The ministry of mines is organising a roadshow on the 8th tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks along with a workshop on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) in Patna, Bihar, on August 17. The initiative aims to attract investors, encourage private-sector participation and accelerate the exploration and development of minerals that are essential for India’s energy transition and strategic industries.

Twenty Critical Mineral Blocks on Offer

The 8th tranche of the auction comprises 20 mineral blocks, including three Mining Lease blocks and 17 Composite Licence blocks. The blocks cover a wide range of critical and strategic minerals, including: Graphite, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rare metals, Vanadium, Gallium, Titanium, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Potash, Phosphorite and Glauconite. These minerals are increasingly important for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, electronics and other strategic applications.

Roadshow to Highlight Investment Opportunities

The Patna roadshow will give prospective investors and industry stakeholders detailed information about the mineral potential of the blocks, the auction framework and the bidding process. In addition, the event will highlight investment opportunities in India’s critical and strategic minerals sector. The Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) will present details of the mineral blocks, while SBICAPS will explain the mineral auction process and tender documents. MSTC will provide an overview of the e-auction process.

NMEDT Scheme to Support Exploration

The programme will also feature a presentation on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) Scheme, which provides partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for Composite Licence holders. An open-house discussion will follow the presentations, allowing industry participants and other stakeholders to raise questions and seek clarification on the auction process.

Workshop to Strengthen Mineral Exploration

The second half of the programme will feature a workshop focused on mineral exploration planning, execution and reporting. The technical sessions will cover India’s mineral exploration potential, the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) and the use of NGDR to prepare exploration blocks. The workshop will also address the preparation of mineral exploration reports. Senior officers from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) will lead the technical sessions and share insights into exploration practices.

Strengthening India’s Mineral Security

The initiative reflects the government’s continued efforts to promote mineral exploration, accelerate the development of critical and strategic resources and increase private-sector participation. Furthermore, expanding domestic exploration can help strengthen India’s mineral security and reduce dependence on overseas supplies. As reported by newkerala.com, the initiative also supports the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by encouraging domestic exploration and development of minerals that are essential for emerging technologies, clean energy and other strategic sectors.

Agastya Green Energy, part of the Anubhav Agarwal Group, has announced plans to invest ₹7,800 crore to establish an integrated solar manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The project will strengthen the state’s clean energy and manufacturing ecosystem while expanding domestic production of key components used in the solar photovoltaic (PV) value chain.

12 GW Ingot and Wafer Manufacturing Capacity

The proposed facility will come up at the Orvakal Industrial Area in Kurnool district. It will feature an integrated manufacturing capacity of 12 GW each for solar ingots and wafers. By adding large-scale ingot and wafer production, Agastya Green Energy aims to complement its existing solar cell and module manufacturing capabilities. Consequently, the company will be able to build a more integrated domestic solar PV manufacturing value chain. The project is likely to support the development of local supply chains and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position as an emerging hub for renewable energy manufacturing.

Reducing Dependence on Imported Solar Components

Anubhav Agarwal, Chairman of the Anubhav Agarwal Group, said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to India’s energy transition. The project will also focus on reducing dependence on imported solar components and strengthening domestic supply chains. By expanding upstream manufacturing, the company aims to support greater self-reliance in India’s rapidly growing solar industry. As reported by projectstoday.ai, overall, the proposed facility represents a significant step towards expanding India’s domestic solar manufacturing capacity while supporting clean energy growth and regional industrial development.

Haldia Petrochemicals Limited is set to inaugurate its new phenol and acetone manufacturing facility on October 14, 2026. The ₹6,000-crore project, being developed through HPL’s subsidiary Adplus Polymers & Chemicals, marks a major expansion of the company’s petrochemical manufacturing capabilities.

₹6,000-Crore Facility to Boost Chemical Production

The facility represents a significant investment aimed at increasing domestic production of key chemical building blocks. Phenol and acetone are widely used across industries, including pharmaceuticals, paints, coatings and automotive components. By expanding local production, HPL aims to support growing domestic demand and reduce India’s dependence on imports for these important industrial chemicals.

