Vinati Organics announced a capital expenditure (capex) programme of ₹500 crore to establish new greenfield manufacturing facilities for specialty chemicals. Through this investment, the company aims to expand its production capabilities, diversify its product portfolio and strengthen its presence across multiple industrial sectors. The proposed projects will focus on specialty chemicals used in resins, fragrances, personal care products, water treatment solutions, oilfield applications and other industrial segments.

Specialty Chemical Projects to Target Multiple Industries

The greenfield expansion will enable Vinati Organics to strengthen its specialty chemicals portfolio and address growing demand across diverse end-use industries. In addition, the company plans to explore opportunities in adjacent product segments, depending on market demand and emerging growth prospects. The investment programme will be implemented across Vinati Organics and its wholly owned subsidiary, Veeral Organics.

Expansion to Strengthen Manufacturing Capabilities

The ₹500 crore investment is expected to enhance the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, support product diversification and create opportunities for business growth. As reported by projectstoday.ai, by expanding into additional specialty chemical segments, Vinati Organics aims to strengthen its competitive position and broaden its customer reach across domestic and international markets.

ENGIE commissioned two major solar power projects in India, adding a combined 450 MW of renewable energy capacity to its portfolio. The projects include the 250 MW Khaba solar plant in Rajasthan and the 200 MW Khavda solar plant in Gujarat. Both facilities are now fully operational, strengthening the Group’s renewable energy presence in India. These projects also highlight ENGIE’s ability to develop and deliver large-scale renewable energy infrastructure while supporting local communities and regional economic growth. Notably, approximately 80% of the construction workforce came from local communities, creating employment opportunities in the project regions.

ENGIE Expands Renewable Energy and Battery Storage Portfolio

The commissioning comes amid strong growth in ENGIE’s Indian operations. In addition to expanding its solar generation capacity, the Group has secured its first battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the country. These include a 280 MW / 560 MWh battery storage project secured in November 2025 and a hybrid project awarded in January 2026, combining 200 MW of solar capacity with a 100 MW / 600 MWh battery storage system. With approximately 2 GW of renewable energy capacity either operational or under construction in India, ENGIE continues to expand its portfolio. The Group is combining renewable power generation with energy storage and flexibility solutions to support India’s growing demand for reliable, low-carbon electricity.

ENGIE Targets Opportunities in India’s Energy Transition

Pedro Vasconcelos, Executive Vice President, Renewable & Flexible Power, ENGIE, said, “India is a key growth market for ENGIE, where we are continuing to build scale and momentum as we contribute to one of the world’s major energy transitions. As the market evolves, we also see increasing opportunities in corporate PPAs and in combining renewable generation with more sophisticated energy management and flexibility solutions. Our ambition is to build on this momentum and use these capabilities to create additional value for our customers and for ENGIE.”

250 MW Khaba Solar Project in Rajasthan

Located in Barmer, Rajasthan, the 250 MW Khaba solar project was developed through Khaba Renewable Energy Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ENGIE. The facility is expected to generate approximately 650 GWh of electricity annually. Furthermore, it will help avoid nearly 180 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions each year, contributing to India’s clean energy and decarbonisation goals.

200 MW Khavda Solar Project in Gujarat

The 200 MW Khavda solar photovaoltaic project is located within the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch. ENGIE developed the facility through Enren II Energy Private Limited. The project will supply electricity to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Once operational, it is expected to generate approximately 350 GWh of electricity annually. As per the company press release, together, the Khaba and Khavda projects strengthen ENGIE’s renewable energy portfolio in India while supporting the country’s transition towards a more sustainable and reliable power system.

Hikal Limited signed a multi-year contract with a Europe-based global agrochemical company to manufacture and supply a specialised agrochemical product to markets worldwide. The agreement, secured by Hikal’s Crop Protection division, covers contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services.

Under the agreement, Hikal has completed process development and scale-up activities for the product. Commercial supplies are expected to begin towards the end of FY 2026–27. Furthermore, volumes are expected to increase progressively as the product secures regulatory approvals across international markets.

