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Jubilant Ingrevia Acquires Forty Percent Stake in Zettaone Technologies

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Jubilant Ingrevia Limited entered into a binding agreement with Zettaone Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. to acquire a 40% strategic stake for ₹189.2 crore. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Zettaone Technologies will become an associate company of Jubilant Ingrevia. The investment marks another step in Jubilant Ingrevia’s Pinnacle growth strategy and strengthens its expansion into the electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.

Zettaone Brings Integrated Electronics Manufacturing Capabilities

Zettaone Technologies, co-founded by Harikrishnan, Sureshkumar, Prabu and Arunkumar, operates as an electronics design and manufacturing platform with integrated capabilities across the electronics and semiconductor value chain. The company offers services ranging from R&D, design and prototyping to manufacturing, assembly and box-build solutions. Its engineering capabilities support applications across several high-growth sectors, including aerospace, defence, semiconductors, automotive, medical and industrial markets. Through the proposed acquisition, Jubilant Ingrevia aims to combine its existing capabilities with Zettaone’s expertise in electronics development and manufacturing services.

Acquisition Supports Jubilant Ingrevia’s Pinnacle Growth Strategy

Shyam S Bhartia, Chairman of Jubilant Ingrevia Limited, and Hari S Bhartia, Co-Chairman and
Whole-Time Director of Jubilant Ingrevia Limited, said, “The proposed investment is aligned with the Company’s Pinnacle growth strategy and provides a strong platform for its play in Electronics Development and Manufacturing Services (EDMS) space. The transaction will enable the Company to deliver an integrated value proposition in electronics and semi-conductor space, leading to long-term and sustainable value creation”. The transaction is expected to provide Jubilant Ingrevia with a stronger platform in the Electronics Development and Manufacturing Services (EDMS) segment. Furthermore, the company aims to build an integrated value proposition for customers operating across the electronics and semiconductor industries.

Acquisition to Be Completed in Two Tranches

Jubilant Ingrevia plans to complete the proposed acquisition in two tranches. The first tranche is expected to close by November 2026, while the second tranche is expected to close by September 2027. Following the completion of the transaction, Zettaone Technologies will operate as an associate company of Jubilant Ingrevia.

Building an Integrated Semiconductor and Electronics Business

Deepak Jain, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jubilant Ingrevia Limited, said the acquisition represents another important milestone in the company’s strategic growth journey. “We are continuously working towards advancing our strategic priorities and this acquisition is another milestone in our Pinnacle journey. We have already been expanding into high-precision semiconductor chemicals through our CDMO business and have made a great progress in last two years to establish our credibility with several global customers. The expertise in high-speed and high-power PCB design and manufacturing of Zettaone Technologies will further anchor our growing Electronics/Semiconductor business with an integrated value proposition to our customers”.

Jubilant Ingrevia has already expanded into high-precision semiconductor chemicals through its CDMO business. Therefore, the addition of Zettaone’s expertise in high-speed and high-power PCB design and manufacturing is expected to further strengthen its presence across the electronics and semiconductor value chain. The proposed investment will also help the company create closer linkages between its chemical manufacturing capabilities and its growing electronics and semiconductor business.

Zettaone Looks to Strengthen Its Position in Mission-Critical Electronics

Harikrishnan Gopal, CEO of Zettaone Technologies Pvt. Ltd., said that joining the Jubilant Bhartia Group will support the company’s next phase of growth. “Over the years, our team has built lasting relationships through consistency, quality, and a commitment to solving complex engineering challenges. We are happy to be a part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group and this development will reinforce our position as a trusted technology partner for mission-critical electronics solutions in aerospace, defence, semi-conductor, auto, medical and industrial spaces.”

Zettaone has built its business around solving complex engineering and manufacturing challenges for mission-critical applications. As a result, the proposed partnership is expected to strengthen its ability to serve customers across aerospace, defence, semiconductor, automotive, medical and industrial sectors.

