India’s chemical industry is navigating geopolitical uncertainty, supply-chain realignments, rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and rising sustainability expectations. As these changes reshape the sector, resilience is becoming essential for sustaining long-term growth. Against this backdrop, Godrej Industries (Chemicals) and Astec LifeSciences will host the third edition of the National Chemistry Day Summit on August 17, 2026, at Godrej One in Mumbai. The summit will commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Prafulla Chandra Ray, widely regarded as the father of the Indian chemical industry.

Summit Highlights India’s Chemical Industry Future

Godrej Industries introduced the National Chemistry Day Summit in 2024 to honour India’s scientific heritage and create a platform for discussions on the future of the chemical industry. This year’s theme, “Staying Resilient in a New Age World,” reflects the need for chemical companies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, technological advances and an increasingly interconnected global economy. The summit will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovation partners to discuss strategies for building a stronger and more future-ready chemical ecosystem.

AI and Digital Transformation Take Centre Stage

The discussions will explore how companies can strengthen resilience through agility, digital transformation and operational excellence. In addition, the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in the chemical industry will receive significant attention as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies to improve productivity, decision-making and competitiveness. Furthermore, stronger collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers and technology partners will be explored as a key driver of innovation and sustainable growth.

Importance of Resilience

Vishal Sharma, ED & CEO, Godrej Industries (Chemicals) and Chairperson, Astec LifeSciences, highlighted the changing expectations facing the chemical industry. He said, “Every phase of growth brings a new set of expectations. For the chemical industry, resilience is no longer defined by how we respond to change, but by how well we prepare for it. It is becoming the thread that connects technology, talent, partnerships and innovation, shaping businesses that can adapt, evolve and create long-term value.” Sharma also emphasised that National Chemistry Day provides an important platform to bring industry stakeholders together, exchange ideas and explore solutions that can shape the next phase of the chemical industry.

Building a Resilient Chemical Industry

As India’s chemical sector continues to evolve, scientific progress alone will not determine its future. Instead, knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships, innovation and technological adoption will increasingly shape the industry’s competitiveness. As per the press release, the National Chemistry Day Summit aims to bring these perspectives together and encourage meaningful dialogue on building a resilient, innovative and future-ready Indian chemical industry. Ultimately, stronger collaboration across the ecosystem can help India strengthen its position as a global chemical manufacturing and innovation hub.

Unitel Technologies, Inc. successfully demonstrated its Merlin process for producing methanol from captured carbon dioxide (CO₂). The carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technology is already operating at a plant in Danyang, South Korea, where it produces approximately 10,000 tonnes of methanol per year. The technology offers a potential pathway for converting industrial CO₂ emissions into a valuable chemical product while supporting lower-carbon methanol production.

Merlin Process Uses Captured CO₂ from Ethanol Plants

The standard Merlin process is designed to consume approximately 30,000 tons of captured CO₂ annually and produce up to 73,000 tons of blue methanol per year, equivalent to around 200 tons per day. According to Unitel, the process can be particularly attractive when integrated with existing ethanol plants. These facilities generate a continuous supply of fermentation-derived CO₂ and already have access to resources such as natural gas, electricity, skilled workers and industrial infrastructure. As a result, integrating methanol production with ethanol facilities could improve resource utilisation while creating an additional revenue stream from captured carbon dioxide.

Growing Demand Creates Market Opportunity

Methanol has applications across several major industries. In North America, key market segments include biodiesel production, formaldehyde, resins and adhesives, chemical intermediates, specialty chemicals and fuels and energy applications. US methanol demand reached approximately 11.5 million metric tons in 2025, with market prices ranging from around $1,000 to $1,400 per ton. The growing use of methanol as a marine fuel could significantly increase demand. Unitel expects North American demand to reach approximately 18 million tons per year by 2035.

CCU Could Offer Economic Advantages Over CCS

Unitel says its Merlin CCU technology can offer stronger economics than conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS typically generates a net profit of around $55–$65 per tonne of captured CO₂ after accounting for federal tax credits. In contrast, the Merlin process converts captured CO₂ into methanol, allowing companies to transform an emissions stream into a marketable product. This approach could therefore provide both carbon management and commercial value, particularly for industrial facilities that already have access to low-cost feedstocks and infrastructure.

