and policymakers to advance India’s deep sea mining ambitions and strengthen its access to critical minerals. In association with knowledge partner EY and NITI Aayog, MoES and NIOT hosted a high-level Industry Outreach Workshop on “Deep Sea Mining – Business Opportunities and Strategic Importance” at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The workshop brought together policymakers, regulators, technology developers, research institutions and financial leaders from India and abroad. The discussions focused on accelerating India’s Blue Economy while developing new sources of critical minerals.

Deep Sea Mining Gains Strategic Importance

Critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese play an important role in clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility and high-computing systems. As global demand for these materials continues to increase, India needs to diversify its resource base. Developing deep sea mineral resources could therefore strengthen the country’s long-term economic, industrial and geopolitical security.

India Holds Vast Deep Sea Mineral Resources

India has secured significant exploration rights in the international seabed. The country holds an International Seabed Authority (ISA) exploration contract covering 75,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). The area is estimated to contain approximately 366–380 million tonnes of polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese. Moreover, India is the first country to hold two exploration contracts for polymetallic sulphides, including a recent agreement covering the Carlsberg Ridge. These resources could provide additional opportunities to strengthen India’s future critical mineral supply chains.

Indigenous Technology Supports Deep Sea Mining

India is also building domestic capabilities to explore and recover deep sea mineral resources. Under the ₹4,077 crore Deep Ocean Mission, NIOT has successfully demonstrated indigenous deep sea mining crawler systems at depths exceeding 5,000 metres in the Indian Ocean. This achievement demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in subsea engineering, marine robotics and deep ocean exploration. In turn, these technologies could support the country’s transition from exploration to future commercial operations.

Creating a Mine-to-Metal Industrial Ecosystem

Moving from exploration to commercial deep sea mining could create opportunities across multiple industries. Rather than focusing solely on mineral extraction, India can develop an integrated
“mine-to-metal” ecosystem. This could generate new business opportunities in offshore engineering, marine robotics, shipbuilding, subsea technology, mineral processing and metallurgy, critical mineral refining and battery manufacturing and downstream industries. Consequently, deep sea mining could become an important component of India’s broader strategy to build resilient domestic supply chains for the clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Industry Participation to Shape Future Policy

The workshop also served as a platform to connect India’s scientific and technological capabilities with private-sector investment. The discussions are expected to support the development of future policy frameworks, bankable project roadmaps and greater industry participation. In addition, an upcoming White Paper on Deep Sea Mining is expected to provide further direction for India’s industrial integration strategy.

Exploitation Code Required for Commercial Mining

Despite the progress in exploration and technology development, commercial mining of polymetallic nodules in international waters cannot begin until the International Seabed Authority finalises and adopts the Exploitation Code. Therefore, India’s current focus remains on developing technology, strengthening regulatory preparedness, engaging industry and building the capabilities required for responsible deep sea mineral development. As reported by pib.gov.in, as global competition for critical minerals intensifies, India’s deep sea mining programme could play an increasingly important role in securing resources needed for energy transition, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing and future industrial growth.

India’s battery industry is entering a major growth phase and could generate 1.5–2 million jobs by FY30, according to talent solutions company Adecco India. As the sector expands, it is shifting from an import-dependent assembly model toward a fully integrated ecosystem covering battery cells, packs, manufacturing and recycling. Adecco India Director and Head of General Staffing Deepesh Gupta said the industry is moving rapidly from importing and assembling lithium-ion cells to establishing domestic battery manufacturing capabilities.

Battery Manufacturing to Drive Employment Growth

According to Adecco India, the battery sector could create 1.5–2 million jobs by 2030, with approximately 25% comprising direct employment and 75% indirect employment. Meanwhile, hiring in the sector is expected to grow by 25–30% annually. Adecco India based its assessment on inputs from more than 30 clients operating in the Indian market. As the industry becomes more sophisticated, recruitment will increasingly focus on specialised professionals in electrochemistry, materials science, battery engineering, advanced manufacturing and battery recycling.

India Expands Domestic Battery Capacity

India’s battery manufacturing capacity currently stands at around 60 GWh and could approach 100 GWh by the end of 2026, according to Adecco India. Furthermore, upcoming gigafactory investments in Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana and Telangana are expected to strengthen the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. “With battery manufacturing capacity currently at around 60 GWh and expected to approach 100 GWh by the end of 2026, along with upcoming gigafactory investments in Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana and Telangana, the sector is moving beyond assembly and building the depth of a full industrial ecosystem,” said Gupta.

