HP Green R&D Centre (HPGRDC), the research facility of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), has announced a landmark partnership with Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to commercialise its indigenously developed Hydrogen Pressure Swing Adsorption (HP-PSA) technology.

The strategic collaboration marks a significant step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in advanced technologies, aligning with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Roles in the Partnership

Under the agreement, HP Green R&D Centre will serve as Technology Licensor and EIL will take on the role of the exclusive Technology Partner.

EIL will be responsible for the engineering, marketing, and commercialisation of the HP-PSA technology within India.

Proven and Reliable

The HP-PSA technology, developed by HP Green R&D Centre, has already proven its capabilities.

It has been successfully tested through a commercial-scale greenfield 6-bed H2 PSA unit at HPCL’s Visakh Refinery.

The unit has operated seamlessly for over nine years, showcasing the technology’s reliability and efficiency.

This breakthrough positions HPCL as India’s first and the world’s third Hydrogen PSA Technology Licensor.

The technology offers a robust solution to the growing demand for hydrogen in the energy sector.

Widespread Adoption

HPCL’s Executive Director of R&D, Vipul Kumar Maheshwari, expressed hapiness about the partnership.

He highlighted EIL’s expertise in executing major oil and gas projects, which will play a crucial role in the widespread adoption of the HP-PSA technology.

“This collaboration will contribute significantly to India’s technological self-reliance and reinforce our commitment to innovation and continual improvement,” Maheshwari said.

Energy Independence

The collaboration between HPCL and EIL aims to indigenise the hydrogen technology landscape in India. It will provide comprehensive solutions to the industry and strengthen the nation’s energy independence.

A Hub for Innovation

The HP Green R&D Centre, located in Bengaluru, serves as HPCL’s premier research hub.

It houses 20 state-of-the-art laboratories focusing on various fields, including crude evaluation, petrochemical processes, engine development, battery technology, and more.

Over the years, HPGRDC has made significant breakthroughs in technology, leading to innovations in refining processes, cost efficiency, and product development.

The centre has developed and commercialised 61 novel technologies and products.

Additionally, it has filed 614 patents (265 Indian and 349 international) and has been granted 233 patents.

As reported by siliconindia.com, through this collaboration, HPCL and EIL aim to take a significant step forward in India’s energy and technology sectors thereby further reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Shyam Metalics Expands Production and Facilities

Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd. (SMEL) has officially commissioned a new blast furnace and established a sinter plant at its Jamuria facility.

The major venture, backed by an investment of Rs. 600 crore is set to enhance production capacity to meet the growing demand for superior steel across various industries.

Significant Boost in Production Capacity

With the new blast furnace in operation, the plant’s capacity has increased from 0.45 MTPA to 0.77 MTPA.

The furnace features three top-fired stoves and utilizes modern dry gas cleaning technology.

It also incorporates state-of-the-art coal dust injection, capable of handling up to 550 cubic meters in blast furnace steelmaking.

The enhancement is expected as 0.77 MTPA in steel production and to boost profits approximately Rs. 700 per MTPA.

Commitment to Energy Efficiency

Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of SMEL, highlighted that the development would strengthen India’s steel production capacity.

the facility for sustainability featuring an 18 MW Top Gas Pressure Recovery Turbine (TRT) that recovers an additional 10% of energy thus improving operational efficiency.

The plant’s advanced evaporative cooling system reduces water and electricity consumption by approximately 20% compared to traditional methods.

The facility is designed for zero process water discharge and for maximizing overall process efficiency.

Cost Efficiency

As part of the expansion, Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd. has also commissioned a 1.11 MTPA sinter plant.

The plant will convert iron ore fines into a usable feedstock for the blast furnace, leading to reduced manufacturing costs and improved operational efficiency.

Advanced Technology Integration

SMEL’s commitment to improved manufacturing efficiency is evident in its brownfield expansion. The Jamuria facility incorporates high-temperature hot blast technology, reaching up to 1200°C, and operates at a peak pressure of 1.5 bar.

This allows for increased coal infusion and energy savings, supported by engineering expertise from SDM of China.

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the strategic enhancement marks a significant milestone for SMEL, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable growth and operational excellence in the steel industry.

Birla Carbon announced that all its carbon black manufacturing units worldwide have successfully obtained ISCC PLUS certification.

This milestone highlights the brands dedication to sustainable practices and industry leadership.

CEO’s Statement

John Loudermilk, President and CEO of Birla Carbon expressed, “Achieving ISCC PLUS certification across all our global carbon black manufacturing plants is not just a milestone for Birla Carbon but a testament to our leadership in driving sustainability and circularity in the industry”.