Unitel Highlights Cost Challenge of Electrolytic Hydrogen

Another pathway for producing methanol involves reacting captured CO₂ with electrolytic hydrogen. However, Unitel President Dr. Ravi Randhava argues that the economics of this approach remain challenging. “At a nominal cost of $5 per kilogram for electrolytic hydrogen, this feedstock alone amounts to $1,000 per ton of methanol produced,” Randhava said. According to Unitel, the cost of electrolytic hydrogen can therefore make this production route less economically attractive. The company believes the Merlin process can provide a more commercially viable alternative by leveraging existing industrial resources and captured CO₂.

A Potential Route for Low-Carbon Methanol

The successful demonstration of the Merlin process highlights the growing potential of carbon capture and utilisation for methanol production. As reported by businesswire.com, by connecting CO₂ capture with an established industrial operation such as an ethanol plant, the technology could help companies convert captured carbon into a valuable chemical while supporting the transition toward lower-carbon fuels and products.

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS increased its sales and earnings in the second quarter of 2026 despite a weak economic environment and continued geopolitical uncertainty. The company reported sales of EUR 1.561 billion, up 6.5% from EUR 1.466 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, EBITDA pre exceptionals increased 1.3% to EUR 152 million, compared with EUR 150 million in the same period last year. However, the EBITDA margin pre exceptionals declined to 9.7%, compared with 10.2% in the second quarter of 2025.

Higher Demand Supports LANXESS Sales Growth

LANXESS attributed the improvement in earnings primarily to stronger demand and higher sales volumes. At the same time, the company implemented price increases that largely offset the impact of rising raw material and energy costs. As a result, higher volumes and improved pricing helped LANXESS strengthen its financial performance despite challenging market conditions.

Specialty Additives Delivers Strong Earnings Growth

The Specialty Additives segment emerged as a key contributor to LANXESS’ performance during the quarter. Segment sales reached EUR 588 million, representing an 11.4% increase from EUR 528 million in the second quarter of 2025. More importantly, EBITDA pre exceptionals rose 32.8% to EUR 77 million, compared with EUR 58 million a year earlier. Higher demand increased sales volumes and improved earnings across all business units within the segment. In addition, LANXESS successfully passed higher raw material costs on to customers through increased selling prices. Consequently, the segment’s EBITDA margin pre exceptionals improved to 13.1%, compared with 11.0% in the previous year.

Advanced Intermediates Sees Earnings Decline

The Advanced Intermediates segment recorded moderate sales growth but faced pressure on profitability. Sales increased 2.2% to EUR 456 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared with EUR 446 million in the same quarter of 2025. However, EBITDA pre exceptionals declined 20.5% to EUR 35 million, from EUR 44 million a year earlier. Although higher selling prices helped offset increased raw material costs, elevated energy costs and the targeted reduction of inventories weighed on earnings. As a result, the segment’s EBITDA margin pre exceptionals fell to 7.7%, compared with 9.9% in the second quarter of 2025.

LANXESS Navigates a Challenging Chemical Market

Overall, LANXESS strengthened sales and maintained earnings growth in the second quarter of 2026, supported by improved demand, higher volumes and effective pricing measures. However, elevated energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty and uneven economic conditions continue to pressure profitability in parts of the business. As per the press release, the company’s second-quarter performance highlights the importance of pricing discipline, operational efficiency and demand recovery as the global specialty chemicals industry navigates a challenging market environment.

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS increased its sales and earnings in the second quarter of 2026 despite a weak economic environment and continued geopolitical uncertainty. The company reported sales of EUR 1.561 billion, up 6.5% from EUR 1.466 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, EBITDA pre exceptionals increased 1.3% to EUR 152 million, compared with EUR 150 million in the same period last year. However, the EBITDA margin pre exceptionals declined to 9.7%, compared with 10.2% in the second quarter of 2025.

Higher Demand Supports LANXESS Sales Growth

LANXESS attributed the improvement in earnings primarily to stronger demand and higher sales volumes. At the same time, the company implemented price increases that largely offset the impact of rising raw material and energy costs. As a result, higher volumes and improved pricing helped LANXESS strengthen its financial performance despite challenging market conditions.