Battery Industry Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat

The localisation of battery manufacturing also supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by reducing dependence on imported cells and refined materials. Government initiatives, including the Critical Minerals Mission and India’s participation in the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework, are expected to further support domestic supply chains. Consequently, employment opportunities are likely to expand across established manufacturing centres as well as emerging Tier II and Tier III industrial corridors.

Battery Engineering Skills Command Premium Salaries

The growth of lithium battery manufacturing is also expected to reshape India’s green manufacturing workforce. According to Adecco India, lithium battery manufacturing could account for 50–60% of India’s projected green manufacturing jobs by 2030. Moreover, professionals with specialised battery engineering skills could command 35–40% salary premiums compared with conventional manufacturing and electronics roles. This trend highlights the growing importance of advanced technical skills as battery technologies become more complex.

PLI Scheme Boosts Advanced Cell Manufacturing

India is also translating its battery manufacturing ambitions into large-scale plant capacity. Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC), the government has committed ₹18,100 crore to develop 50 GWh of domestic ACC manufacturing capacity. An additional 5 GWh has been reserved for niche battery chemistries. As manufacturing expands, the Cell Manufacturing and Battery Components segment is expected to account for the largest share of sector hiring, at approximately 42–45%. Overall, India’s transition toward a domestic battery value chain is expected to create not only large-scale employment but also demand for highly specialised technical talent. As reported by HR World, the combination of gigafactory investments, government incentives, localisation and recycling infrastructure could therefore make batteries a major driver of India’s green manufacturing economy by 2030.

Archroma, a global player in specialty chemicals, bagged the 2026 ICIS Innovation Award for Best Product Innovation from a Large Company for its innovative FiberColors® sulfur dyes. The award recognizes Archroma’s breakthrough approach to sustainable dye manufacturing, which uses
pre-consumer wool waste as a key raw material. By replacing part of the conventional
petroleum-derived feedstock with waste wool, FiberColors® reduces dependence on fossil-based inputs. At the same time, the technology gives unwanted wool a new industrial purpose, supporting the principles of the circular economy.

FiberColors® Turns Wool Waste into Dye Feedstock

With FiberColors®, Archroma has expanded its patented EarthColors® technology beyond
plant-based residues. The new process uses coarse, non-commercial wool as an alternative bio-based feedstock. The dyes use a minimum of 50% wool waste as the primary feedstock, replacing conventional petroleum-derived raw materials. Importantly, the resulting biosynthetic dyes deliver the same dyeing and fastness performance as conventional sulfur dyes. Furthermore, the manufacturing process does not negatively affect water consumption, energy consumption or waste generation, making FiberColors® a practical solution for more sustainable textile production.

Supporting a More Circular Textile Industry

Archroma says FiberColors® addresses two challenges simultaneously: reducing dependence on petroleum-based resources and finding a productive use for unwanted wool. “Archroma has led the evolution of sulfur dyeing for over a century by advancing what’s technically possible and proving it can pay for itself. FiberColors® is that approach in practice – using an agricultural waste output with high disposal costs to replace a petroleum-based input and produce a dye that performs at scale for mills and brands. We’re honored it has been recognized by ICIS,” said Julio Perales, Technical & Product Segment Manager Denim, Archroma.

Versatile Applications Across Textile Processes

FiberColors® can be used across a wide range of textile dyeing and printing processes. These include exhaust dyeing, continuous dyeing, denim coloration and textile printing. The dyes are suitable for cellulosic fibers, including cotton, viscose, linen, bamboo and kapok, as well as wool. In addition, the FiberColors® palette provides warm shades for a variety of textile products, including jeans, chinos, T-shirts, hoodies and home textiles. The products also meet bluesign® criteria, are GOTS approved, and are listed on the ZDHC Gateway with Conformance Level 3.

Building on Archroma’s EarthColors® Innovation

FiberColors® builds on Archroma’s long-term investment in sustainable sulfur dye technology at its Castellbisbal plant in Spain. The company says its R&D team has spent four decades advancing environmentally responsible sulfur dye solutions. The same team developed EarthColors®, which was introduced in 2017. Since then, the technology has been adopted by more than 50 global brands, including Ralph Lauren, Kathmandu, G-Star RAW, Esprit and Ugg. EarthColors® has also helped upcycle more than 60 tons of plant residues from the herbal and food industries, further demonstrating Archroma’s focus on converting waste into useful industrial resources.

ICIS Recognizes Sustainable Chemical Innovation

The ICIS Innovation Awards recognize technologies and products that deliver measurable impact while advancing innovation and sustainability across the chemicals and energy sectors. As per the press release, Archroma’s FiberColors® win highlights the growing role of waste-based feedstocks, circular manufacturing and bio-based alternatives in the specialty chemicals and textile industries. The technology demonstrates how sustainable raw materials can be integrated into established industrial processes without compromising product performance.

