Home Blog Page 80

New Membranes Could Reduce Energy Use in Crude Oil Processing

0

A More Efficient Alternative to Distillation

Researchers have developed advanced membrane technologies that could transform how refineries separate crude oil into useful chemical components. Unlike traditional fractional distillation, which requires intense heating, these membranes separate hydrocarbons based on molecular size, shape, and chemical properties.

The conventional distillation process consumes significant energy and contributes heavily to carbon emissions. However, membrane-based separation methods could reduce the energy required for hydrocarbon processing by up to 90%, making refineries more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Breakthrough Materials Improve Separation

Scientists have created different types of membranes, including specially designed polymer membranes and covalent organic framework (COF) membranes. These materials contain carefully controlled pores that allow them to separate specific hydrocarbon groups more effectively.

According to Chemistry World, researchers have successfully scaled these technologies from laboratory experiments to industrial-style membrane modules, showing that the materials can operate under practical conditions.

One team developed “locked” polymer membranes that prevent the material from swelling when exposed to hydrocarbons. As a result, the membranes maintain their structure and continue separating smaller and larger molecules efficiently. Another team used COF materials to separate different hydrocarbon classes with high selectivity.

Moving Toward Greener Refining

In addition, researchers are exploring simpler and more affordable materials, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which can also separate crude oil components. These developments could help industries reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and improve the efficiency of chemical production.

Although membranes are unlikely to completely replace distillation in the near future, they could work alongside existing methods. By reducing the amount of energy needed before distillation, these technologies could make crude oil processing cleaner and more sustainable.

Topsoe and Sasol to Power Canadian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project

0

Topsoe and Sasol have signed a single-point licensing agreement with SUSTAERO GP Inc. to provide process technologies for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Canada. The facility will convert abundantly available wood waste into SAF, supporting the aviation industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels.

The project is designed to produce 3,200 barrels per day (BPD) of SAF, with the potential to expand production to three times its initial capacity. SUSTAERO plans to make the final investment decision in 2028, while commercial operations are expected to begin in 2031.

Integrated Technology Solution

Under the agreement, Topsoe and Sasol will deliver their integrated Gas-to-Liquids (G2L™) technology package. The solution combines Topsoe’s hydrogen production, gas reforming and hydroprocessing technologies with Sasol’s Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and product treatment technologies.

According to Hydrocarbon Processing, the project reflects growing demand for commercially proven technologies that can accelerate SAF production while strengthening energy security through diversified fuel sources.

Industry Leaders Highlight Collaboration

Yassir Ghiyati, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, said the partnership demonstrates how proven technologies and strong collaboration can accelerate the commercialization of renewable fuels at scale and support aviation’s shift to lower-emission fuels.

Sarushen Pillay, Executive Vice President for Business Building, Strategy and Technology at Sasol, said SUSTAERO selected the company’s proven Fischer-Tropsch technology for its reliability, scalability and performance. He added that Sasol’s long-standing partnership with Topsoe enables an integrated licensing model that reduces project risk, improves product yields and enhances bankability.

Keith Gillard, CEO of SUSTAERO, said the collaboration strengthens the company’s SOAR™ (Syngas Optimization for Aviation Renewables) architecture by integrating the partners’ G2L technologies. He noted that the project will help advance the production of low-carbon aviation fuels using secure and sustainable feedstocks.

Rising Demand for SAF

Demand for sustainable aviation fuel continues to grow worldwide. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global SAF production is expected to reach 1.9 million tonnes in 2025, nearly double the 1 million tonnes produced in 2024. However, this still represents only about 0.6% of global jet fuel production. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that SAF must account for more than 10% of aviation fuel consumption by 2030 to support the industry’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.

About G2L™ Technology

The G2L™ e-fuels process is a single-point licensing solution that converts renewable feedstocks, such as gasified biomass or captured CO₂ and hydrogen, into sustainable fuels. By integrating technologies from Topsoe and Sasol, the process improves hydrogen utilization, reduces carbon emissions, maximizes fuel yields and provides a reliable pathway for large-scale renewable fuel production.

LANXESS Resin Demonstrates Effective PFAS Removal in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

0

LANXESS has demonstrated the industrial-scale effectiveness of its selective ion exchange resin, Lewatit MDS TP 108, in removing even short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from wastewater. During a field trial at Chemours Netherlands B.V. in Dordrecht, the resin removed more than 99% of fluorinated organic compounds, highlighting its ability to tackle contaminants that conventional ion exchange resins and activated carbon filters often fail to capture.