Specialty Additives Delivers Strong Earnings Growth

The Specialty Additives segment emerged as a key contributor to LANXESS’ performance during the quarter. Segment sales reached EUR 588 million, representing an 11.4% increase from EUR 528 million in the second quarter of 2025. More importantly, EBITDA pre exceptionals rose 32.8% to EUR 77 million, compared with EUR 58 million a year earlier. Higher demand increased sales volumes and improved earnings across all business units within the segment. In addition, LANXESS successfully passed higher raw material costs on to customers through increased selling prices. Consequently, the segment’s EBITDA margin pre exceptionals improved to 13.1%, compared with 11.0% in the previous year.

Advanced Intermediates Sees Earnings Decline

The Advanced Intermediates segment recorded moderate sales growth but faced pressure on profitability. Sales increased 2.2% to EUR 456 million in the second quarter of 2026, compared with EUR 446 million in the same quarter of 2025. However, EBITDA pre exceptionals declined 20.5% to EUR 35 million, from EUR 44 million a year earlier. Although higher selling prices helped offset increased raw material costs, elevated energy costs and the targeted reduction of inventories weighed on earnings. As a result, the segment’s EBITDA margin pre exceptionals fell to 7.7%, compared with 9.9% in the second quarter of 2025.

LANXESS Navigates a Challenging Chemical Market

Overall, LANXESS strengthened sales and maintained earnings growth in the second quarter of 2026, supported by improved demand, higher volumes and effective pricing measures. However, elevated energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty and uneven economic conditions continue to pressure profitability in parts of the business. As per the press release, the company’s second-quarter performance highlights the importance of pricing discipline, operational efficiency and demand recovery as the global specialty chemicals industry navigates a challenging market environment.

IFFCO-MC Crop Science Pvt. Ltd. expanded its agricultural technology portfolio with the launch of Mitsuki, its first 9(3) patented fungicide, and NexaWet, a citrus peel extract-based silicone adjuvant. The company unveiled both products at its flagship launch event, SwarnArambh 2026 – Marching Towards a New Golden Decade.

Mitsuki Targets Major Paddy Diseases

Mitsuki marks an important addition to IFFCO-MC’s crop protection portfolio. The company has developed the fungicide using a patented combination of Thiophanate Methyl and Picoxystrobin. According to IFFCO-MC, Mitsuki is designed to provide effective control against several major diseases affecting paddy cultivation, including sheath blight, blast and grain discoloration. By addressing these diseases, the fungicide aims to support healthier crops and improve productivity for rice growers.

NexaWet Enhances Crop Protection Performance

Alongside Mitsuki, IFFCO-MC introduced NexaWet, an advanced citrus peel extract-based silicone adjuvant. The company has developed NexaWet to improve the effectiveness of crop protection products. In particular, the adjuvant is intended to enhance the performance and efficiency of pesticides and fungicides, thereby supporting more effective crop protection. Consequently, the new product is expected to complement existing crop protection solutions and help farmers optimise their plant protection practices.

Focus on Farmer-Centric Agricultural Innovation

The launch reflects IFFCO-MC’s focus on developing technologies that address the evolving needs of Indian agriculture. Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO and IFFCO-MC, said innovation must remain central to the development of Indian agriculture. He highlighted the company’s commitment to bringing advanced, farmer-focused technologies that can improve productivity, profitability and sustainability. He added that the launch of Mitsuki and NexaWet marks a new phase in IFFCO-MC’s efforts to provide farmers with advanced crop protection solutions.

Strengthening India’s Crop Protection Ecosystem

With Mitsuki and NexaWet, IFFCO-MC is expanding its focus on innovative fungicides and adjuvant technologies for Indian farmers. The introduction of a patented fungicide for key paddy diseases, combined with an advanced adjuvant designed to improve crop protection performance, could strengthen the company’s contribution to India’s evolving agricultural input sector. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, the two launches underline the growing role of technology-driven crop protection solutions in improving farm productivity while supporting more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

BASF India Limited approved the closure of selected manufacturing units within its Care Chemicals business at the Dahej site in Gujarat. The company is taking the step in response to intense market competition, excess capacity and continuing pressure on profit margins. The closure will affect the site’s sulfation and low-temperature reactor plants, which BASF India considers economically unviable under current market conditions.