Strengthening Presence Across the Electronics Value Chain

The acquisition will allow Jubilant Ingrevia to build on its established manufacturing expertise and customer-centric capabilities in the CDMO business while expanding its engagement across the electronics and semiconductor value chain. By combining Jubilant Ingrevia’s experience in high-precision semiconductor chemicals with Zettaone’s electronics design and manufacturing capabilities, the company aims to develop a more integrated offering for customers. As per the press release, the proposed ₹189.2 crore investment in Zettaone Technologies represents a strategic move by Jubilant Ingrevia to expand beyond its traditional chemical manufacturing operations and strengthen its long-term presence in India’s growing electronics, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

E20: A Necessary Transition or a Strategic Detour?

India’s E20 ethanol blending programme is intended to strengthen energy security and reduce oil imports, but should higher blending be the long-term goal? This editorial examines the sustainability, resource efficiency, and economic trade-offs of using ethanol as fuel versus a high-value chemical feedstock.

India’s ambitious ethanol blending programme has often been presented as a win-win solution—reducing crude oil imports, lowering carbon emissions, supporting farmers, and strengthening energy security. The government’s achievement of nearly 20% ethanol blending (E20) ahead of schedule is undoubtedly a remarkable policy success. Every litre of imported petrol replaced by domestically produced ethanol helps reduce the country’s foreign exchange outgo and dependence on volatile global oil markets. But the more important question is not whether E20 is beneficial today. It is whether increasing ethanol blending beyond current levels represents the most efficient long-term strategy for India.

The Answer Deserves Careful Consideration

At present, E20 offers tangible economic and environmental benefits. It creates a domestic market for agricultural produce, provides additional income opportunities for farmers, and contributes to India’s carbon reduction commitments. It is a practical transition fuel while cleaner transportation technologies continue to mature. In that sense, ethanol blending is an intelligent bridge between conventional fossil fuels and a low-carbon future.

However, Bridges are not Destinations

The first challenge is land. Producing larger quantities of ethanol inevitably requires greater agricultural resources. Although India has diversified feedstocks to include maize and agricultural residues alongside sugarcane, a significant portion of ethanol production still depends on sugarcane. This crop is among the most water-intensive cultivated in India. Producing one kilogram of sugar can require well over a thousand litres of water, depending on cultivation practices and geography. Expanding sugarcane cultivation to satisfy fuel requirements in a country already facing groundwater depletion and recurring droughts raises serious sustainability concerns. India is becoming increasingly water-stressed. Climate change is making rainfall more erratic, aquifers are being depleted faster than they are replenished, and competing demands from agriculture, drinking water, and industry continue to intensify. In such a scenario, using precious freshwater resources to produce transportation fuel warrants deeper scrutiny.

The Second Issue is Energy Efficiency

Ethanol contains significantly less energy per litre than petrol. Consequently, vehicles operating on higher ethanol blends generally deliver lower fuel economy. While the difference may appear modest for E20-compatible engines, consumers may eventually notice reduced mileage. The savings from lower import bills must therefore be weighed against increased fuel consumption by motorists.

Vehicle compatibility also remains an important consideration. Ethanol is hygroscopic—it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This characteristic can contribute to corrosion of fuel systems, degradation of certain elastomers and plastics, and operational challenges in engines not specifically designed for higher ethanol blends. Automobile manufacturers have introduced E20-compatible vehicles, but India’s roads will continue to carry millions of older vehicles for many years. The transition therefore carries both economic and technical costs. There is also a larger question that deserves greater attention within the chemical industry.

Is Burning Ethanol the Highest-value Application for this Renewable Carbon Resource?

Ethanol is not merely a fuel. It is an exceptionally versatile chemical building block. It serves as a feedstock for ethylene, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, solvents, pharmaceutical intermediates, specialty chemicals, personal care products, flavours, fragrances, and increasingly, sustainable aviation fuels and advanced bio-based materials. Through appropriate downstream chemistry, ethanol can generate products with substantially higher economic value, greater employment potential, and stronger export competitiveness than its direct combustion as fuel.

