Aker Solutions signed an agreement with Microsoft to accelerate the development and delivery of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects worldwide. The collaboration aims to improve project maturity and bankability while reducing execution risks. Furthermore, the companies will help project developers strengthen investment readiness and move promising projects more efficiently towards final investment decisions (FID).

Supporting CCS and CDR Projects from Development to Execution

Aker Solutions will work with a broad range of stakeholders, including project developers, industrial emitters, transport and storage providers, industry organisations and governments. The partnership will focus on helping projects overcome technical and commercial barriers. In particular, the companies will support developers in improving project maturity and bankability, reducing development and execution risks, strengthening investment readiness, exploring opportunities linked to carbon removal credits and accelerating projects towards final investment decisions. As a result, the collaboration is designed to help move CCS and CDR projects from early concepts towards commercial execution.

Combining Digital Technology with Engineering Expertise

The partnership brings together complementary capabilities from both companies. Microsoft will contribute its expertise in digital technologies, data, artificial intelligence (AI), monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), and carbon markets. Aker Solutions will provide techno-economic advisory services as well as end-to-end engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) capabilities. By combining digital solutions with engineering and project execution expertise, the companies aim to create a more integrated approach to developing carbon management projects.

Single Pathway from Feasibility to Operations

As selected CCS and CDR projects progress towards FID, Aker Solutions and Microsoft plan to provide integrated engineering and execution support. This approach could give project developers a single pathway from early-stage feasibility through project execution and ultimately to operations. Consequently, developers can potentially reduce the complexity involved in coordinating multiple technology, engineering, data and verification partners throughout the project lifecycle.

Aker Solutions Highlights Need for Value-Chain Collaboration

Kjetel Digre, CEO of Aker Solutions, said many carbon capture and removal projects face similar challenges when moving from concept to commercial reality. “As the market matures, success will depend on strong collaboration across the value chain.” He added that the partnership with Microsoft will help project developers navigate complexity, strengthen business cases and support the next generation of CCS and CDR projects.

Microsoft Advances Carbon Removal Ambitions

Microsoft has set a target to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove its historical emissions by 2050. To support these goals, the company has worked to expand the market for durable carbon dioxide removal through long-term purchasing agreements. It has also shared its experience and learnings to support greater transparency in the emerging carbon removal market.

Digital MRV and AI Could Strengthen Project Execution

Darryl Willis, Corporate Vice President, Energy and Resources at Microsoft, said the company supports collaborations that address the entire carbon management value chain. The partnership will connect physical infrastructure with trusted data, AI and digital monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) capabilities. According to Microsoft, bringing these complementary capabilities together can help reduce project risks and accelerate credible CCS and carbon removal projects globally.

Strengthening the Global CCS and CDR Ecosystem

The Aker Solutions–Microsoft collaboration comes as industries and governments seek scalable solutions to reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors and increase carbon dioxide removal. By combining AI, digital technologies, carbon markets, engineering and project execution capabilities, the partnership aims to help promising CCS and CDR projects progress more efficiently from planning to investment and eventually commercial operations. As per the press release, the collaboration could support the wider development of global carbon capture, storage and removal infrastructure while helping project developers build stronger and more investment-ready projects.

Uniflow Controls is investing ₹50 crore (US$5 million) to expand its annual control valve production capacity by more than five times, from around 8,000 units to 40,000–50,000 units. The expansion comes as refiners, petrochemical companies, LNG operators and power producers increase capital spending and seek greater domestic availability of critical industrial equipment. As part of the expansion, Uniflow is developing a new Industry 4.0-compliant manufacturing facility at Ambernath near Mumbai. The facility will also help the company enter specialised applications in the LNG and nuclear energy sectors.

Addressing India’s Control Valve Import Dependence

India currently imports an estimated 35–40% of critical severe-service control valves. Moreover, imported equipment can require 26–40 weeks for procurement, potentially creating supply bottlenecks as the country expands its refining, petrochemical and power infrastructure. Therefore, increasing domestic manufacturing capacity could help reduce import dependence while improving the availability of specialised control valves for critical industries.