Dahej Facilities Face Capacity and Margin Pressures

According to the company, significant overcapacity in the Indian market has intensified competition and put pressure on margins. At the same time, rising operating costs have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the economic viability of the affected production units. Consequently, BASF India has decided to streamline its Care Chemicals operations and remove capacity that is no longer commercially sustainable. The company expects to complete the closure by the end of calendar year 2026, subject to receiving all required regulatory approvals.

Care Chemicals Business to Continue in India

Although BASF India will shut the identified manufacturing units, the company will continue its Care Chemicals business in the Indian market. The company plans to serve customers through a combination of local manufacturing, imports and sales of other chemical products, depending on market demand. Furthermore, BASF India has stated that the targeted plant closures will not disrupt the broader supply chain for its remaining Care Chemicals product portfolio.

Dahej Operations Contributed ₹542 Crore in FY25

The affected manufacturing operations accounted for a meaningful portion of BASF India’s revenue. During FY25, manufacturing activities at the Dahej site generated approximately ₹542 crore in revenue, representing around 4% of BASF India’s total revenue. While the contribution is relatively modest compared with the company’s overall business, BASF India is moving to optimise its cost structure and address the impact of excess capacity in the market.

Restructuring Targets Nutrition and Care Segment

The affected facilities form part of BASF India’s Nutrition and Care segment. The restructuring will specifically target production lines facing underutilisation and high fixed operating costs. By closing these units, BASF India aims to reduce the financial burden associated with excess capacity and improve the efficiency of its remaining operations. At the same time, the company will use alternative manufacturing sources and imports to maintain the availability of products for customers.

BASF India Focuses on a More Efficient Operating Model

The Dahej plant closure represents a targeted restructuring rather than an exit from the Indian Care Chemicals market. As competition and capacity pressures continue to affect the chemical industry, BASF India’s decision highlights the importance of cost optimisation, capacity management and flexible sourcing. As reported by scanX, the restructuring is expected to help the company align its manufacturing footprint with market demand while continuing to support customers across India’s Care Chemicals sector.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is set to leverage Project Sprint 2.0 to strengthen its retail network, improve operational efficiency and build a more customer-focused brand image. The initiative will go beyond cost reduction by targeting market share growth, operational optimisation and stronger brand visibility across the company’s retail outlets (ROs).

Sprint 2.0 Targets Growth Beyond Cost Savings

IOCL Chairman A. S. Sahney said Project Sprint is not limited to controlling costs. Instead, the initiative focuses on expanding market share, improving operational efficiency and driving greater optimisation across the business. The first phase of Project Sprint delivered significant savings for IOCL. According to the company, the initiative helped generate savings of around ₹2,200 crore last year. Moreover, IOCL has continued to improve its fuel and loss performance. The company’s Fuel & Loss stood at 8% in Q1 FY27, compared with 8.5% in Q1 FY26 and FY26. Sahney described the latest performance as a strong margin for further savings.

Operational Efficiency Supports IOCL During Market Disruptions

The company also credited the operational efficiency measures introduced under Project Sprint with helping it navigate a challenging first quarter. According to Sahney, Q1 FY27 was among the most difficult quarters faced by oil and gas companies, particularly amid the West Asia conflict. However, IOCL’s optimisation measures and operational efficiency initiatives helped the company manage the challenging operating environment. The company had started implementing these measures a year earlier under Project Sprint. Consequently, the initiative is now becoming an important part of IOCL’s strategy for improving resilience and profitability.

Higher Refining Capacity to Drive Retail Expansion

A key reason behind Sprint 2.0 is IOCL’s expected increase in refining capacity. The company is targeting cumulative refining capacity of around 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the end of FY27. IOCL has already added approximately 9 MTPA, while another 17.3 MTPA is expected to come online, likely by December 2026. The additional capacity is expected to significantly increase the company’s fuel production. IOCL estimates that its expanded refining operations could produce around 10–12 million tonnes of diesel.

Stronger Retail Network to Support Diesel Sales

The anticipated increase in diesel production presents a new sales challenge because diesel demand is growing more slowly than petrol demand. Therefore, IOCL plans to strengthen its retail outlets and use its extensive retail network to support fuel sales. Sahney emphasised that the company will focus on improving the quality and customer experience of its retail outlets, while simultaneously increasing IOCL’s overall brand presence. This approach will allow the company to use its retail network not only as a fuel distribution channel but also as a platform for strengthening customer engagement and market share.