Addressing the PFAS Challenge

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” degrade very slowly and accumulate in the environment and living organisms, posing significant environmental and health concerns. Short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS, containing two to seven carbon atoms, are particularly difficult to remove because they adsorb poorly onto activated carbon and bind weakly to many conventional ion exchange resins, especially in the presence of competing anions.

Resin Designed for Short-Chain PFAS

To overcome these challenges, LANXESS introduced the monodisperse selective resin Lewatit MDS TP 108 in 2024. The resin features beads that are about one-third smaller than those of conventional ion exchange resins, resulting in higher adsorption capacity, longer service life, and faster exchange kinetics. Consequently, it maintains high performance even under elevated flow rates.

Three-Stage Treatment Process

As per a company press release, Chemours uses a three-stage wastewater treatment process. First, reverse osmosis separates the wastewater into a PFAS-depleted permeate and a concentrated PFAS stream. Next, activated carbon filters remove long-chain PFAS to prevent them from occupying the selective resin. Finally, a cascade of three Lewatit MDS TP 108 vessels—comprising one primary filter and two polishing filters—effectively removes short-chain PFAS with two and three carbon atoms.

“Our tailored ion exchange resins have bound more than 99% of all fluorinated organic compounds from the wastewater. After use, they are incinerated at high temperatures to destroy the PFAS,” said Björn Dinges, Application Technology Manager at LANXESS.

Industrial Deployment

Engineering partner Logisticon Water Treatment B.V., based in the Netherlands, designed and supplied the complete water treatment plant, including its specialised operating procedures. Following a multi-month trial, the system has been operating at the Chemours site since mid-2025. It continues to help reduce fluorinated organic compound emissions while enabling the facility to comply with stringent environmental regulations.

They have revised the reported removal efficiency from 99.9% to 99% after the initial publication.

LANXESS Marks 100 Years of Iron Oxide Pigment Production

0

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is celebrating 100 years of iron oxide pigment production at its Krefeld-Uerdingen site in Germany. Since production began in 1926, the company has manufactured more than 15 million tonnes of iron oxide pigments—enough to produce over 200 billion litres of paint, capable of covering an area the size of Germany five times.

With an annual production capacity of around 300,000 tonnes, LANXESS remains the global market leader in synthetic iron oxide pigments. Its Bayferrox brand has become an industry benchmark for high-quality pigments used in paving stones, roof tiles, coatings and plastics. Notable applications include the red asphalt outside Buckingham Palace in London and the façade of Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

“People encounter our pigments every day—on streets, roofs and façades,” said Michael Ertl, Head of the Inorganic Pigments Business Unit at LANXESS. “Thanks to the pioneering spirit of our employees in Krefeld, our pigments have become indispensable in many other applications as well.”

Today, the pigments are also used in artificial turf, automotive airbags and brake pads, catalysts for chemical processes, and emerging battery applications for electric vehicles.

From a Breakthrough Process to a Global Brand

The success story began in 1926 when chemist Julius Laux developed an innovative process during aniline production that converted iron oxide into a high-quality synthetic pigment. Following World War II, demand surged during Europe’s reconstruction, driving rapid growth and establishing the foundation for LANXESS’ leadership in the iron oxide pigment market.

As per the company’s press release, the product portfolio has since expanded to more than 100 shades, while a global manufacturing network has strengthened the company’s international presence. Even today, Krefeld-Uerdingen remains the heart of LANXESS’ iron oxide pigment business under the Bayferrox and Colortherm brands.

Driving Sustainability Through Circular Economy

LANXESS also continues to advance sustainable manufacturing. Its iron oxide pigments have one of the industry’s lowest carbon footprints, largely because of the proprietary Laux process, which converts a by-product of aniline production into high-quality iron oxide pigments. This process represents an early example of the circular economy in action.

In addition, the company is reducing emissions across its value chain by improving production processes, increasing energy efficiency and optimising logistics.

Local Recognition for Industrial Excellence

Frank Meyer, Mayor of Krefeld, described the Krefeld-Uerdingen site as an important part of Germany’s industrial heritage and praised LANXESS for continuously reinventing itself.