For a country aspiring to become a global manufacturing hub under the “Make in India” initiative, this distinction is important. Converting renewable ethanol into specialty chemicals and advanced materials creates considerably more value addition than simply utilising its calorific content in an internal combustion engine. India’s chemical industry already imports several petrochemical intermediates that could potentially be manufactured from bio-based ethanol. Developing integrated bio-refineries capable of producing both fuels and chemicals would improve resource efficiency while fostering innovation and industrial competitiveness.

This is not an argument against ethanol. Rather, it is an argument for using ethanol more strategically. Maintaining E20 as a transitional fuel appears sensible. It provides immediate benefits in terms of energy security, import substitution, and emission reduction. But policy should resist viewing continually increasing blending percentages as the ultimate destination. Instead, greater emphasis should be placed on second-generation ethanol produced from agricultural residues, municipal biomass, and waste streams that do not compete with food production or intensify water consumption.

Seize Technical Alternatives for Transportation

At the same time, global transportation itself is undergoing profound technological transformation. Electric vehicles continue to gain market share as battery costs decline and charging infrastructure expands. Hydrogen-powered mobility, though still in its infancy, is attracting substantial investments worldwide for heavy-duty transport and long-distance applications. Hybrid vehicles, synthetic fuels, and improved battery technologies are all evolving rapidly. Over the next two decades, India’s transport landscape is likely to become increasingly electrified, reducing dependence on liquid fuels altogether. Against this backdrop, committing excessive agricultural resources to ever-higher ethanol blending may prove to be a transitional solution with diminishing long-term relevance.

Simultaneously, India should accelerate investments in electric mobility, hydrogen technologies, advanced batteries, sustainable fuels, and bio-based chemical manufacturing. Such a diversified approach reduces technological risk while ensuring that valuable renewable carbon resources are directed toward their highest-value applications.

Energy transitions are rarely linear. The technologies that appear optimal today may become stepping stones tomorrow. Ethanol blending has undoubtedly played an important role in strengthening India’s energy security. But the country’s long-term objective should not simply be replacing imported petrol with domestically produced ethanol. It should be maximising the value derived from every molecule of renewable carbon while building a transportation system that is cleaner, more efficient, and economically sustainable. E20 is therefore best viewed not as the destination, but as one milestone on India’s much longer journey towards true energy independence.

TCPL Planning Entry into Lithium-Ion Battery Separator Market

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TCPL Packaging is planning to enter the advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery materials value chain by manufacturing lithium-ion battery separator film. The proposed initiative marks the company’s expansion into a growing segment of the battery materials industry. TCPL Packaging will implement the project through a subsidiary, with an estimated investment of approximately Rs 125 crore over the next 18 months.

The company plans to develop the business in phases. Initially, it will focus on establishing the required manufacturing infrastructure and developing its technology platform. Subsequently, TCPL intends to evaluate large-scale expansion based on market requirements and business opportunities.

Facility to Support 6–8 GWh of Battery Production

The proposed facility will initially have a manufacturing capacity of approximately 70 million square metres per year of lithium-ion battery separator film. This capacity is expected to support around 6–8 GWh of lithium-ion cell production annually. TCPL Packaging is targeting commercial production in FY28, subject to the progress of the project and planned development activities.

Leveraging Films and Polymer Processing Expertise

The new initiative builds on TCPL Packaging’s existing capabilities in specialised films, polymer processing and research and development. According to the company, these capabilities are closely aligned with the technical requirements involved in manufacturing lithium-ion battery separator films. By leveraging its existing expertise while developing a dedicated technology platform, TCPL aims to establish a presence in the advanced battery materials value chain. As reported by projectstoday.ai, the proposed investment therefore represents a strategic step for TCPL Packaging as it expands beyond its existing businesses and explores opportunities in the rapidly developing lithium-ion battery and energy storage market.

Gulshan Polyols Bags Rs 146.66 Crore Order

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Gulshan Polyols bagged an additional allocation of 20,740 kilolitres of ethanol for supply to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) during the fourth quarter of Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. The company will supply the allocated ethanol to OMCs in Assam and Madhya Pradesh, with the order carrying an estimated value of approximately Rs 146.66 crore.