Hylenr Technologies, a Hyderabad-based technology startup, reported new experimental results from its hydrogen-based reactor technology, including unusual heat generation and elemental signatures associated with rare-earth and other elements. The findings could potentially open a new technology pathway that combines critical-material recovery with useful heat generation. However, the company is continuing its research to determine the origin and significance of the observed elemental signatures. The development comes as industries and governments seek alternative sources of strategic materials while simultaneously pursuing cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.

Rare-Earth Materials Gain Strategic Importance

Rare-earth elements play an important role in a wide range of advanced technologies, including permanent magnets, electric vehicles, electronics, robotics, wind turbines, aerospace and defence systems. However, the global supply and processing of these materials remain concentrated in a limited number of regions. Consequently, securing reliable sources of rare-earth and other critical materials has become an increasingly important strategic priority for countries such as India. Against this backdrop, Hylenr is investigating whether its hydrogen-loaded materials technology could eventually contribute to the production or recovery of selected critical materials.

Study Presented at ICCF-27

The company’s study, “Nuclear Signatures in a Hydrogen-Loaded Ni–Pd Lattice Confinement System,” was presented at the 27th International Conference on Condensed Matter Nuclear Science (ICCF-27) in Niagara Falls, Canada, held from 31 August to 4 September. The research examined potential non-conventional nuclear processes in hydrogen-loaded materials, with a particular focus on heat generation and changes in the material and surrounding gases. As part of the experiments, researchers observed increased signals associated with helium, neon and argon. At the same time, nitrogen levels, which could indicate atmospheric leakage, did not show a corresponding increase.

Material Analysis Shows Localised Changes

Following the experiments, Hylenr conducted post-operation analysis of the materials. The analysis identified localised surface changes, new surface structures and altered elemental distributions. These observations have prompted further investigation into the processes taking place within the hydrogen-loaded material system. Across its wider materials research programme, Hylenr reports signatures associated with 32 elements, including lighter elements, heavier elements and rare-earth elements. The company is continuing to investigate whether these observations can be reproduced consistently and what mechanisms could account for the reported elemental changes.

Potential Link Between Energy and Critical Materials

According to Siddharth Durairajan, Co-founder and Board Member, Hylenr Technologies, the combination of energy generation and critical-material production could represent an important opportunity for the technology. He said the company sees potential for developing a new technology platform capable of generating reliable heat for industrial applications while exploring the production of strategically important materials. Meanwhile, Ram Ramaseshan, Co-founder and Board Member, Hylenr Technologies, noted that demand for critical materials is increasing across the energy, mobility and advanced-technology sectors. He said the company’s rare-earth findings could point towards a potential alternative approach for selected rare-earth and other strategically important materials.

Hylenr Advances Testing and Scale-Up Research

Hylenr has now entered the next phase of its research programme. The company is focusing on controlled reaction products, performance evaluation and technology scale-up. In addition, Hylenr is expanding its materials and isotope analysis to establish the origin of the reported elemental signatures. The company will also assess whether the findings have practical potential for selected rare-earth and other critical materials. Further testing will be important to determine the reproducibility, mechanism and potential industrial applications of the reported results.

Growing Research Interest in Metal-Hydrogen Systems

The research comes amid growing scientific interest in how metal environments can influence nuclear behaviour. A 2026 study published in Nature Communications reported unexpectedly high low-energy fusion yields in palladium and titanium hydrides, highlighting the potential influence of the surrounding metal environment. Hylenr’s research adds to this broader area of investigation by examining hydrogen-loaded metal systems and their reported heat and elemental signatures.

Indian Patent Supports Hylenr’s Technology Development

Hylenr Technologies holds an Indian patent covering its low-energy nuclear reactor technology. The company has cited the patent grant as recognition of the inventive aspects of its technology. As per the press release, as research progresses, Hylenr plans to further validate its experimental observations through controlled testing, advanced materials analysis and isotope studies. These efforts will help determine whether the reported rare-earth and other elemental signatures can translate into a scalable technology for critical-material recovery and industrial heat generation.

Recyclekaro, an e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling company, expanded its international presence through a strategic collaboration with the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK). The partnership will focus on developing e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling capabilities and critical mineral recovery infrastructure in Uzbekistan. The initiative aims to strengthen regional resource recovery while supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable critical-mineral supply chains.