He added, “This accomplishment, alongside the recent launch of our first Asia Post Treatment Plant in India and the introduction of Continua™ 8030 Sustainable Carbonaceous Material, reinforces our commitment to setting new benchmarks and meeting the growing demand for sustainable products.”

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Loudermilk emphasized the company’s ongoing mission to innovate and support customers while promoting sustainability.

He noted, “As we continue to innovate, we remain dedicated to supporting our customers and fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come, living our Purpose, to share the strength.”

Certification Explained

The ISCC PLUS certification ensures compliance with sustainability standards for bio-based and circular raw materials.

It guarantees traceability throughout the supply chain. Thus validating Birla Carbon’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable operations.

Strengthening Leadership in Sustainable Manufacturing

This certification solidifies Birla Carbon’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing. It underscores the company’s focus on environmentally responsible practices and supports its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Brand Talk

Birla Carbon is a global supplier of carbon-based solutions and a flagship business of the Aditya Birla Group.

The company offers sustainable carbon black solutions that improve product performance across industries. These include paints, coatings, plastics, inks, tires, textiles, adhesives, and energy systems.

Birla Carbon operates in fourteen countries, maintaining seventeen manufacturing facilities and three state-of-the-art technology centers located in Marietta (USA), Taloja (India), and Sambreville (Belgium).

BASF has officially inaugurated its new production line for water-based dispersions in Heerenveen, the Netherlands.

BASF expansion development increases production capacity without adding CO2 emissions. The expansion utilized the existing infrastructure and buildings, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

The new installation runs on electricity powered by green energy from the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm. BASF operates this wind farm in partnership with Vattenfall and Allianz.

Commitment to Climate Goals

Sjoerd Visser, Site Manager at BASF’s Heerenveen location mentioned, “I am proud that we have expanded without additional CO2 emissions. Our goal is to make our site CO2 neutral and support BASF’s climate protection targets, and also aim to grow and provide products with a low ecological footprint”.

Adapting to Market Needs

The coatings, printing, and packaging markets are undergoing significant transitions driven by consumer demand for sustainable solutions. The new production line positions BASF to meet these evolving needs.

“The BASF expansion enables us to scale up the production of strategically important products,” Visser said.

The Shift and opportunities

He added, “It supports the shift in the value chain from plastic to paper-based packaging and enhances our water-based products with functional properties like barrier protection”.

The new facility strengthens BASF’s operations and opens up opportunities to increase the proportion of bio-based products in its portfolio.

The expansion will have a significant impact on the printing and packaging industry and the coatings sector.

Enhanced Production of Key Products

BASF’s expansion will increase its production capacity and enhance output.

Joncryl® is used in sustainable inks for food packaging as a water-based polymer. It offers long-lasting color retention and is environmentally safe.

The press release stated that Acronal Pro® water-based polymers deliver durable and high-quality solutions that enhance the color and gloss of paints and varnishes.

Leveraging Infrastructure and Expertise

Visser noted, “These are challenging times. Our innovation team is dedicated to tackling these challenges and maintaining our role as a key player in Europe for our customers.”

Apollo Green Energy, an engineering and construction firm specializing in renewable energy, announced plans to set up a 500-megawatt (MW) solar module plant within the next two to three years.

The facility will be located in Madhya Pradesh and will provide components for the company’s projects.

CEO Sanjay Gupta indicated that they may consider increasing the plant’s capacity, though he did not provide additional details.

IPO Planned for 2025

Apollo Green Energy intends to tap into the domestic public markets in 2025 to support the execution of new projects.

“We are actively following market trends and collaborating with financial consultants to determine a fair valuation for the initial public offering,” said Gupta.

He expects to finalize the IPO size in the next three to four months.

Current Projects and Growth Strategy

The company is currently managing 400 MW of solar installations along with other engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects.

The brand aims to diversify into wind energy, green hydrogen, and battery storage solutions as part of its expansion strategy.

Ambitious Revenue Targets
As reported by reuters.com, Apollo Green Energy’s current order book stands at $416 million. The company plans to triple this figure, aiming for an order book of 100 billion rupees by the end of the financial year.

In a landmark move towards advancing sustainable energy, two Maharatna public sector undertakings, NTPC and ONGC, have announced the formation of a joint venture company through their respective green energy subsidiaries.