Strengthening Global Agrochemical Manufacturing Capabilities

The multi-year partnership highlights Hikal’s expertise in process development, scale-up and commercial manufacturing. It also demonstrates the company’s ability to convert customer requirements into long-term manufacturing opportunities. Additionally, the agreement strengthens Hikal’s Crop Protection business by expanding its portfolio of specialised products for global customers and creating opportunities for sustained business growth.

Hikal Expands Long-Term Global Partnership

Sameer Hiremath, Chairman and Managing Director, Hikal Limited, said, “The contract marks an important milestone for our Crop Protection business, converting nearly three years of collaborative development and scale-up into a long-term commercial partnership. It demonstrates Hikal’s ability to combine deep technical expertise with reliable manufacturing capabilities to take complex products from development to commercial supply. We are well positioned to support the planned launch and progressive expansion of supplies across global markets.”

Hikal partners with global companies across pharmaceuticals, crop protection, animal health and speciality chemicals. As per the press release, through its integrated research and development, process chemistry and manufacturing capabilities, the company supports customers throughout the product lifecycle, from initial development to commercial-scale production.

Rio Tinto officially inaugurated two major lithium projects in Argentina’s Catamarca province following a combined investment of approximately US$1.4 billion. The inauguration marks a significant milestone for the country’s lithium industry, with Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Catamarca Governor Raúl Jalil joining Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott to celebrate the launch of the Fénix 1B expansion and Sal de Vida operation.

Both projects achieved first production in the second quarter, ahead of schedule, and are now progressing towards full production capacity. Once fully operational, they will add 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity, further strengthening Rio Tinto’s position in the global lithium market and Argentina’s role as a key lithium supplier.

Fénix 1B and Sal de Vida Expand Lithium Production

The inauguration programme included a visit to the Fénix site by President Milei and Governor Jalil, hosted by Simon Trott. The event also brought together national and provincial authorities, employees, suppliers and representatives of local and Indigenous communities to recognise the successful delivery of both projects. President Javier Milei described the Fénix expansion as a historic milestone for Argentina’s mining sector. He highlighted the country’s potential to supply resources essential to the modern economy and emphasised the importance of creating an investment-friendly environment to attract global companies.

Rio Tinto Strengthens Global Lithium Growth Strategy

Simon Trott, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto, said the projects represent an important milestone for both the company and Argentina’s lithium industry. He also highlighted their contribution to Rio Tinto’s global ambition of achieving 200,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent production capacity by 2028. According to Trott, the projects build on nearly three decades of lithium production in Catamarca and reflect the expertise of Rio Tinto’s Argentine workforce. He further acknowledged the contribution of local suppliers, communities and government partners in delivering the developments. Going forward, Rio Tinto will focus on safely increasing production, supplying high-quality lithium to customers and generating long-term value for shareholders and Argentina.

Fénix Expansion Adds 10,000 Tons of Annual Capacity

Fénix commenced operations in 1997 as Argentina’s first commercial lithium production facility. The Fénix 1B expansion adds 10,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity, taking the operation’s targeted total annual capacity to approximately 40,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, Sal de Vida is a new lithium carbonate production facility located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Fénix. Once fully ramped up, the facility is expected to deliver 15,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity. Together, these developments will strengthen Rio Tinto’s lithium production network and support growing demand for lithium across global markets.

Local Suppliers Support Rio Tinto’s Argentina Expansion

The two projects form part of Rio Tinto’s broader lithium growth strategy in Argentina, which includes operations and development projects across Catamarca, Jujuy and Salta, including the Rincon lithium project. As per the company press release, the company’s expansion is creating opportunities for Argentina’s domestic supply chain. Rio Tinto expects local suppliers to receive approximately 70% of the nearly US$4 billion in growth capital planned for investment across its Argentine lithium operations.

Through these investments, Rio Tinto aims to expand its global lithium production capacity while supporting local industries, strengthening supplier partnerships and contributing to Argentina’s growing role in the global battery materials supply chain.

India has secured firm green hydrogen offtake commitments totalling 5,55,610 tons per annum (TPA) as of October 2026, with the agreements expected to attract investments exceeding ₹90,000 crore, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). These commitments mark significant progress towards India’s target of producing five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The committed offtake volume represents approximately 11% of the country’s annual production target.