Advanced Valves for Critical Industrial Applications

Control valves play a crucial role in regulating the flow, pressure and temperature of liquids and gases across industrial facilities. Although often operating behind the scenes, these components are essential to the safe and efficient operation of refineries, chemical plants, LNG facilities, power stations and pharmaceutical manufacturing units. Uniflow plans to focus on high-performance valves designed for demanding operating conditions, including high-pressure, cryogenic, anti-cavitation and corrosion-resistant applications.

Industry 4.0 Technologies to Drive Manufacturing

The Ambernath facility will integrate several advanced manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, quality and operational efficiency. These technologies will include CNC machinery for precision manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems, AI-enabled predictive maintenance, computer-vision-based inspection, automated inventory and storage systems and flexible manufacturing for customised valve production. The company expects the facility to support faster prototyping, greater production flexibility and more efficient manufacturing of specialised control valves.

Building Capabilities for LNG and Nuclear Energy

According to Managing Director Manoj Mishra, the investment is aimed not only at increasing production capacity but also at creating a future-ready manufacturing ecosystem combining automation, engineering expertise and operational flexibility. The expanded capabilities will allow Uniflow to strengthen its position in the domestic market while entering specialised LNG and nuclear energy applications. In addition, the company plans to develop capabilities that can support its expansion into global markets.

Supporting India’s Industrial Self-Reliance

Replacing high-end imported control valves requires more than simply increasing production volumes. Severe-service valves must operate reliably under extreme pressures and temperatures while handling cryogenic or corrosive fluids and meeting stringent safety and performance standards. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by investing in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and specialised engineering capabilities, Uniflow aims to address these requirements and contribute to India’s efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing of critical industrial equipment.

Overall, the Ambernath expansion positions Uniflow to benefit from India’s growing investments in refining, petrochemicals, LNG, power and nuclear energy while supporting the country’s broader drive towards industrial self-reliance and reduced import dependence.

Ceigall India Ltd strengthened its pan-India infrastructure portfolio by securing a ₹225 crore order to develop the Bulk Drug Park at Una, Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation awarded the project to the company to build critical infrastructure for the upcoming industrial ecosystem. The Letter of Award (LOA) covers Phase I of the project. The item-rate contract has an execution period of 18 months, providing Ceigall India with another significant opportunity to expand its presence in the industrial infrastructure sector.

Project Includes Roads, Drainage and Bridge Construction

The project covers several essential infrastructure works required for the development of the Bulk Drug Park. These include formation cutting and site development, construction of internal roads, stormwater drainage systems, bridge construction and boundary fencing and associated works. By developing this core infrastructure, Ceigall India will help establish the connectivity and basic facilities required to support industrial activities within the park.

Bulk Drug Park to Support Industrial Development

The Una Bulk Drug Park is expected to strengthen the region’s industrial ecosystem by providing infrastructure for pharmaceutical and bulk drug manufacturing activities. The project aligns with India’s broader focus on strengthening domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and developing industrial infrastructure. The new order therefore adds an important industrial-development project to Ceigall India’s growing portfolio.

Ceigall India Expands Its Pan-India Footprint

The ₹225 crore order also supports Ceigall India’s strategy of expanding its geographical presence and diversifying across infrastructure segments. Ramneek Sehgal, Managing Director of Ceigall India Limited, said the Una project represents another milestone in the company’s sustained growth. He highlighted the company’s expanding order portfolio across geographies and infrastructure segments as evidence of customer confidence in its execution capabilities. He further emphasised Ceigall India’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure that can strengthen industrial growth, improve connectivity and support India’s long-term economic development under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Strengthening India’s Industrial Infrastructure

The Bulk Drug Park project reinforces Ceigall India’s role in India’s evolving industrial infrastructure landscape. By combining its execution expertise with projects that support manufacturing and connectivity, the company aims to contribute to a stronger and more resilient industrial economy. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the Una project will consequently add to Ceigall India’s pan-India footprint while supporting the development of infrastructure for India’s growing pharmaceutical and bulk drug manufacturing ecosystem.