India-Uzbekistan Partnership Supports Critical Minerals

The collaboration follows India’s Prime Minister’s recent State Visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where India and Uzbekistan elevated bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the visit, both countries identified critical minerals, trade, investment and energy transition as key areas for deeper cooperation. In addition, the two nations highlighted opportunities in mineral processing, recycling and the development of integrated value chains. Against this backdrop, the Recyclekaro-TMK partnership aims to translate growing bilateral cooperation into a technology-led recycling and resource recovery initiative.

Joint Venture to Establish Recycling Facility in Uzbekistan

Recyclekaro and TMK will establish a joint venture facility in Uzbekistan for the recycling of e-waste and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, along with critical mineral recovery. Recyclekaro will contribute its expertise in recycling technology, project development and plant operations. Meanwhile, feasibility studies are already underway to assess the proposed facility’s scale and commercial viability. The partners will announce the facility’s capacity once the assessment is complete. The project will be developed from the ground up and will initially operate as a critical metal recovery hub for Uzbekistan.

Facility to Expand Across Central Asia

The first phase will focus on recovering critical metals within Uzbekistan. Subsequently, the second phase will expand the facility’s feedstock base to include e-waste and end-of-life batteries from across Central Asia. The facility is also expected to provide an end-to-end recovery ecosystem within Uzbekistan, covering activities from collection and processing to critical metal recovery. This integrated approach can help improve resource efficiency while reducing the dependence on conventional sources of strategic materials.

Recyclekaro Highlights Role of Urban Mining

Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director, Recyclekaro, said the transition to a clean-energy economy depends not only on securing new sources of critical minerals but also on recovering and reusing materials already available. He highlighted the growing importance of advanced recycling and urban mining in building resilient and sustainable supply chains for strategic materials. According to Gupta, the collaboration with TMK represents an important step in taking India’s recycling expertise to international markets. Furthermore, he said that technology, innovation and cross-border partnerships can accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.

Partnership to Strengthen Central Asia’s Recycling Ecosystem

The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of a regional recycling ecosystem in Central Asia. By recovering valuable materials through urban mining, the project can support sustainable resource management and create new opportunities for critical mineral recovery. Moreover, the initiative aligns with the broader India-Uzbekistan vision of strengthening industrial cooperation in mineral resource processing, value-added production and recycling. The two governments have also agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals through joint initiatives covering geological exploration, mining, mineral processing and integrated value-chain development.

Recyclekaro Expands Global Material Recovery Capabilities

The partnership with TMK strengthens Recyclekaro’s strategy of expanding its technology-led material recovery capabilities beyond India. At the same time, the initiative supports global efforts to develop sustainable solutions for e-waste management, lithium-ion battery recycling and critical mineral recovery. As per the press release, as demand for critical minerals continues to rise alongside the clean-energy transition, the new Uzbekistan facility could provide a platform for Recyclekaro to expand its recycling expertise across Central Asia while supporting the region’s emerging circular economy.

Godavari Biorefineries Limited received a patent from the European Patent Office (EPO) for its invention titled “A Biofiller for Rubber Reinforcement.” The patent highlights the company’s continued focus on science-led innovation and expands its research capabilities into advanced and sustainable industrial materials.

Bio-Based Filler Designed to Replace Carbon Black

Godavari Biorefineries has developed a biodegradable and eco-friendly biofiller from lignocellulosic biomass. The material is designed to partially replace conventional carbon black used in tyres and other rubber products. The biofiller aims to maintain or improve key mechanical properties while offering potential environmental and economic benefits. In addition, its manufacturing process is designed to be scalable, supporting applications across a wide range of rubber products. By using renewable biomass as a raw material, the technology could help reduce dependence on conventional fossil-based reinforcing materials while maintaining the performance required by rubber applications.

Combining Sustainability with Rubber Performance

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said that the company views biomass as more than a conventional feedstock. He emphasised that developing successful bio-based alternatives requires more than simply replacing an existing material. Such alternatives must also deliver consistent performance in real-world applications. According to Somaiya, the new biofiller combines renewable biomass, materials science and industrial performance requirements, while the European patent recognises the innovation behind the technology.

Biofiller Targets Reduced Dependence on Fossil-Based Materials

Carbon black remains an important reinforcing material in rubber manufacturing because it contributes to strength, durability and overall performance. However, developing a bio-based filler capable of partially replacing carbon black while maintaining comparable performance presents a significant materials science challenge. Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, and co-inventor of the patent, said the company is working at the intersection of performance and sustainability. She added that the development could help explore renewable alternatives that reduce dependence on fossil-based reinforcing materials without compromising the performance of rubber compounds. Dr Srivastava co-invented the patent along with Manisha Jadhav and Prof. Vinod Malshe.