NTPC and ONGC Form Joint Venture

The collaboration of NTPC and ONGC, which was formalized on February 7, 2024, during the India Energy Week, brings together NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL) and ONGC Green Energy Ltd. (OGL).

The companies will operate the joint venture on an equal partnership basis.

The venture has already received clearances from DIPAM and NITI Aayog. It is now awaiting final approval from the ministry of corporate affairs.

Expanding Initiatives

The joint venture combines the expertise and resources of two energy sector giants, strengthening India’s renewable energy sector. The new entity will focus on a wide array of renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power initiatives, both onshore and offshore.

Pioneering Green Technologies

In addition to renewable energy production, the venture plans to invest in energy storage solutions.

These will include pumped storage facilities and battery systems to support grid stability.

The joint venture also aims to lead in emerging green technologies such as hydrogen, ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel, and green methanol production.

Expansion and Acquisition of NTPC and ONGC

The joint venture has ambitious plans to acquire existing renewable energy assets. It will target upcoming offshore wind energy projects along India’s coastlines, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

The Commitment

The collaboration underscores India’s commitment to accelerating its transition to sustainable energy sources.

As reported by knnindia.co.in, the venture positions NTPC and ONGC as key players in the nation’s green energy revolution.

Kothari Petrochemicals Ltd (KPL), a player in the manufacture of polyisobutylene (PIB), has announced plans to expand its operations.

The company’s Board has approved the purchase of land in Andhra Pradesh for ₹74 crore. This strategic move will support KPL’s long-term growth objectives.

Financial Results

Kothari Petrochemicals Ltd reported its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. The company posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹16.33 crore, which marks a decline from ₹18.54 crore during the same period last year.

The drop in PAT was primarily attributed to a change in the raw material mix.

Despite the decline in PAT, the company saw an increase in revenue from operations. KPL’s revenue grew to ₹180.59 crore, up from ₹161.55 crore in the second quarter of the previous fiscal year.

For the half-year period, KPL’s PAT was ₹35.69 crore, a slight improvement from ₹34.20 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Continued Dominance

In FY24, KPL maintained its position as the only manufacturer of PIB in India.

The company met approximately 91% of India’s demand for conventional PIB. Domestic consumption of PIB grew by 15% during the year.

KPL operates a manufacturing facility in Manali, Chennai, with an annual production capacity of about 48,000 tons.

In FY24, the company produced 40,782 tons of PIB, a significant increase from 32,640 tonnes in FY23.

Raw Materials and Applications

KPL sources its raw materials from CPCL and other suppliers, including Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), to produce PIB.

The company manufactures various grades of PIB for use in industries such as lube oils, plastics, paints, and rubber.

Isobutylene derives PIB, a versatile liquid polymer widely used in automotive applications, including fuel and lubricant additives. It also serves in transmission fluids, adhesives, sealants, and cosmetics.

The Evolution

Founded in 1989, KPL initially focused on manufacturing caustic soda. The company established a backward integration for Kothari Sugars and Chemicals Ltd’s (KSCL) nitro chloro benzene (NCB) business.

KPL later sold its chlor-alkali unit in Karaikal, Puducherry, to Chemplast Sanmar Ltd. For a period, KPL operated primarily as a shell company.

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, in 2006, KPL merged with Primetra Technologies Private Ltd (PTPL), marking a shift in focus toward PIB production. Since the merger, PIB manufacturing has been the company’s core business.

Godrej & Boyce, a Godrej Enterprises Group company, successfully dispatched over 20 critical pieces of equipment to two refineries in Mexico.

Godrej & Boyce: Global Reach

In the past three years, the company has significantly increased its market share in the Americas. The company has provided supplies for prestigious projects in both the USA and Mexico.

Godrej & Boyce supplied equipment is designed to support the refineries’ goals of fostering local economic growth and enhancing the country’s refining capabilities.

The successful execution includes advanced high-pressure reactors and large columns.

The reactors feature specialized Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel construction. This provides strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, heat, and wear. All these are essential characteristics for demanding refinery operations.

Head Talk

Hussain Shariyarr, EVP-BH, Process Equipment division, Godrej & Boyce stated, “The successful delivery of these critical reactors and columns underscores the trust global clients place in our advanced manufacturing capabilities. We continuously evolve to produce equipment that supports such projects. With exports accounting for over 70% of our business, we focus on expanding our global presence while catering to growing domestic demand”.

The Brand

The Godrej Enterprises Group operates across five continents, holding a market-leading position in diverse sectors. 