Additional Ethanol Allocation Strengthens Business

The latest allocation further strengthens Gulshan Polyols’ position in India’s growing ethanol and biofuel market. Moreover, the order highlights the company’s role in supporting the country’s ethanol blending and renewable fuel initiatives. With a substantial volume of ethanol allocated for the quarter, the company is positioned to expand its contribution to the supply of biofuels to India’s oil marketing companies.

Three Decades of Specialty Product Expertise

Gulshan Polyols is one of India’s leading manufacturers of ethanol and biofuels, along with grain-based and mineral-based specialty products. With around three decades of industry experience, the company has developed capabilities across multiple product segments. Its diversified portfolio and manufacturing expertise support its presence in India’s evolving renewable energy and specialty products markets. As reported by moneyworks4me.com, the latest ethanol allocation therefore adds another significant order to Gulshan Polyols’ business while reinforcing its focus on the growing biofuel sector.

ORIGINS Chennai Industrial Park Expands to 220 Hectares

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Sumitomo Corporation signed an agreement with Mahindra World City Developers Limited (MWC) to further expand Phase II of the ORIGINS Chennai Industrial Park in Tamil Nadu. The latest expansion will add approximately 38 hectares to the project, taking its total development area to around 220 hectares upon completion. The decision reflects strong demand for industrial land in India and the growing interest of domestic and international manufacturers in expanding their operations in the country.

Phase II Expansion Adds 38 Hectares

Phase I of ORIGINS Chennai Industrial Park, covering approximately 124 hectares, has already been completed. Meanwhile, the initial Phase II development spans around 57 hectares and is currently under development and being marketed. Under the new agreement, Sumitomo Corporation and MWC will develop an additional 38 hectares adjacent to the existing Phase II area. As a result, the total development area of the industrial park will reach approximately 220 hectares. The partners plan to begin land sales for the newly expanded area in FY2027, while they aim to complete the development by FY2028.

Strong Demand Drives Further Industrial Park Development

Since launching sales for Phase I in 2017, ORIGINS Chennai Industrial Park has attracted 19 tenant companies, including nine Japanese companies. Furthermore, approximately 90% of the Phase I and initial Phase II sites have already been sold or reserved. Consequently, Sumitomo Corporation and MWC have decided to expand Phase II further to create additional industrial land and meet growing demand from manufacturers. The expansion comes as India continues to attract investments from companies seeking to serve its rapidly expanding domestic market and strengthen their manufacturing and export capabilities.

India Continues to Attract Manufacturing Investment

India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. According to International Monetary Fund estimates, the country’s GDP is projected to grow by 6.4% in FY2026, with strong economic growth expected to continue beyond FY2027. At the same time, the Indian market is attracting manufacturers looking to capitalise on rising domestic demand, supported by population growth and expanding industrial activity. In addition, the Japanese government has strengthened its support for Japanese companies expanding into India, including through initiatives such as the Japan-India Economic Affairs Division. As a result, investment by Japanese and other international manufacturers in India’s industrial and manufacturing sectors is expected to continue growing.

Strategic Location Strengthens Chennai Manufacturing Hub

ORIGINS Chennai Industrial Park is located approximately 37 kilometres north of central Chennai in Tamil Nadu, along National Highway 16. The site is around one hour by road from Chennai’s city centre. The industrial park also benefits from ongoing infrastructure development supported by the Japanese and Indian governments. Key projects include a substation and an access road connecting the park directly to National Highway 16.

Moreover, Chennai’s proximity to an international port and its strong connectivity with Southeast Asia have established the region as an important manufacturing and export hub. While the area has traditionally attracted automotive components and air-conditioning manufacturers, recent investments have expanded into semiconductors and electronics-related industries.