India’s First On-Purpose Propylene Plant

The project also introduces a major technological development for India’s chemical industry. The facility will include the country’s first on-purpose propylene plant using olefin conversion technology. Unlike conventional production, where propylene is often generated as a byproduct of other processes, on-purpose production enables manufacturers to produce propylene specifically to meet demand. Consequently, the technology can improve supply flexibility and strengthen the domestic petrochemical value chain. The facility will also be the largest of its kind in West Bengal, adding significantly to the state’s petrochemical manufacturing capacity.

Supporting India’s Domestic Chemical Supply

The project forms part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing base for essential chemical intermediates. Phenol and acetone serve as important raw materials for several downstream industries, making reliable domestic supply increasingly important. The new capacity could help Indian manufacturers access locally produced chemical feedstocks while supporting the development of downstream industries. As reported by whalesbook.com, the commissioning of the new facility represents an important step in HPL’s expansion strategy and could strengthen India’s domestic petrochemical manufacturing capabilities.

NITI Aayog has identified textiles, chemicals, solar and other strategic sectors as critical to India’s ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub. In its report, ‘Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub’, the policy think tank outlined targeted measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, increase value addition and reduce import dependence.

Solar Manufacturing Can Strengthen Domestic Value Addition

According to the report, India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem has significant potential to increase domestic value addition by strengthening upstream capabilities and reducing reliance on imported components. NITI Aayog has identified several priorities to accelerate the sector’s growth. These include promoting technology partnerships and joint ventures, increasing research and development investments, providing performance-linked support, developing integrated clean-tech manufacturing clusters, expanding industry-led skill development and strengthening trade partnerships and government-to-government frameworks. Furthermore, stronger international partnerships can help Indian manufacturers expand exports and gain access to global markets.

India Needs More Solar Capacity by 2030

India had installed around 106 GW of solar power capacity by March 2025. However, the country needs to add approximately 174 GW more to reach its 2030 target of 280 GW of solar capacity. Therefore, strengthening the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem will be important not only for meeting India’s renewable energy targets but also for creating a competitive manufacturing base. The report is intended to guide selected sectors in strengthening their manufacturing ecosystems over time. NITI Aayog has also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between industry and government, with sector-specific interventions designed to address existing challenges.

Chemicals Industry Offers Major Growth Potential

Meanwhile, the Indian chemicals industry presents significant opportunities for increasing domestic value addition and strengthening manufacturing capabilities. According to the report, the domestic chemicals industry is broadly driven by three major consumption segments: petrochemicals and organic chemicals, specialty chemicals, and inorganic chemicals. Petrochemicals and organic chemicals represent the largest segment. They include polymers, synthetic fibres, performance plastics, building blocks, intermediates and finished products.

Expanding Downstream Chemical Manufacturing

India’s chemicals sector can further increase domestic value addition by expanding downstream production and improving feedstock utilisation. In addition, promoting domestic manufacturing and increasing investments in competitiveness can help Indian chemical companies strengthen their position in global markets. The strategic use of free trade agreements (FTAs) can also help reduce import dependence while creating new export opportunities. Consequently, a combination of stronger domestic capabilities, targeted investments, technology development and international trade partnerships can support the sustainable growth of India’s chemicals industry.

Government-Industry Collaboration Key to Growth

As reported by tribuneindia.com, NITI Aayog’s recommendations highlight the importance of coordinated action between government and industry. By addressing sector-specific challenges and strengthening domestic value chains, India can improve manufacturing competitiveness, increase value addition and move closer to its goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) entered into a strategic partnership with Norway-based Hystar AS to manufacture PEM electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects in India. The partnership strengthens BHEL’s capabilities in the rapidly developing green hydrogen sector and supports the country’s efforts to expand domestic electrolyser manufacturing.

BHEL Expands Electrolyser Portfolio

Earlier this year, BHEL entered into a strategic partnership with thyssenkrupp nucera India Private Limited for alkaline electrolyser systems. Now, its collaboration with Hystar adds PEM electrolyser technology to its portfolio. As a result, BHEL will be among the few Indian companies capable of offering both alkaline and PEM electrolyser solutions. This broader technology portfolio will enable the company to address the diverse requirements of India’s emerging green hydrogen market.