IOCL Raises Refinery Throughput Targets

IOCL also expects refinery throughput to increase steadily over the coming years. The company has projected throughput of FY27: 77 MTPA, FY28: 85 MTPA and FY29: 90 MTPA. As refining capacity and throughput rise, the company will need to optimise production, distribution and sales across its network.

Profitability Improvement Group Established

To further improve refinery performance, IOCL has established a Profitability Improvement Group within its refinery division under Project Sprint. The group will focus on identifying opportunities to improve refinery profitability, optimise operations and maximise value from the company’s growing refining capacity. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, overall, Project Sprint 2.0 marks a broader shift in IOCL’s strategy—from cost optimisation alone towards a combination of retail expansion, stronger branding, operational efficiency, market-share growth and profitability improvement.

Researchers at Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK) developed an innovative device for treating industrial wastewater and secured an Indian design patent for the technology. The patented solution aims to provide industries with a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to reducing water pollution, particularly from textile and chemical manufacturing operations.

Smart Device Targets Industrial Wastewater Pollution

The Smart Composite Material Testing Device was developed by Dr Aviraj Ramchandra Kuldeep of the Department of Chemistry, Shivaji University. The research team also includes Dr Rahul Maruti Mane, Dr Kishore Kumar Khot, Dr Kalyanrao Garadkar, and Dr Sharadchandra Patil. The technology focuses on treating industrial effluents containing hazardous and colour-bearing pollutants. Consequently, it could offer a practical solution for industries seeking to strengthen wastewater treatment and reduce their environmental footprint.

Advanced Composite Material Enables Pollutant Degradation

The device uses semiconductor photocatalysis, a chemical process that can break down hazardous pollutants in wastewater. At its core, the technology incorporates an advanced composite material made from graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). This combination enables the photocatalytic degradation of toxic, colour-bearing compounds commonly present in industrial effluents. By targeting these pollutants, the technology could help improve the quality of treated wastewater before its discharge or further reuse.

Affordable Solution for Textile and Chemical Industries

Industrial wastewater from textile units and chemical manufacturing facilities can contain dyes and other hazardous compounds that pose significant environmental risks when inadequately treated. Dr Aviraj Ramchandra Kuldeep said the device can destroy hazardous and toxic colour components in wastewater at a low cost, offering industries a more environmentally friendly treatment option. The technology could help industries strengthen their effluent treatment practices while reducing the potential impact of untreated wastewater on rivers, drains and other water bodies.

Supporting Cleaner Water and Sustainable Treatment

The researchers believe the technology could contribute to cleaner water bodies and safer water resources for communities. In addition, the low-cost approach could make advanced wastewater treatment more accessible to industries that need economical solutions for managing complex effluents. This could be particularly relevant for sectors that generate significant quantities of dye-containing or chemically contaminated wastewater.

Researcher Builds Strong Record in Sustainable Innovation

Dr Kuldeep has been involved in several national and international research initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and pollution control. He was also granted a UK design patent in 2024. In addition, the Centre awarded him the Swachhta Sarathi Fellowship-2023 for his research on sustainable approaches to pollution in the Panchaganga River region covering Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji. The latest Indian design patent adds another milestone to his research career and highlights the potential of advanced materials and photocatalytic technologies in addressing industrial wastewater challenges.

Towards More Sustainable Industrial Wastewater Treatment

The patented wastewater purification device demonstrates how advanced composite materials, semiconductor photocatalysis and low-cost engineering can work together to tackle industrial pollution. As reported by timesofindia.indiatimes.com, as industries increasingly focus on water conservation, wastewater reuse and stricter environmental performance, technologies such as this could play an important role in developing affordable, efficient and sustainable industrial effluent treatment solutions.

Dr Akanksha Singh, bagged three prestigious honours. The Scientist-D at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) was selected for the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Award 2026 in Agricultural and Plant Sciences. The recognition completes a rare hat-trick for Dr Singh, who has earned three major national distinctions in the same year.