Sumitomo Corporation Expands Industrial Park Network Across Asia

Beyond India, Sumitomo Corporation develops, markets and operates industrial parks across Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar and Bangladesh. As of July 2026, the company’s ten industrial parks across Asia housed 661 tenant companies and supported approximately 250,000 employees. Together, these developments cover a combined area of around 3,200 hectares. Drawing on its experience in industrial park development and operations across Asia, Sumitomo Corporation will continue to support existing tenants while attracting new manufacturers to ORIGINS Chennai Industrial Park. As per the press release, through the Phase II expansion and its broader industrial development initiatives, the company aims to support India’s industrialisation and contribute to its long-term economic growth.

LTEH Offshore Bags Ultra-Mega Contract for Strategic Middle East Offshore Project

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L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore (LTEH Offshore), the offshore business of Larsen & Toubro, has secured an ultra-mega order from a prestigious client in the Middle East for the development of multiple offshore facilities. The project further strengthens LTEH Offshore’s presence in the region and reinforces its position as a major EPCIC contractor for large and complex offshore energy infrastructure projects.

Comprehensive EPCIC Scope for Offshore Facilities

LTEH Offshore will undertake the engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) of multiple offshore facilities. In addition, L&T will carry out a significant portion of the fabrication work at its integrated manufacturing and world-class fabrication facilities. The company will leverage its in-house engineering, procurement, project management, fabrication and offshore installation capabilities to execute the project.

Strengthening L&T’s Middle East Presence

The order highlights the continued confidence that customers place in LTEH Offshore’s ability to deliver complex offshore projects safely, on schedule and to high quality standards. Over the past four decades, LTEH Offshore has developed extensive experience in executing challenging offshore projects across global markets. Its portfolio includes fixed platforms, subsea pipelines and structures, brownfield upgrades and modifications, deep-water subsea structures and pipelines, as well as decommissioning programmes. The company supports its integrated project execution capabilities with a dedicated fleet of vessels, enabling it to manage complex offshore installations efficiently.

Major Investment in Regional Energy Infrastructure

T Madhava Das, Whole-time Director, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of the Energy Hydrocarbon Division at Larsen & Toubro, said the order represents one of the most significant offshore developments currently underway in the Middle East. He noted that the project reflects growing investments in energy infrastructure to meet future demand. Moreover, its scale and complexity require deep engineering expertise, integrated execution capabilities and close coordination across multiple workstreams. According to Das, L&T is proud to contribute to the development of critical energy infrastructure that will support the Middle East’s long-term growth ambitions.

LTEH Offshore to Leverage Integrated Capabilities

Parthasarathi Chatterjee, Senior Vice President and Head of L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore, said the project demonstrates the scale and complexity of offshore developments that LTEH Offshore is equipped to execute. With multiple offshore facilities, subsea infrastructure and substantial fabrication requirements, the project will draw on the company’s integrated EPCIC approach. Its engineering, fabrication and marine capabilities will support efficient project delivery while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality. As per the press release, the ultra-mega order marks another significant milestone for L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore and strengthens its role in developing large-scale offshore energy infrastructure across the Middle East.

Godavari Biorefineries Secures European Patent for Novel Anti-Cancer Molecule

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Godavari Biorefineries Limited secured a patent from the European Patent Office for its invention, “Pharmaceutical Composition and a Process to Prepare the Same.” The patent covers a pharmaceutical composition that combines novel anti-cancer compounds with a solubilising agent, along with a process for preparing the composition. The development strengthens the company’s oncology-focused intellectual property portfolio and expands its international presence in pharmaceutical research.

Enhancing Solubility and Bioavailability

The patented composition aims to improve the solubility and bioavailability of the active anti-cancer compounds. As a result, it could enhance their therapeutic potential and support the development of more effective treatment options. The composition has potential applications in treating various cancers, including breast and prostate cancers, particularly through oral administration. By addressing formulation challenges, the innovation could help improve the practical therapeutic use of promising anti-cancer compounds.

Strengthening Oncology Research Capabilities

Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said that identifying a promising compound represents only one stage of oncology research. Equally important is developing a formulation that enables the compound to be effectively used for therapeutic applications. She added that the company’s research has focused on improving the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds, and the European patent represents an important recognition of this work.