Green Hydrogen Agreements Gain Momentum

During 2026, Indian companies signed 18 new green hydrogen offtake agreements, covering more than 400,000 TPA of green hydrogen-equivalent supply. Consequently, the total number of agreements signed since the launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 has reached 23. According to MNRE, these agreements represent one of the world’s largest green hydrogen supply commitments and strengthen India’s position in the emerging global clean energy market.

₹90,000-Cr Investment to Boost Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

Furthermore, the agreements are expected to accelerate investments exceeding ₹90,000 crore in green hydrogen production, supply infrastructure and associated industrial facilities. As reported by projectstoday.ai, these developments will support the expansion of India’s green hydrogen ecosystem, encourage industrial adoption of clean energy and advance the country’s long-term energy transition goals.

BASF, in collaboration with the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, is organising the BASF Kids’ Lab from 26 to 31 October 2026. The initiative introduces schoolchildren to hands-on chemistry experiments while raising awareness about environmental sustainability and climate action. The Hyderabad edition is expected to engage 1,150 students from municipal schools, offering them an opportunity to explore science through interactive learning activities.

Hands-on Chemistry Learning for Schoolchildren

BASF Kids’ Lab is an interactive science education programme designed for children aged 8 to 12 years. Through practical experiments and engaging activities, the initiative encourages young learners to explore scientific concepts and understand the role of chemistry in everyday life. Furthermore, the programme introduces children to sustainability, environmental protection and climate action. It aims to develop scientific curiosity and demonstrate how simple everyday actions can contribute to a more sustainable future. Developed by BASF, a leading global chemical company, Kids’ Lab has reached children in more than 30 countries. Since its launch in India in 2004, the programme has inspired over 62,000 schoolchildren across the country.

BASF Expands Climate Education Through CSR Initiative

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India, BASF relaunched Kids’ Lab in 2023 with a renewed focus on climate protection. Since then, the programme has reached students across several metropolitan cities, including Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Mangalore, Bengaluru and Delhi. It has also extended its reach to rural and tribal communities in Nashik district. Through age-appropriate experiments and interactive learning modules, the programme helps children understand environmental sustainability and the importance of individual contributions to climate action.

BASF and CSIR-IICT Emphasise Experiential Science Education

Kim Höffken, Managing Director, BASF Digital Solutions Private Limited, said children learn best through exploration, experimentation and discovery. He explained that BASF Kids’ Lab aims to create engaging learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and a better understanding of how science addresses real-world challenges. By connecting chemistry with sustainability and climate action, the programme seeks to inspire the next generation of informed and responsible innovators. He also welcomed the collaboration with CSIR-IICT to bring the initiative to schoolchildren in Hyderabad. Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT, appreciated BASF’s efforts to promote scientific curiosity and climate awareness through hands-on chemistry education. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives, particularly for government school students, in developing scientific thinking and environmental responsibility. He also emphasised the shared vision of CSIR’s Jigyasa programme and BASF in making science education accessible, engaging and meaningful for young learners. Additionally, he acknowledged the support of the Education Department, Government of Telangana, in identifying government schools and facilitating student participation in Hyderabad.

Students Explore Chemistry Through Practical Experiments

The programme has also received positive feedback from participating students. Gouthami, a student of Government High School, Peteri, shared her experience and highlighted the water purification experiment as her favourite activity. She appreciated the volunteers for explaining scientific concepts in a simple and engaging manner. She also expressed her intention to share the knowledge with her friends and family and apply the lessons on climate action in her daily life.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Chemistry

BASF Kids’ Lab reflects the company’s commitment to advancing chemistry education and supporting communities through meaningful engagement initiatives. By combining practical science experiments with sustainability education, the programme encourages children to develop scientific curiosity, understand environmental challenges and adopt responsible practices. As per company press release, through its continued outreach, BASF aims to empower young learners to become responsible citizens and future champions of climate action.

Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilisers (TFL), a manufacturer of soda ash and ammonium chloride, is strengthening its focus on sustainable manufacturing, customer engagement and international market expansion. As part of this strategic shift, the company has unveiled a new brand identity that reflects its evolving business priorities and global ambitions. With more than five decades of experience, TFL aims to expand beyond its traditional markets while strengthening its position in the chemical industry.