European Patent Strengthens Godavari’s Innovation Portfolio

The European patent further expands Godavari Biorefineries’ intellectual property portfolio and reinforces its focus on developing sustainable, biomass-based technologies. Moreover, the biofiller technology could create opportunities across multiple rubber-product applications while supporting the broader shift towards renewable materials and more sustainable industrial manufacturing. As per the press release, with this latest patent, Godavari Biorefineries continues to explore innovative ways to convert biomass into value-added products while contributing to the development of more environmentally responsible material solutions.

Solarworld Energy Solutions Limited and Rays Power Infra Limited have formed a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to establish a 2.4 GW solar cell manufacturing facility at Mohasa-Babai in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh. The proposed facility will cover approximately 41.30 acres and manufacture high-efficiency N-Type TOPCon G12R solar cells, strengthening India’s domestic solar manufacturing capabilities.

JV to Strengthen Solar Manufacturing Integration

The new joint venture will create a backward-integrated solar manufacturing platform, connecting solar cell production with module manufacturing and utility-scale solar projects. The facility is expected to support a more integrated supply chain while helping the partners strengthen their presence across different stages of the solar energy value chain. The JV will operate through Rays Green Energy Manufacturing Private Limited, which focuses on the manufacturing, design, development, trading, import, export, assembly, operation and maintenance of renewable energy products.

Solarworld to Invest Up to ₹100 Crore

Solarworld Energy Solutions will acquire a 50% stake in Rays Green Energy Manufacturing Private Limited. The company plans to invest up to ₹100 crore in the venture, including an initial investment of ₹26.82 crore. The investment will support the development of the proposed solar cell manufacturing facility and establish a stronger domestic supply chain for solar components.

Focus on Cell Supply and Solar EPC Growth

The investment will enable Solarworld Energy Solutions to strengthen its backward integration strategy and secure long-term supplies of solar cells. At the same time, the company aims to reduce its dependence on third-party cell suppliers. This approach can provide greater control over supply, production planning and project execution. Furthermore, the new manufacturing platform will support Solarworld’s existing solar EPC and module manufacturing operations, creating greater integration between cell production, module manufacturing and utility-scale solar project development. As reported by renewablewatch.in, through the JV, Solarworld Energy Solutions and Rays Power Infra aim to build a more integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem while supporting the continued expansion of India’s renewable energy and domestic solar manufacturing sector.

Enviro Infra Engineers Limited (EIEL), an EPC company specialising in water and wastewater treatment, expanded its presence in renewable energy through its subsidiary Suyog Urja Limited. Suyog Urja has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to execute EPC turnkey works for a 180 MW NTPC Wind Power Project at Parli, Maharashtra. The contract is valued at ₹224.19 crore and is scheduled for completion by 31 March 2027.

Suyog Urja to Execute Wind Turbine Foundation Works

Suyog Urja will undertake Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) foundation works, Balance of Plant (BoP) activities and 33 kV transmission line works. The WTG foundation package covers civil foundation construction for 58 wind turbine generators. In addition, the company will manage the associated reinforcement steel and geotechnical requirements needed for the foundations.

Balance of Plant Works Cover Key Infrastructure

As part of the BoP scope, Suyog Urja will develop an approximately 39-acre storage yard to support project execution and material management. The company will also coordinate and manage Right of Way (ROW) requirements for material movement. Furthermore, the scope includes construction of access roads, pathways and crane pads, along with other supporting civil and infrastructure works. These facilities will provide the essential infrastructure required to support the installation and operation of the wind power project.

Strengthening Renewable Energy Portfolio

Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Enviro Infra Engineers Limited, said the contract represents an important milestone in the company’s expansion into the wind EPC segment. He noted that the project demonstrates the capabilities developed through Suyog Urja and strengthens EIEL’s ability to participate in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects. Jain also highlighted that the 180 MW wind project complements the company’s growing presence across solar, wind and energy storage. Meanwhile, EIEL plans to continue developing a diversified renewable energy platform supported by technical expertise, execution capabilities and disciplined project delivery.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Transition

The ₹224.19 crore LOI further strengthens Enviro Infra Engineers’ growing renewable energy portfolio. At the same time, it supports the company’s strategy of developing diversified and integrated capabilities across the clean energy infrastructure ecosystem. As India continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, projects such as the Parli wind development are creating opportunities for EPC companies with capabilities across civil, electrical and infrastructure works. As per the press release, with the new order, Suyog Urja and Enviro Infra Engineers are positioned to play a larger role in India’s expanding wind energy and clean energy infrastructure market.