Indo Borax & Chemicals Ltd is set to acquire a 64.26% controlling stake in Vadodara-based Kronox Lab Sciences Ltd from the company’s promoters for approximately ₹246 crore. In addition, Indo Borax plans to launch an open offer to acquire up to 25.79% more equity from public shareholders. The transaction will make Indo Borax the new promoter of Kronox Lab Sciences and result in a significant change in the company’s management and control.

Indo Borax to Launch Mandatory Open Offer

As the acquisition will result in a change in control, Indo Borax will make a mandatory open offer to Kronox Lab Sciences’ public shareholders in accordance with applicable takeover regulations. Indo Borax, along with Zenrock Chemicals Private Ltd, acting as a person acting in concert, will offer to acquire up to 95.7 lakh shares, representing 25.79% of Kronox’s equity share capital. If the open offer receives full acceptance, the combined shareholding of Indo Borax and Zenrock Chemicals could increase further, strengthening their control over Kronox Lab Sciences.

New Board to Take Charge After Acquisition

The transaction will also bring significant changes to Kronox Lab Sciences’ board and management structure. Following the completion of the acquisition, Indo Borax will appoint three nominee directors to the Kronox board. Meanwhile, the existing promoters will resign from their positions as directors, paving the way for the new management to assume control.

Founders to Support Business Transition

However, the existing promoters will continue to support the company during the transition period. According to the regulatory filing, the sellers will enter into consultancy agreements with Kronox Lab Sciences after the transaction is completed. Through these agreements, the founders will provide transition support and help ensure a smooth handover to the new management.

A Major Ownership Transition for Kronox Lab Sciences

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the acquisition marks a significant ownership and management transition for Kronox Lab Sciences. With Indo Borax set to become the new promoter and potentially increase its holding through the open offer, the transaction could reshape the company’s future ownership structure, board composition and strategic direction.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) successfully commissioned gas evacuation facilities at Khoraghat GGS-1 in Golaghat district, Assam. The facility will enable ONGC to process and evacuate surplus associated natural gas from the Upper Assam Shelf through the North East Gas Grid (NEGG). Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) has developed the regional gas pipeline network to improve energy connectivity across the North-East.

Pipeline Connectivity Unlocks Nearly One Lakh SCM Per Day

The development follows the commissioning of the Dergaon–Dimapur Pipeline, which has connected Nagaland to both the North East Gas Grid and the National Gas Grid. As a result, ONGC can now facilitate the utilisation of nearly 1 lakh Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) of natural gas per day from its Jorhat Asset. This improved connectivity will help bring additional domestic gas into the regional energy network and strengthen gas availability across the North-East.

ONGC Plans Additional Field Connections

ONGC is developing hook-up facilities at Jantapathar and Kasomarigaon to connect additional producing fields of its Jorhat Asset with the North East Gas Grid. Once operational, these facilities will further increase gas evacuation capacity and improve the utilisation of locally produced natural gas. Importantly, the projects will also help reduce gas flaring and support cleaner and more efficient energy use in the region.

Supporting Industry, Transport and Regional Growth

The expanded gas infrastructure is expected to create new opportunities across several sectors, including households, industry, transport and power generation. Moreover, greater access to natural gas can support industrial development and strengthen energy infrastructure across Assam and the wider North-East. As reported by cnbctv18.com, ONGC’s latest gas grid connectivity marks another step towards building an integrated gas-based economy in the region. By connecting more producing fields to the North East Gas Grid, ONGC aims to improve domestic gas utilisation, reduce flaring and support the Government’s vision of developing the North-East as a key growth engine for India.