He noted that while the chemical industry faces significant challenges, companies that embrace transformation and innovation are well positioned for the future. He added that the success of local industrial businesses also benefits the city and its communities.

About LANXESS

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 5.7 billion in 2025. The company employs around 11,600 people across 32 countries and focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. It has also earned recognition in leading ESG indices and sustainability ratings for its commitment to responsible business practices.

Vayona Energy Commences Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing at Nellore Facility

0

Vayona Energy commenced wind turbine blade manufacturing at its Nellore facility in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen its domestic renewable energy manufacturing capabilities. The company plans to progressively expand production capacity and enhance operational capabilities at the facility, positioning it as a key manufacturing hub for its current and next-generation wind energy products.

Nellore Facility to Drive Manufacturing Growth

The Nellore plant is expected to play a central role in Vayona Energy’s long-term growth strategy. Besides increasing manufacturing capacity, the facility will support the company’s technology roadmap while reinforcing its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Prashant Jain, Executive Vice Chairman, Vayona Energy, said the expansion reflects the company’s long-term vision of building world-class manufacturing capabilities within India. He noted that the enhanced facility strengthens Vayona’s manufacturing footprint while supporting the development of an integrated and globally competitive renewable energy supply chain.

Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem Takes Shape

According to Pritesh Vinay, Chief Executive Officer, Vayona Energy, the Nellore blade manufacturing plant, together with the company’s Mamandur nacelle facility, represents a major step toward establishing a fully integrated wind turbine manufacturing ecosystem in India. The integrated manufacturing base will support both existing product platforms and future-generation technologies, enabling the company to meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.

Capacity Expansion Planned Through 2027

Vayona Energy will undertake phased investments at the Nellore facility through 2027 to further expand production capabilities. The expansion programme includes the installation of new blade molds, manufacturing equipment, and supporting infrastructure required for producing advanced wind turbine blades. Initially, the facility will manufacture blades for the company’s 3X platform, while also preparing for future-generation wind turbine products as demand grows.

Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

The strengthened manufacturing footprint is expected to improve production efficiency, shorten delivery timelines, and enhance supply chain resilience for Vayona Energy’s wind turbine business. The project aligns with India’s broader clean energy objectives by promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported components. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by investing in integrated manufacturing infrastructure, Vayona Energy aims to support India’s transition to sustainable energy while positioning itself as a leading domestic manufacturer of advanced wind energy equipment.

ONGC Bags Platinum at Global Safety Innovation Awards 2026

0

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) bagged the Platinum Winner title at the Global Safety Innovation Awards 2026, recognizing its outstanding achievements in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) practices. The Energy and Environment Foundation presented the award during the Global Safety Awards 2026, acknowledging ONGC’s continued commitment to workplace safety, digital innovation, and sustainable operations across its extensive energy portfolio. The recognition honours organizations that demonstrate excellence in safety management while driving innovation in health, safety, and environmental practices.

Recognition for Advanced HSE and Digital Safety Initiatives

ONGC’s Corporate HSE Division received the Platinum award for successfully integrating advanced technologies with a proactive safety management framework. The company was recognized for several key initiatives, including: Advanced digital safety protocols, organization-wide safety culture programmes, continuous improvement of risk management systems and strong focus on occupational health and hazard prevention. By leveraging digital tools and real-time monitoring systems, ONGC has strengthened its ability to identify risks early, improve workplace safety, and enhance operational efficiency across its energy assets.

Technology Driving Safer Energy Operations

According to the company, technology has become a central pillar of its HSE strategy. The integration of digital solutions has enabled ONGC to build a proactive safety ecosystem that supports faster decision-making, continuous monitoring, and improved compliance with global safety standards. As a result, the company has further enhanced its ability to safeguard employees, assets, and the environment while maintaining operational excellence.

Comprehensive HSE Framework Across Operations

ONGC continues to implement a robust Health, Safety, and Environment framework across its domestic and international operations. Its HSE strategy focuses on: Minimizing operational and process safety risks, preventing workplace accidents and occupational hazards, promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening safety awareness and accountability across all organizational levels. These initiatives are implemented throughout the company’s upstream oil and gas operations, deepwater exploration projects, and international assets, reinforcing a culture of continuous safety improvement.