New Logo Reflects Sustainability and Connectivity

The new TFL logo features the letters ‘TFL’ within a hexagonal structure inspired by carbon bonds. The design symbolises connectivity, chemistry and the interdependence of elements. Meanwhile, green remains a defining feature of the brand identity, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency and circularity. According to the company, the rebranding reflects its business transformation and future priorities rather than serving as a mere visual update.

TFL Strengthens Focus on Global Expansion

Commenting on the development, Ashwin Muthiah, Chairman of TFL and Founder Chairman of AM International, Singapore, said the company had evolved over more than five decades by adapting to changing market conditions while remaining committed to its core purpose and values. He added that the new identity represents the next phase of the company’s journey, with a stronger emphasis on sustainability, customer focus and international growth. TFL’s international expansion strategy gained momentum in July when the company shipped its first export consignment of ammonium chloride, manufactured at its Tuticorin facility, to a customer in the United States. This shipment marked an important milestone in the company’s efforts to develop a broader overseas customer base and explore opportunities beyond its established markets.

Rebranding Supports TFL’s Business Transformation

The new brand identity reinforces TFL’s ambition to strengthen its market positioning while responding to emerging opportunities in the global chemical industry. Furthermore, the company aims to align its brand with evolving customer expectations and the growing importance of sustainable manufacturing. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by combining its industrial heritage with a forward-looking business strategy, TFL seeks to build a stronger presence in international markets while advancing its priorities in sustainability, resource efficiency and customer engagement.

Tata Projects, a technology-driven engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company in India, bagged an order from Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GSFC) to develop an integrated phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid complex in Gujarat. The contract marks a significant step in Tata Projects’ expansion into specialised process industries. Furthermore, it strengthens the company’s position as an EPC partner for complex industrial infrastructure projects.

Integrated Phosphoric and Sulphuric Acid Plants at Sikka

The project involves developing an integrated acid manufacturing complex at Sikka in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The facility will comprise a 600 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) phosphoric acid plant and a 1,800 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) sulphuric acid plant.

In addition to the two manufacturing facilities, Tata Projects will develop associated utilities and offsite infrastructure required to support plant operations. In its official statement, Tata Projects confirmed that it had secured the EPC contract from GSFC for the development of the integrated Phosphoric Acid–Sulphuric Acid (PA–SA) complex.

Tata Projects Strengthens Presence in Specialised Industries

Rajiv Menon, President and Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at Tata Projects, said the company aims to expand its presence in chemicals, fertilisers and other specialised process industries. He further emphasised the company’s focus on building a high-quality and diversified order book through technical expertise, reliable project execution and long-term customer partnerships.

Diverse Portfolio of Industrial Infrastructure Projects

Tata Projects brings extensive experience in executing large and complex urban and industrial infrastructure projects. The company also maintains a strong presence in the refinery and petrochemical sectors. Additionally, it offers integrated engineering and construction solutions across several industries, including semiconductor manufacturing facilities, giga factories, data centres, refineries, green fuels, chemical process plants and power generation infrastructure.

Its project portfolio also covers roads, bridges, rail and metro systems, commercial buildings, airports, power transmission and distribution, water and waste management, and mining and metal purification systems. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, through this latest GSFC contract, Tata Projects further strengthens its presence in India’s chemical and fertiliser manufacturing infrastructure sector.

India’s pharmaceutical exports increased nearly 5% to ₹1.53 lakh crore (US$16.13 billion) during the first half of FY27, according to data released by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). Strong demand from Europe, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Latin America supported this growth. During the second quarter of FY27, pharmaceutical exports rose 3.05% to ₹76,145.73 crore (US$8.04 billion). Meanwhile, September recorded the highest monthly export value of ₹25,988.52 crore (US$2.74 billion), registering 4.68% year-on-year (YoY) growth.

Europe Leads Growth in Pharmaceutical Exports

Europe emerged as a major growth market for Indian pharmaceutical products. Exports to the region increased 9.66% to ₹31,142.75 crore (US$3.29 billion), accounting for 20.38% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports. Similarly, shipments to ASEAN markets recorded strong growth of 21.54%, while exports to Latin America and the Caribbean increased 16.58%. Africa also registered a 6.48% rise in pharmaceutical imports from India. These gains across key international markets helped sustain overall export growth.