The government is set to strengthen its green manufacturing ecosystem with the development of its first large-scale biopolymer facility at the Kumbhi sugar unit of Balrampur Chini Mills Limited in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. The facility is expected to become operational by October 2026. The company is developing the fully integrated greenfield project with an investment of around Rs. 3,080 crore. The facility will convert locally sourced sugarcane into Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable and bio-based alternative to conventional plastics. Operating under the Balrampur Bioyug brand, the project aims to support India’s transition towards sustainable materials and reduce dependence on conventional petroleum-based plastics.

80,000-Ton Annual PLA Production Capacity

The upcoming plant will have an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes of PLA, creating a major industrial-scale platform for biodegradable plastic manufacturing in India. By using sugarcane as a renewable agricultural feedstock, the facility will integrate agricultural processing with advanced biopolymer production. As a result, the project is expected to create new opportunities for value addition across the agriculture and manufacturing value chains. The large-scale production of PLA could support the wider adoption of biodegradable plastics across packaging and other industrial applications.

Sustainable Manufacturing with Renewable Energy

The project has been designed with a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing. It will incorporate renewable energy systems and a zero liquid discharge mechanism to minimise its environmental footprint. The facility will support the development of cleaner manufacturing processes while promoting the use of renewable resources. The project also aligns with broader efforts to build a circular and bio-based economy in India.

Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s Bio-Economy

The biopolymer facility is located within Balrampur Chini Mills’ existing Kumbhi sugar mill premises in Gola Gokarannath, Uttar Pradesh. The foundation stone for the project was laid by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on February 22, 2025. Once operational, the project is expected to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position in India’s emerging bio-economy and green technology landscape. In addition, it could encourage further investments in bio-based materials and sustainable manufacturing technologies.

As reported by ibef.org, the Balrampur Bioyug biopolymer project represents a significant step towards expanding India’s domestic biopolymer manufacturing capabilities. By combining locally available sugarcane resources with large-scale PLA production, the facility aims to support sustainable industrial growth, strengthen the bio-based materials ecosystem and accelerate the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.

Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL), the upstream subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), completed the acquisition of Videocon’s entire shareholding in IBV Brasil Petroleo Limitada (IBV), its erstwhile joint venture in Brazil. Following the acquisition, IBV has become a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of BPRL and has been renamed BPRL Brasil Limitada. The relevant Brazilian authorities approved and registered the new name on August 19, 2026.

Strengthening BPRL’s Oil and Gas Presence in Brazil

BPRL Brasil Limitada holds participating interests in key oil and gas concessions in Brazil, including BM-SEAL-11 and BM-C-30. Notably, development activities are progressing in the BM-SEAL-11 concession through a consortium comprising Petrobras and BPRL Brasil Limitada. Once production begins, the project could contribute approximately 1 million tonnes of oil equivalent per annum to BPRL’s share of equity oil and gas production.

A New Identity and a Fresh Start

The new corporate identity marks an important milestone in BPRL’s journey in Brazil. With complete ownership of the company, BPRL can now focus more sharply on project development and future growth opportunities. At the same time, BPRL Brasil Limitada will carry forward BPCL’s core values, ethos and brand promise. For the Brazilian market, the new identity also signals a change in ownership and reinforces the company’s position as a stable and reliable long-term partner.

Growth Momentum Under Project ASPIRE

BPRL continues to advance its growth strategy under BPCL’s Project ASPIRE. The company’s investments, including its projects in Brazil and Mozambique, are progressing as planned. Currently, BPRL produces approximately 55,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from its assets across India and overseas. The company expects its production to increase significantly by 2031 as its key investments and development projects move towards production. As per the press release, the transition to BPRL Brasil Limitada represents more than a name change. It establishes a new corporate identity, strengthens BPRL’s presence in Brazil and supports BPCL’s broader strategy to expand its global upstream oil and gas portfolio.