Three National Recognitions in One Year

Dr Singh earlier achieved two other significant milestones in 2026. She was inducted as a member of the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) and selected as an Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Young Associate. With these three recognitions, Dr Singh has become one of the few young Indian researchers to receive all three honours in a single year. According to CSIR-CIMAP, the achievements recognise her growing contribution to agricultural science, crop protection and sustainable agriculture.

Research Focused on Sustainable Crop Protection

Dr Singh holds a PhD in Botany and currently serves as Scientist-D in the Division of Crop Protection and Production at CSIR-CIMAP. Her research extends beyond conventional approaches to crop protection. She focuses on several areas, including plant-microbe interactions, biological crop protection, fungal diseases in crops, eco-friendly disease management, fungicide development and sustainable agriculture. In particular, her work examines how beneficial microorganisms can naturally protect crops against harmful fungal diseases. This approach could help reduce dependence on chemical pesticides while supporting crop health and productivity.

Promoting Eco-Friendly Agriculture

By developing biological and environmentally friendly approaches to disease management, Dr Singh’s research aims to make crop production more sustainable. Her work could help farmers manage crop diseases while reducing the environmental impact associated with excessive chemical pesticide use. Moreover, stronger plant health and improved disease management can contribute to more reliable agricultural productivity. Such research is particularly relevant to India, where agriculture supports millions of livelihoods and continues to face challenges related to crop diseases, productivity and environmental sustainability.

NASI Young Scientist Award 2026

Dr Singh is among 16 scientists selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026 across multiple scientific disciplines. Established in 1930, the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) is one of the country’s oldest scientific academies. Its Young Scientist Award recognises early-career researchers who demonstrate outstanding scientific contributions and encourages them to pursue impactful research. Dr Singh will receive the award during the 96th Annual Session and Symposium of NASI, scheduled for December 4–5, 2026, at Banaras Hindu University.

Spotlight on India’s Emerging Scientific Talent

The recognition adds another milestone to Dr Singh’s growing scientific career and highlights the increasing contribution of young Indian researchers to agricultural innovation. Her work at CSIR-CIMAP demonstrates how plant science, microbiology and sustainable crop protection can come together to address practical agricultural challenges. As reported by indiatoday.in, Dr Singh’s three national recognitions in 2026 not only celebrate her individual achievements but also highlight a new generation of Indian scientists working to develop sustainable solutions for crop diseases, food production and agricultural resilience.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a major batch of offshore contracts from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), strengthening its position in India’s offshore energy infrastructure sector. The orders fall under L&T’s internal “Major” order classification and are valued between ₹5,000 crore and ₹10,000 crore. L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore (LTEH Offshore) will execute the projects along India’s west coast.

Two Major Offshore Projects from ONGC

The contracts cover two key projects — the Pipeline Replacement Project (PRP-X) and the Well Head Platforms Project. Together, these projects will involve extensive engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) activities across ONGC’s offshore fields. The latest orders further expand L&T’s involvement in India’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure and highlight the growing importance of modernising ageing offshore assets.

Pipeline Replacement Project to Cover Subsea Infrastructure

Under the Pipeline Replacement Project (PRP-X), LTEH Offshore will undertake EPCIC activities for multiple subsea pipeline segments. The scope also includes associated modification works across various ONGC offshore fields. By replacing and upgrading critical subsea pipelines, the project is expected to support the reliability and continued operation of offshore production infrastructure.

Four Well Head Platforms to Be Developed

The second contract involves the EPCIC of four well head platforms for ONGC. These platforms will form an important part of offshore production infrastructure. L&T’s integrated capabilities across engineering, fabrication, installation and commissioning will support the execution of the project.

L&T Highlights Offshore EPCIC Capabilities

Parthasarathi Chatterjee, Senior Vice President and Head of L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore, said the projects reaffirm L&T’s role as a partner in developing India’s offshore energy infrastructure. He added that the contracts demonstrate customer confidence in L&T’s integrated EPCIC capabilities, project execution expertise, safety standards and operational excellence.

Four Decades of Offshore Project Experience

L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore brings more than four decades of experience in executing complex offshore projects. Its project portfolio includes fixed offshore platforms, subsea pipelines and structures, brownfield upgrades and decommissioning projects. The company also leverages in-house engineering capabilities, fabrication facilities and a dedicated marine vessel fleet to execute large-scale offshore developments.