Global Recognition for Safety Leadership

The Platinum award was presented during the Global Safety Awards 2026. The event brought together leading organizations from the energy, environmental, and industrial safety sectors to recognize excellence in safety innovation and sustainable business practices. By securing the Platinum honour, ONGC joins a select group of global energy companies recognized for setting high standards in occupational safety, risk management, and environmental stewardship.

Strengthening ONGC’s Leadership in Sustainable Energy

The Platinum recognition at the Global Safety Innovation Awards 2026 reinforces ONGC’s position as a leader in safety excellence and sustainable energy operations. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, the achievement reflects the company’s long-term commitment to integrating digital innovation with robust HSE practices, ensuring safer workplaces, responsible operations, and sustainable growth across its global energy business.

IndianOil LNG Gets Green Nod for Ennore LNG Project

0

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted environmental clearance for IndianOil LNG Pvt Ltd’s (IOLPL) ₹3,400-crore expansion of its LNG import and regasification terminal at Ennore, North Chennai. The approval paves the way for the company to double the terminal’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification capacity from five million tons per annum (MTPA) to 10 MTPA, significantly strengthening natural gas infrastructure in southern India.

Expansion to Meet Rising Natural Gas Demand

According to the company’s submission to the Environment Ministry, the expansion has been planned to address the growing demand for natural gas across the Ennore region and surrounding industrial corridors. Once completed, the project will increase the terminal’s regasification capacity from 20 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) to 40 MMSCMD. This additional capacity is expected to improve the availability of regasified LNG (RLNG) for industries and other major consumers across southern India.

India’s First East Coast LNG Terminal

IndianOil LNG Pvt Ltd, a joint venture of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, commissioned the Ennore LNG terminal in 2019, following the start of construction in 2015. The facility was originally designed with a five MTPA capacity, while incorporating provisions for a future expansion to ten MTPA. With environmental clearance now in place, the company can proceed with the long-planned capacity enhancement to meet the region’s increasing energy requirements.

Boost for Southern India’s Gas Infrastructure

The expanded terminal is expected to substantially improve the supply of regasified LNG to industrial consumers across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. By increasing gas availability, the project will strengthen the regional natural gas network, support energy-intensive industries, and facilitate greater adoption of cleaner fuels. As reported by newsonprojects.com, the expansion aligns with India’s broader strategy to increase the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix while supporting industrial growth and the transition toward lower-carbon energy sources.

Specialty Chemical Makers Face Margin Pressure: Crisil Ratings

0

India’s specialty chemical industry is expected to witness slower revenue growth in the current fiscal as weak exports offset healthy domestic demand, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The ratings agency estimates that industry revenue growth will moderate by 200 basis points to around 6% this fiscal, compared with approximately 8% growth recorded in each of the previous two years. The slowdown is primarily attributed to supply chain disruptions, cautious procurement by overseas customers, and continued uncertainty in global trade. Crisil’s assessment is based on an analysis of 126 specialty chemical companies, which together account for nearly 40% of the industry’s total revenue.

Domestic Demand Remains the Primary Growth Driver

Despite weaker exports, the domestic market is expected to continue supporting the industry’s growth. According to Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, Crisil Ratings, demand from diversified end-user industries will keep domestic sales strong, helping the sector achieve 7-8% growth in local demand during the fiscal year. However, export demand is likely to remain subdued in the near term due to ongoing global disruptions. Crisil expects trade flows to gradually normalize over the next couple of quarters, provided the recent easing of tensions in West Asia continues. The report also notes that China’s reduction in export incentives for select chemical products could provide some pricing support. Nevertheless, continued dumping of chemicals by Chinese manufacturers is expected to limit any significant pricing gains.

Operating Margins Under Pressure

Weak export demand is also expected to affect industry profitability. Since export sales generally generate higher margins, their slowdown, coupled with rising crude-linked raw material costs that cannot be fully passed on to customers, is expected to reduce operating margins to 14-14.5% this fiscal from around 16% in the previous year. The extent of margin pressure will vary across companies depending on their product mix, raw material exposure, and pricing power.

Impact Varies Across Chemical Segments

The report highlights that the financial impact will differ significantly across various specialty chemical segments. Domestic sales account for nearly two-thirds of total industry revenue, with agrochemicals contributing around 30%, followed by dyes and pigments (22%), and flavours and fragrances (14%). The remaining revenue comes from exports.