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and renewable energy company European Energy A/S (EE) are expanding the customer base and applications for the world’s first e-methanol produced in Denmark. The
e-methanol is manufactured at a facility established by Solar Park Kassø ApS, a subsidiary of a joint venture between Mitsui and EE. Located in Kassø, Aabenraa Municipality, southern Denmark, the facility is supporting the commercial adoption of low-carbon methanol across multiple industries.

e-Methanol Expands from Shipping to Chemicals

The project delivered its first shipment of e-methanol to Danish shipping company A.P. Moller – Maersk in May 2025. Maersk uses the fuel for marine applications, demonstrating the potential of e-methanol to support the decarbonisation of shipping. Since spring 2026, the project has expanded its customer base further. It now supplies e-methanol for chemical applications to LEGO Group and global healthcare company Novo Nordisk. In addition, Mitsui and European Energy have decided to supply e-methanol to European energy company OMV as a Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) for use as a land-based transportation fuel.

Expanding Applications for Low-Carbon Methanol

The growing customer base demonstrates the versatility of e-methanol across transportation and industrial applications. In particular, its use can extend beyond marine fuel to chemical products and land-based transport. e-Methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen, generated using renewable electricity, with green carbon dioxide (CO₂) sourced from biomass. Consequently, it offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional methanol and can support emissions reduction across hard-to-abate sectors.

Existing Infrastructure Supports Faster Adoption

One of the key advantages of e-methanol is its compatibility with existing methanol infrastructure. Existing distribution networks and storage facilities can handle the fuel, reducing the need for completely new infrastructure. e-methanol can serve as a synthetic fuel for transportation applications where using green hydrogen directly remains challenging. Potential applications include marine transport, land-based vehicles and aviation.

Mitsui Targets Growth Through Energy Transformation

Mitsui has identified “Global Energy Transformation 2.0” as a key strategic initiative under its Medium-term Management Plan 2029. Through this strategy, the company aims to expand its portfolio of low-carbon energy products while developing efficient value chains that respond to rapidly changing market conditions and customer requirements. Meanwhile, demand for low-carbon methanol is expected to grow across Europe, particularly in Germany, supported by policy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III).

Supporting Europe’s Low-Carbon Energy Transition

By expanding e-methanol production and developing a diverse customer base, Mitsui and European Energy are helping accelerate the adoption of low-carbon fuels and materials. As per the press release, the growing range of applications—from shipping and chemicals to land transportation—highlights the potential of e-methanol to become an important component of Europe’s energy transition. Ultimately, strengthening the supply of low-carbon methanol can support industrial decarbonisation while contributing to a more sustainable energy system.

Enapter AG has taken another important step in implementing its asset-light business model by starting AEM stack production in China. With the new production partner Runqing Hydrogen Technology Co., Ltd. (Runqing) in Shenzhen, the company has begun manufacturing AEM stacks on a dedicated production line established specifically for Enapter’s requirements. The first stacks designed for megawatt-scale Enapter electrolysers have already been assembled and are ready for delivery. Following the current production ramp-up, Enapter expects the facility to reach its targeted output within a few weeks.

Flexible Production Capacity to Support Growing Demand

The Shenzhen facility provides Enapter with flexible manufacturing capacity that can be scaled according to market demand. As a result, the company can increase production volumes without making corresponding investments in its own fixed manufacturing infrastructure. By expanding partner-based production in China, Enapter also aims to reduce its fixed costs. The company expects the lower fixed-cost base to have a positive impact on earnings from 2027.

Runqing Brings Advanced Hydrogen Manufacturing Expertise

Runqing is part of the Runshihua Group, one of China’s leading cleantech companies. The group combines extensive hydrogen expertise with advanced capabilities focused on industrial decarbonisation. Furthermore, Runqing operates state-of-the-art, fully automated production facilities that enable it to manufacture Enapter’s AEM stacks to the required quality standards and scale production volumes as needed.