Drug Formulations and Bulk Drugs Drive Export Performance

Drug formulations and biologicals remained the largest export category, contributing 73.84% of India’s total pharmaceutical shipments and recording 3.81% growth. Additionally, bulk drugs and drug intermediates registered a stronger increase of 12.07%, while surgical exports grew 9.53%. The performance highlights the growing contribution of India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities across multiple product segments.

Pharmexcil Highlights Opportunities in High-Value Medicines

Commenting on the export performance, Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi said India has established a strong global reputation for quality, affordable medicines and large-scale manufacturing. However, he emphasised that the next phase of growth must focus on moving up the pharmaceutical value chain. He identified Europe as a significant opportunity for Indian companies to expand into the co-development of complex generics, biosimilars and specialised therapies. As reported by ibef.org, Pharmexcil Vice Chairman Bhavin Mehta said the double-digit growth in bulk drugs and intermediates reflects the strength and diversity of India’s domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. He also emphasised that continued investment in quality systems will help Indian pharmaceutical exporters strengthen their global presence and participate in higher-value international markets.

India’s compressed biogas (CBG) ambitions depend on reliable waste supply chains, assured buyers and commercially viable projects. Experts highlighted these challenges at the 20th India Energy Summit, held in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. Despite government incentives and ambitious production targets, inconsistent feedstock availability, low plant utilisation and uncertain financial returns continue to slow the sector’s growth.

Deepak Raj Sar, Founder of ITY Consulting, said the key challenge lies in translating government policies into effective implementation. He pointed out that coordination gaps often emerge when policies move between different departments and stakeholders. “Most of the policies of the government are done with very, very good intent. Where they fall between the stools is when they have to be transferred from one table to the other table,” he said.

He also called for a cohesive ecosystem supported by a single monitoring mechanism to improve coordination and accelerate project implementation. India aims to convert agricultural residues and organic waste into domestic fuel, thereby reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while addressing waste management challenges. However, reliable raw material supplies, consistent gas quality and assured demand remain essential to expanding CBG production.

Feedstock Availability Remains a Major Challenge

Shobhit Srivastava, Programme Manager at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), highlighted the gap between India’s CBG ambitions and actual project implementation. According to him, only 207 CBG plants were operational nationwide, against the original target of 5,000 plants under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme. He also pointed out that installed capacity does not necessarily translate into actual production, as only a few plants operate above 50% capacity utilisation.

Srivastava identified feedstock security as a critical requirement for improving plant performance. Agricultural residues, particularly paddy straw from Punjab and Haryana, offer significant potential. However, farmers have a limited period after harvesting to clear their fields. Therefore, timely biomass collection, transportation and storage are essential to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.

To address these challenges, he called for stronger biomass aggregation networks, adequate storage infrastructure and supportive state-level policies. Furthermore, Srivastava highlighted fermented organic manure (FOM) as an additional revenue opportunity for CBG producers. Fertiliser companies could help develop a market for this by-product by connecting producers with farmers through their established distribution networks.

Long-Term Offtake Agreements Can Improve Project Viability

From an industry perspective, Rishi Khanna, VP-Marketing at Fort Gloster Industries Limited, emphasised that investment decisions depend on predictable gas offtake, manageable logistics costs and faster regulatory approvals. He advocated long-term agreements between biomass energy producers and buyers to provide greater revenue certainty. In addition, a single-window clearance mechanism for government approvals and subsidies could reduce administrative delays and improve project execution.

Khanna also stressed the importance of locating CBG plants close to biomass-producing regions. This approach could lower transportation expenses, improve feedstock availability and enhance operational efficiency. Moreover, timely financing and predictable payments remain crucial for project developers. Delays and financial uncertainty can increase project costs, affect cash flows and weaken investor confidence.

Stronger Coordination Needed to Accelerate CBG Growth

India’s CBG sector requires more than policy incentives and production targets to achieve sustainable growth. Reliable feedstock supply chains, consistent fuel quality, assured offtake agreements and commercially viable by-product markets must develop together. Therefore, stronger coordination among government agencies, biomass suppliers, CBG producers and end users will be essential. As reported by bwsustainabilityworld.com, addressing these operational and financial bottlenecks can help India translate its CBG ambitions into sustained production, improved plant utilisation and commercially successful projects.