Strengthening Green Hydrogen Project Capabilities

Furthermore, the collaboration with Hystar is expected to strengthen BHEL’s project execution capabilities for green hydrogen projects in India. PEM electrolysers can play an important role in producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity. By expanding its electrolyser technology capabilities, BHEL is positioning itself to participate more actively in India’s growing clean hydrogen ecosystem.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Goals

BHEL is one of India’s leading engineering and manufacturing companies, with decades of experience across power, transmission, renewables, oil and gas, transportation, defence and aerospace. The company has played a significant role in developing India’s industrial infrastructure. At the same time, BHEL is leveraging its engineering, manufacturing and project execution expertise to enter emerging clean energy segments, including green hydrogen. The latest agreement with Hystar therefore represents another step in BHEL’s strategy to expand its role in India’s clean energy transition.

Boosting the National Green Hydrogen Mission

As reported by msn.com, the partnership is aligned with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Make in India initiative. By developing domestic capabilities for both alkaline and PEM electrolyser systems, BHEL can contribute to strengthening India’s green hydrogen manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the country’s long-term clean energy ambitions.

India’s state-run refiners are reshaping their crude procurement strategies as rising disruption risks in the Middle East push buyers towards the spot market and alternative supply routes. Growing geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are consequently influencing crude-buying decisions in one of the world’s fastest-growing fuel markets.

Indian Refiners Increase Spot Crude Purchases

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have jointly sought around 6 million barrels of crude through spot tenders. HPCL is seeking up to 4 million barrels for delivery during September and October, while MRPL has invited bids for cargoes scheduled for the October 10–20 loading window. The move highlights how Indian refiners are increasingly turning to the spot market to maintain crude supplies when scheduled Middle East deliveries face potential delays or disruptions. For refiners operating large and complex processing facilities, securing a steady crude supply is critical. Therefore, procurement flexibility directly affects refinery utilisation, fuel output and operating margins.

Middle East Shipping Routes Face Greater Scrutiny

MRPL has also asked suppliers to avoid cargoes travelling through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, two major shipping corridors exposed to ongoing regional tensions. The company had taken a similar position in late July, when it became the first Indian refiner to formally ask suppliers to avoid both routes amid renewed hostilities and threats to oil traffic. The development underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key energy shipping chokepoints. A prolonged disruption could increase transportation costs and force refiners to source crude from more distant markets. Moreover, refiners may need to accept different crude grades or adjust refinery operations according to the feedstock available. As a result, delivery reliability is becoming as important as crude pricing for Indian buyers.

West African Crude Gains Importance

As Middle East supplies become less predictable, Indian state-run refiners are increasingly diversifying crude imports from West Africa and other distant markets. MRPL recently purchased around 1 million barrels of Omani crude through a tender at a premium of approximately $3 per barrel to Dated Brent. Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore was the seller. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has also expanded its sourcing options. The country’s largest refiner by capacity purchased around 4 million barrels of West African crude from Chevron, including grades originating from Angola and Congo. These purchases demonstrate how Indian refiners are widening their crude-sourcing network to reduce exposure to individual suppliers and vulnerable shipping routes.

Refiners Prioritise Supply Security

The latest procurement moves indicate a broader shift in India’s crude-buying strategy. By combining spot purchases, alternative suppliers and diversified shipping routes, state-run refiners are seeking greater flexibility amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. As reported by etchemicals.in, the ability to secure reliable crude supplies from multiple regions could become increasingly important for Indian refiners as they seek to maintain refinery operations, manage costs and meet the country’s growing fuel demand.

Vikram Solar inaugurated a six GW solar PV module manufacturing facility at Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. With the commissioning of the new production line, Vikram Solar’s total solar PV module manufacturing capacity has increased to 15.5 GW annually, strengthening its position in India’s growing solar manufacturing sector.