AEM Stacks Support Megawatt-Scale Electrolysers

AEM stacks are the core components of Enapter’s electrolysers, enabling the systems to produce hydrogen through anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology. With the new manufacturing partnership, Enapter can leverage modern production infrastructure to manufacture these critical components more efficiently and in larger volumes. This approach will help the company respond faster to increasing demand for green hydrogen equipment.

Enapter Targets Scalable Green Hydrogen Growth

Dr Jürgen Laakmann, CEO of Enapter AG, described the start of production in Shenzhen as an important milestone in the company’s asset-light transformation. According to Laakmann, the partnership with Runshihua has created the conditions for scalable series production within a short timeframe. He also highlighted the role of modern manufacturing facilities in producing AEM stacks cost-effectively, reliably and at high volumes. As reported by fuelcellsworks.com, the Shenzhen production launch strengthens Enapter’s manufacturing flexibility while supporting its strategy to scale electrolyser production, reduce fixed costs and respond more efficiently to the growing global demand for green hydrogen technologies.

Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) launched Jai Kisaan Navratna Cropfit, a customised fertiliser specifically developed for sugarcane cultivation in Karnataka. The company announced the launch on August 20, 2026, positioning the product as a crop-specific nutrition solution designed to support balanced nutrient management and improve sugarcane productivity.

Balanced Nutrition for Sugarcane Cultivation

Sugarcane requires a high and sustained supply of nutrients throughout its growth cycle. However, imbalanced fertiliser application, particularly excessive nitrogen use combined with inadequate secondary and micronutrient supplementation, can reduce nutrient-use efficiency, affect crop performance and impact long-term soil health. To address these challenges, Paradeep Phosphates has developed Jai Kisaan Navratna Cropfit with a balanced combination of major, secondary and micronutrients. The customised fertiliser features an NPK ratio of 14:14:13, along with 4% Sulphur, 1% Zinc, 0.1% Boron and 1% Iron. Moreover, the product is designed for basal application, helping farmers provide essential nutrients during the early stages of crop establishment.

Precision-Blended Formula Supports Efficient Nutrient Uptake

According to PPL, the fertiliser uses a precision-blended formulation with uniform granules. As a result, it aims to support consistent nutrient distribution and efficient nutrient uptake through a single application. The formulation has been developed to promote strong crop establishment while simplifying nutrient management for sugarcane growers. Furthermore, by combining major and micronutrients in one product, the company aims to encourage a more balanced approach to fertiliser application.

Approved for Sugarcane Across 13 Karnataka Districts

The Fertiliser Control Order (FCO)-approved grade has been recommended for sugarcane cultivation across 13 districts in Karnataka. These include Bagalkot, Belagavi, Ballari, Bidar, Chamarajanagara, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Mandya, Mysuru, Vijayapura, Yadgir and Vijayanagara. Therefore, the launch provides PPL with an opportunity to address the specific nutrient requirements of sugarcane growers across some of Karnataka’s key agricultural regions.

PPL Expands Focus on Crop-Specific Nutrition Solutions

Suresh Krishnan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Paradeep Phosphates Limited, said the company is moving beyond the conventional role of fertiliser supply towards delivering science-led and crop-specific nutrition solutions. He added that the launch marks an important step towards making balanced nutrient application more accessible to farmers. Rajeev Nambiar, Joint Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, said the formulation draws on the company’s understanding of crop nutrition and aims to support strong crop establishment and improved returns for farmers.

Farmer Engagement to Drive Product Adoption

PPL plans to support the new fertiliser through its farmer and channel engagement network. Harshdeep Singh, President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the company will focus on product awareness, field demonstrations and agronomic guidance. In addition, the company believes customised fertilisers can play an important role in improving agricultural productivity when farmers understand the correct approach to nutrient application. As reported by As reported by chinimandi.com, With the launch of Jai Kisaan Navratna Cropfit, Paradeep Phosphates is strengthening its portfolio of crop-specific fertiliser solutions while expanding its focus on balanced nutrition, sustainable soil management and improved productivity for sugarcane growers in Karnataka.