As per company press release, these include Aerospace, Aviation, Defence, Energy, Locks and Security Solutions, Green Building Consulting, Construction and EPC Services, Intralogistics, Tooling, Healthcare Equipment, Consumer Durables, Engines and Motors, Furniture, Architectural Fittings, IT Solutions, and Vending Machines.

The seventh session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was held in New Delhi. India elected as president and France as co-president for a two-year term from 2024 to 2026.

As India secured its presidency without opposition, the spotlight shifted to the competitive race between France and Grenada for the coveted co-presidency position.

The Regions

The assembly elects its president and co-president based on equitable geographic representation.

International Solar Alliance members belong to four regional categories such as Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Others, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Rest of the Pack

Ghana and Seychelles have been appointed vice presidents for Africa, showcasing their growing influence and leadership on the continent. Australia and Sri Lanka will represent Asia and the Pacific.

Germany and Italy will serve for Europe and Others, and Grenada and Suriname will represent Latin America and the Caribbean.

Initiatives and Appointments

Ministers from 29 countries met at the ISA Assembly to discuss key initiatives on energy access, security, and transition. These discussions aimed to address pressing global challenges.

The assembly appointed Ashish Khanna from India as its third director-general. Other candidates included Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo from Ghana and Gosaye Mengistie Abayneh from Ethiopia. The outgoing Director-General, Dr. Ajay Mathur, will complete his term on March 14, 2025. Under his leadership, the ISA advanced numerous projects and innovations to promote solar energy.

The Organisation

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is collaborating with governments worldwide to improve global energy access and security.

The organization aims to mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 and also focusing on reducing technology and financing costs.

Collaborations

The ISA collaborates with multilateral development banks, financial institutions, and various organizations to provide cost-effective solar energy solutions.

As reported by pv-magazine.com, the collaboration focuses on supporting the least-developed countries, small island developing states, and vulnerable regions.

Neste, Alterra, and Technip Energies signed an agreement to advance the circularity of plastics through standardized chemical recycling, known as “advanced recycling.” This collaboration will provide the industry with a modular, standardized technology solution based on Alterra’s proprietary liquefaction technology. The goal is to support global stakeholders in building chemical recycling capacity.

Benefits of Modular Liquefaction Solutions

The partnership’s modular plant design offers numerous advantages. These include  reduced pre-investment costs, accelerated project timelines, predictable economics, and decreased overall capital expenditures.

This standardized solution aims to facilitate more efficient execution of chemical recycling projects. It will also help reduce reliance on virgin fossil resources, boosting the circularity of polymers and chemicals.

Proven Liquefaction Technology by Alterra

Alterra’s liquefaction technology is a thermochemical process that converts hard-to-recycle plastics into liquid hydrocarbon products. These liquid intermediates can be refined into high-quality raw materials for new plastics and chemicals. Neste has already processed over 6,000 tons of plastic-derived feeds, including ISCC PLUS-certified oil from Alterra’s industrial-scale facility in Ohio.

A History of Collaboration

Neste and Alterra began collaborating on chemical recycling in 2021, focusing on improving Alterra’s technology and building related value chains. Alterra partnered with Technip Energies in 2022. Now, the three companies Neste, Alterra, and Technip Energies are combining efforts. Alterra and Neste will license the liquefaction technology. Technip Energies will design, engineer, and deliver the standardized plant solution worldwide.

Statements from Key Leaders

Frederic Schmuck, CEO of Alterra Energy, highlighted the technology’s development: “We have a proven liquefaction technology with 15 years of research and improvement. Now, we are making it easier for companies to invest in liquefaction, enabling a copy-paste solution that supports rapid, economical scaling of recycling capacities globally.”

Andreas Teir, head of chemical recycling at Neste, stated, “The demand for sustainable solutions is strong, and we are prepared to meet it. We have experience processing circular feedstocks into high-quality petrochemical raw materials and plan to expand these volumes in the coming years. The new technology offering will help us meet our own growing need for liquefied waste plastic.”

Bhaskar Patel, SVP of Sustainable Fuels, Chemicals & Circularity at Technip Energies, noted industry trends: “The circularity market wants proven technology with low pre-investment costs to support 2030 climate goals. We are excited to offer Alterra’s proven technology, enhanced with Neste’s input, along with our modular solution. We believe this will drive the rapid deployment of chemical recycling capacities.”

Conclusion

As per the press release, the collaboration between Neste, Alterra, and Technip Energies presents a comprehensive solution for chemical recycling, supporting industries worldwide in adopting sustainable and scalable practices.