186-Acre Campus

Spread across nearly 186 acres of greenfield land, the facility forms part of Vikram Solar’s broader strategy to establish an integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem in Tamil Nadu. Accordingly, the company plans to expand the campus beyond solar module production in the coming years.

Integrated Solar Manufacturing Ecosystem Planned

The Gangaikondan campus is planned to include manufacturing facilities for solar cells, wafers and ingots, bringing several critical stages of the solar PV value chain together at one location. As part of this expansion, Vikram Solar plans to establish 9 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity by FY2027, with plans to increase it to 12 GW by FY2028. In addition, the company plans to develop a 9 GW wafer and ingot manufacturing facility at the site. Consequently, the expansion is expected to increase domestic value addition while strengthening supply-chain resilience and supporting long-term industrial growth in Tamil Nadu.

Vikram Solar Targets Greater Domestic Value Addition

The planned manufacturing expansion is aimed at reducing dependence on imported components and creating a more resilient domestic solar PV supply chain. Moreover, the integrated approach could help bring key manufacturing stages closer together, supporting efficiency and greater control across the value chain. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Vikram Solar, said Tamil Nadu provides a strong industrial base, skilled workforce and a supportive environment for manufacturing-led growth. “Our investment here reflects our long-term commitment to the State, to local employment and to building a more self-reliant clean energy value chain in India,” Chaudhary said. He added that the Gangaikondan facility represents an important step towards building an integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Strengthening India’s Solar Manufacturing Capacity

As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the Gangaikondan project marks another significant step in Vikram Solar’s manufacturing expansion. With additional plans for solar cells, wafers and ingots, the company aims to build a more integrated domestic solar PV value chain while contributing to employment generation and clean-energy manufacturing in India.

TrueRE Oriana Power Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to invest approximately ₹4,500 crore in an integrated green hydrogen project in the state. The proposed project will cover the production of green hydrogen and downstream derivatives, including green ammonia and green methanol. The company plans to implement the project in a time-bound manner, in accordance with applicable Maharashtra government policies.

Project to Cover Green Hydrogen and Derivatives

The integrated project will establish production facilities for green hydrogen along with key derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol. The investment marks a significant step in TrueRE-Oriana Power’s strategy to expand its presence in the emerging green hydrogen and renewable energy ecosystem.

Maharashtra Government to Facilitate Project Approvals

Under the MoU, the Government of Maharashtra will facilitate the project by supporting the company in obtaining the required approvals, permissions, registrations and clearances from relevant state authorities. The state government will also facilitate access to applicable fiscal incentives, subject to prevailing laws, policies and regulations. Consequently, the support is expected to help streamline the project’s implementation and enable TrueRE-Oriana Power to execute the investment within the proposed timeline.

Earlier Green Ammonia Agreement with SECI

The latest investment follows TrueRE-Oriana Power’s agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) in April 2026. The company had signed a long-term Green Ammonia Purchase Agreement (GAPA) with SECI for the supply of 60,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia. Under the agreement, the discovered price for green ammonia stands at ₹52.25 per kg. The contract has an estimated total value of approximately ₹3,135 crore and will run for 10 years.

Expanding India’s Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

The Maharashtra project, combined with the long-term green ammonia supply agreement, strengthens TrueRE-Oriana Power’s position in India’s emerging green hydrogen and green ammonia market. The planned investment could also support the development of domestic capacity for low-carbon fuels and contribute to Maharashtra’s broader renewable energy and clean energy ambitions.

Himadri Speciality Chemical is preparing to significantly increase its capital expenditure as it targets a larger role in India’s battery materials supply chain and expands into high-value carbon products. The company plans to invest around ₹1,300 crore over the next year, followed by another investment cycle of approximately ₹1,500 crore in the subsequent year, according to Business Standard.

Himadri Expands Battery Materials Portfolio

At the core of Himadri’s strategy is an expansion into lithium-ion battery materials. The Kolkata-based company aims to move beyond its traditional carbon business and establish a more integrated platform covering key cathode and anode materials. Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Anurag Choudhary said the company is also developing what it describes as India’s first commercial carbon nanotube facility, with an initial investment of ₹70 crore. Himadri has already committed ₹1,125 crore towards its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) project, ₹170 crore towards super-specialty carbon black and ₹70 crore towards its carbon nanotube facility. The company plans to make these investments in phases rather than through a single large-scale expansion.