European Patent Marks Key R&D Milestone

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited, described the patent as an important milestone in the company’s innovation journey. According to Somaiya, the company’s approach to innovation focuses on advancing health, wellbeing and sustainability while creating long-term value. He said the company’s continued investment in research and development is helping it build capabilities beyond its traditional businesses and explore areas where science and technology can address important societal needs. He also highlighted the Sanskrit mantra ‘सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’, meaning ‘Health for All’, as a reflection of the broader purpose guiding the company’s innovation efforts.

Expanding Global Intellectual Property Portfolio

The European patent further strengthens Godavari Biorefineries’ international intellectual property footprint. Moreover, it reinforces the company’s efforts to protect its research and innovation across major global markets. As per the press release, as Godavari Biorefineries continues to invest in R&D, the latest patent expands its oncology-focused intellectual property portfolio and opens new possibilities for developing healthcare solutions with potential therapeutic applications.

Dürr Launches Gear Metering Pump for Precise Paint Dosing

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Dürr introduced the EcoPump GW iD, a new gear metering pump designed specifically for industrial coating processes using commonly applied 1K and 2K coating materials. The optimized pump combines durability, ease of operation and cost efficiency while delivering precise and consistent paint volumes. The new solution is suitable for a wide range of industrial coating applications that require accurate volumetric dosing. With flow rates ranging from 9 to 900 ml/min, the pump can be configured to meet different process requirements.

Ready-to-Integrate Solution for Coating Applications

The EcoPump GW iD is compatible with Dürr’s ready2integrate concept, which coordinates the control system, metering technology and applicator as a preconfigured solution. As a result, customers can benefit from faster installation, greater process reliability and a dosing system tailored to their specific coating requirements.

ADLC Coating Enhances Pump Durability

Industrial coating processes demand reliable equipment and consistent paint quality. To meet these requirements, Dürr equips all EcoPump GW iD models with an Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon (ADLC) coating as standard. The durable surface coating helps extend the pump’s service life while maintaining consistent surface quality during prolonged operation.

For additional protection, customers can specify the pump with an optional bypass valve. The valve provides pressure relief and automatically opens when excessive pressure occurs. Therefore, it helps protect downstream application equipment from operating errors and process disruptions. Furthermore, flushable versions feature a patented shaft bearing designed to extend pump service life. This can reduce maintenance and repair requirements while improving overall operational reliability.

Compact Design Enables Flexible Integration

The EcoPump GW iD forms part of Dürr’s Fluid Board2, a compact system that integrates the components required for high-precision paint metering. This configuration enables manufacturers to incorporate the dosing technology efficiently into existing painting processes. The pump also provides flexibility for plant upgrades. Existing applications can be retrofitted with the EcoPump GW iD onto the Fluid Board1, while the pump can also operate as a standalone component within compatible existing systems. As per the press release, manufacturers can upgrade their paint dosing capabilities without necessarily replacing their complete coating system, making the new gear metering pump a flexible solution for both new installations and existing industrial coating lines.

ONGC Gets US Approval to Resume Venezuela Operations

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Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) secured a licence from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), allowing the energy company to resume full operations in Venezuela after years of limited activity due to sanctions-related restrictions. The approval removes a major hurdle for ONGC’s Venezuelan investments and could enable the company to increase oil production, enter new agreements and potentially take over operatorship of certain projects from Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA.

OFAC Licence Clears Operational Hurdles

Anupam Agarwal, Director-Finance at ONGC, said the US approval gives the company greater flexibility to operate its Venezuelan projects. Previously, ONGC had restricted its activities because of the risks associated with US sanctions. With the OFAC licence now in place, the company can resume broader operational and financial activities in the country. The approval could also help ONGC recover a pending dividend of more than $500 million from its Venezuelan investments.

ONGC Holds Stakes in San Cristobal and Carabobo

ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), ONGC’s overseas investment arm, holds a 40% stake in the San Cristobal oil project, while Venezuela’s PDVSA owns the remaining interest. OVL also holds an 11% stake in the Carabobo project, which is currently under development. ONGC is already engaging with Venezuelan authorities and its joint-venture partners regarding both projects. The company expects progress on new agreements and is also exploring the possibility of taking over operatorship from PDVSA.