Strengthening India’s Offshore Energy Infrastructure

The latest ONGC contracts reinforce L&T’s role in India’s offshore oil and gas sector. Furthermore, the combination of pipeline replacement and new well head platform construction highlights the continued investment required to maintain, upgrade and expand offshore energy infrastructure. As reported by msn.com, with its integrated EPCIC capabilities and extensive offshore experience, L&T is positioned to support ONGC in strengthening the reliability and development of India’s offshore energy assets.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GHCL Limited to develop an advanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)-based system for real-time monitoring of the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of carbon-based fuels. The collaboration brings together spectroscopy, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to create a rapid, on-site fuel quality assessment solution. The initiative aims to move beyond conventional laboratory-based testing and provide industries with faster, data-driven insights for operational decision-making.

MAHE-GHCL Collaboration to Strengthen Fuel Quality Monitoring

GHCL Limited, a leading Indian chemical manufacturer, extensively uses carbon-based fuels for energy generation and process heating. Therefore, maintaining consistent fuel quality is critical for improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and ensuring reliable plant performance. Under the new partnership, MAHE and GHCL, along with the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics (MIAP), will work towards developing an intelligent monitoring system that can assess fuel quality at the point of receipt. Sanjay Gupta, Vice President (Commercial), GHCL Limited, participated in the discussions with the MAHE team and exchanged the signed MoU with Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE.

LIBS Technology Enables Real-Time Fuel Analysis

The proposed system will use Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyse carbon-based fuels rapidly. By combining LIBS with AI and ML, the project seeks to develop a system capable of delivering immediate information on fuel characteristics, particularly its Gross Calorific Value (GCV). Unlike conventional testing methods, which typically require laboratory analysis and can take considerable time, the proposed solution is designed to provide rapid, on-site fuel quality information. As a result, industries could identify variations in fuel quality earlier and take corrective action without waiting for lengthy laboratory reports.

Improving Efficiency and Fuel Utilisation

Fuel quality directly affects the performance and economics of energy-intensive industrial operations. In conventional fuel-quality verification, delays in laboratory testing can limit the ability of plant operators to respond quickly to changes in fuel characteristics. The MAHE-GHCL project aims to address this challenge by developing a real-time fuel quality monitoring system that provides actionable information at the point of receipt. The technology could help industries improve fuel quality assurance, optimise fuel utilisation, strengthen process efficiency, reduce uncertainty associated with conventional testing, support faster operational decision-making and improve cost competitiveness.

Industry-Academia Collaboration for Industrial Innovation

Mayuresh Hede, Operations Head, Sutrapada Plant, GHCL Limited, highlighted the company’s focus on advanced technologies for operational excellence and sustainability. He noted that integrating real-time analytics into fuel quality management could strengthen process efficiency while reducing uncertainties associated with conventional testing methods. Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, emphasised the importance of connecting academic research with industrial requirements. According to him, combining LIBS technology with AI and ML offers significant scientific and commercial potential while creating opportunities for translational research across energy-intensive industries.

Project Led by Manipal Institute of Applied Physics

The MAHE side of the project will be led by Dr Unnikrishnan V. K., Manipal Institute of Applied Physics, as the Principal Investigator. Prof. Karunakar Kotegar, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology and Science, has assured full institutional support for the initiative. Dr Sajan Daniel George, Director, Manipal Institute of Applied Physics, and Dr Harishkumar, Director, Corporate Relations, MAHE, were also present during the MoU-related discussions.

Potential for Scalable Fuel Monitoring Technology

Beyond developing a functional monitoring system, the collaboration also aims to generate intellectual property (IP) and create scalable technology with commercial potential. If successfully implemented, the LIBS-based fuel quality monitoring system could provide a replicable technology model for industries that depend on carbon-based fuels. As reported by bignewsnetwork.com, the project could strengthen industry-academia collaboration and demonstrate how advanced spectroscopy, AI, and machine learning can address practical challenges in energy-intensive industrial operations. Ultimately, the MAHE-GHCL initiative represents a step towards faster, smarter, and data-driven fuel quality management, with potential applications across multiple industrial sectors.