Company Targets ₹30,000 Crore Battery Chemicals Revenue

Himadri has set an ambitious target of generating ₹30,000 crore in revenue from battery chemicals over the next six years. To achieve this objective, the company plans to progressively expand its manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its position across the battery materials value chain. This approach will allow Himadri to scale investments in line with market demand while simultaneously developing capabilities in advanced battery and carbon materials.

Reducing Dependence on Imported Battery Materials

Himadri’s expansion comes as India seeks to build a stronger domestic battery materials ecosystem and reduce its dependence on imports. China currently dominates significant portions of the global battery materials supply chain. Consequently, battery manufacturers and policymakers worldwide are increasingly looking to diversify sourcing and develop local supply capabilities. Himadri aims to benefit from this shift by supplying domestic battery cell manufacturers while also targeting international customers seeking alternatives to China-based suppliers.

Carbon Products Add to Growth Strategy

Alongside battery materials, Himadri is expanding into select high-value carbon products, including super-specialty carbon black and carbon nanotubes. The move could strengthen the company’s position in advanced materials while creating additional growth opportunities beyond its traditional carbon product portfolio. As reported by etchemicals.in, as battery localisation gathers momentum in India, Himadri’s planned investments in LFP, carbon nanotubes and other advanced materials could position the company to play a larger role in the country’s emerging battery and energy storage supply chain.

Germany is looking to strengthen its renewable energy partnership with India, including the potential purchase of green hydrogen produced in India, according to Georg Enzweiler, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Mission in India. Enzweiler said India has the natural resources and business environment needed to develop renewable energy at scale. Germany, meanwhile, could contribute its technological and industrial expertise to expand cooperation in the sector.

Germany Sees India as Green Hydrogen Supplier

Germany is interested in purchasing green hydrogen from India to meet part of its domestic energy requirements and reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports. “India has the resources to produce green hydrogen which we could buy to cover our energy needs back home and not be dependent on procuring fossil fuels,” Enzweiler said. The potential trade could therefore create a new avenue for India’s green hydrogen exports, while helping Germany diversify its clean energy supply.

India’s Renewable Energy Potential Attracts Germany

According to Enzweiler, India has significant potential for renewable energy generation, particularly through solar and wind power. He also highlighted the country’s dynamic and innovation-oriented business environment. Consequently, Germany sees opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in renewable energy. German companies could bring their technology, industrial expertise and experience to support India’s expanding clean energy ecosystem. At the same time, India could export the renewable energy produced, creating an attractive commercial model for both countries.

Technology Cooperation Could Support Energy Transition

Germany also sees scope for greater technology cooperation as India advances its efforts towards self-reliance. Responding to a question about the long-term indigenisation of German technologies in India, Enzweiler said such cooperation would remain viable, particularly with the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the horizon. “We expect a big push on energy and renewables but also on the wider economy for both Europe and India [with the FTA],” he said. The agreement could consequently facilitate greater technology transfer, investment and trade between the two markets.

Automobile, Machinery and Chemical Sectors in Focus

Germany’s interest extends beyond renewable energy. Enzweiler identified the automobile, machinery and chemical industries as important areas for bilateral economic cooperation. However, he noted that Germany’s economy is supported not only by large corporations but also by its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Reducing tariffs through the proposed FTA could make it easier for these companies to expand their business activities in India. Lower trade barriers could also benefit Indian companies by creating greater opportunities to invest in, trade with and export to European markets.

Green Hydrogen Could Strengthen India-Germany Ties

The potential green hydrogen trade, combined with cooperation in renewable energy, technology and industrial sectors, could further strengthen India-Germany economic relations. For India, expanding green hydrogen production and exports could open new international markets, while Germany could gain access to a potential source of clean energy. As reported by thehindu.com, deeper technology and trade cooperation could create additional opportunities across the broader industrial economy.