Company Plans to Increase Venezuela Oil Output

The OFAC licence will allow ONGC to invest more actively in its Venezuelan projects and work towards increasing production. San Cristobal produced around 0.265 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in FY26, which ONGC believes represents only about one-tenth of the field’s potential. Therefore, the company sees significant scope to raise output through additional investment and development. Moreover, greater operational involvement could enable ONGC to apply its experience from mature onshore oil fields in India.

Venezuela Offers Significant Oil Potential

Venezuela remains strategically important for ONGC because it holds the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves. OPEC estimates the country’s reserves at around 303 billion barrels, exceeding Saudi Arabia’s proven reserves. However, years of underinvestment, sanctions and operational challenges have constrained Venezuela’s oil production. Consequently, ONGC sees substantial opportunities to develop underproduced resources. Agarwal also noted that Venezuela’s newly enacted petroleum law provides additional fiscal incentives for resource development, potentially improving the investment environment for international oil companies and their local partners.

ONGC Eyes Greater Role in Venezuelan Projects

ONGC’s focus in Venezuela is on shallow, onshore oil fields, where the company can leverage its experience from domestic operations in Western India, including Mehsana and Ahmedabad. The company views these projects as a natural fit with its existing technical and operational capabilities. It now plans to accelerate development as sanctions-related restrictions ease. “We are very bullish for Venezuela,” Agarwal said, indicating that ONGC expects new agreements and potentially greater operatorship responsibilities in the near term.

Venezuela Push Supports India’s Energy Security

The renewed focus on Venezuela comes as India seeks to secure overseas oil resources and diversify its crude supply sources amid rising geopolitical risks. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, for ONGC, increased operational control over Venezuelan assets could provide an opportunity to expand production and participate more actively in developing some of the world’s largest underdeveloped and underproduced hydrocarbon resources.

 

Saatvik Solar Planning to Add 3.6 GW Cell Capacity in Odisha

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Saatvik Solar Industries is planning to add 3.6 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity at Gopalpur in Odisha’s Ganjam district, expanding its integrated solar manufacturing operations in the state. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (IPICOL), Government of Odisha, to establish the additional manufacturing facility. The Phase II expansion is targeted to begin commercial production by FY 2028.

Phase II to Expand Solar Cell Manufacturing

The proposed expansion will complement Saatvik Solar’s Phase I facility at Gopalpur, which includes 2.4 GW of solar cell and 4 GW of module manufacturing capacity. According to the company, Phase I has made significant progress. Major construction and infrastructure works have been completed, while equipment installation and testing are currently underway. The company has also completed key power infrastructure milestones. Its dedicated 220 kV substation is ready for charging, while the manufacturing lines are progressing through final installation, testing, validation and process-readiness activities.

2.4 GW Cell Line Nears Production

Meanwhile, Saatvik Solar’s 2.4 GW solar cell manufacturing line is on track for ramp-up shortly. The company has planned an inspection under the second phase of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM-II) for September. These developments will allow the company to move closer to commercial operations at its Odisha facility while strengthening its integrated manufacturing capabilities.

Expansion to Strengthen Solar Value Chain

Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Ltd, said the company is advancing the Phase II expansion as its 2.4 GW cell and 4 GW module manufacturing lines move towards production. The additional 3.6 GW capacity will significantly expand Saatvik’s integrated manufacturing footprint and help the company meet the growing demand for domestically manufactured solar products. Furthermore, the Phase II expansion is designed to deepen the company’s presence across the solar value chain and increase its manufacturing scale.

Saatvik Targets 6 GW Cell Capacity in Odisha

Saatvik Green Energy currently operates a 4.8 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Ambala, Haryana. Its greenfield integrated manufacturing facility in Odisha is planned to reach 4 GW of module and 6 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity once fully developed. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the latest 3.6 GW expansion will play an important role in scaling up Saatvik’s domestic solar manufacturing capabilities and supporting India’s growing demand for locally produced solar components.

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