Manufacturers dependent on ethylene and propylene are expected to experience greater pressure because these feedstocks are closely linked to crude oil prices, while their ability to pass on higher costs remains limited. In contrast, companies using benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX)-based raw materials may perform relatively better due to their focus on value-added products and moderate pricing flexibility.

Meanwhile, businesses specializing in fluorine-based chemicals are expected to remain comparatively resilient, supported by niche product portfolios and stronger pricing power. Although recent customs duty exemptions on select petrochemical inputs may reduce some cost pressures, Crisil believes these measures will not significantly offset broader raw material price volatility.

Crude Prices and Chinese Competition Continue to Challenge Profitability

According to Poonam Upadhyay, Director, Crisil Ratings, crude-linked feedstocks account for nearly one-third of the industry’s raw material costs, making profitability highly sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices. She noted that while softer crude oil and chemical prices should limit the decline in operating margins to around 150-200 basis points, pricing flexibility will continue to remain constrained by intense competition from Chinese suppliers. She also cautioned that supply chains may require another couple of quarters to stabilize, with benefits likely to emerge gradually. However, this outlook depends on geopolitical tensions in West Asia not escalating again and input prices remaining under control.

Companies to Moderate Capital Expenditure

Amid earnings pressure, specialty chemical manufacturers are expected to adopt a more cautious investment approach.  Crisil estimates that industry capital expenditure will moderate to around ₹16,500 crore this fiscal. Companies are likely to prioritize investments in backward integration, import substitution, and high-value niche chemistries while funding most expansion projects through internal accruals. This strategy is expected to help companies strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce dependence on imported raw materials over the long term.

Leverage Likely to Increase

The report also projects some deterioration in key financial metrics. The industry’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio is expected to increase to around 2.2 times, compared with 1.9 times in the previous fiscal. Similarly, interest coverage is likely to decline from 7.5 times to approximately 6 times, reflecting weaker profitability and higher working capital requirements.

Outlook Hinges on Global Recovery

As reported by knnindia.co.in, Crisil believes the performance of India’s specialty chemical sector will depend on several critical factors, including the stabilization of global supply chains, recovery in export demand, crude oil price movements, and competitive pricing from China. If geopolitical risks remain contained and raw material prices stabilize, the industry could gradually regain momentum. However, prolonged export weakness and persistent cost pressures may continue to weigh on growth and profitability in the near term.

Energy Experts Call for Global Standards in India’s Energy Statistics

0

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report of the Expert Committee on Energy Statistics, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to improve the accuracy, consistency, and international comparability of India’s energy data. The committee has recommended adopting globally recognized standards, harmonizing data collection methodologies, and addressing critical gaps in the country’s energy statistics database. These measures are expected to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and support India’s transition toward renewable energy and its long-term Net Zero goals.

Expert Committee Reviews India’s Energy Data Framework

The committee, chaired by Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, included senior representatives from key energy ministries and experts from organizations such as The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). As part of its mandate, the panel conducted a detailed review of the Energy Statistics India publication and assessed the country’s overall energy database. According to MoSPI, the objective was to create a more reliable statistical framework that can effectively monitor India’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Committee Calls for International Data Standards

One of the committee’s key recommendations is the adoption of internationally accepted standards for collecting and publishing energy statistics. It has proposed aligning data classification with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) Rev. 5, the National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025, and the Standard International Energy-Product Classification (SIEC). Such alignment will improve consistency while making India’s energy data comparable with global datasets.

In addition, the committee has recommended that all line energy ministries adopt uniform energy conversion factors. It suggested using the standardized conversion factors already maintained by MoSPI in its annual Energy Statistics India publication to ensure consistency across government agencies.

Recommendations to Bridge Critical Data Gaps

The report identifies several areas where India’s energy statistics require significant improvement. To better estimate industrial coal consumption, the committee has proposed using data from the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI). This methodology would help accurately classify the end-use of imported coal, which accounts for nearly 20% of India’s total coal consumption, as well as domestically auctioned coal that is currently grouped under miscellaneous categories.

Similarly, the committee has recommended that the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) develop and maintain a comprehensive database under the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme. It also proposed applying an ASI-based methodology to generate more accurate industry-wise electricity consumption data.

Improving Biofuel and Emerging Energy Data

The committee also highlighted the absence of consolidated national data on biofuel consumption. Currently, the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) estimates that biofuels contribute approximately 31–34% of India’s annual energy consumption in its World Energy Balance publication. To improve domestic reporting, the committee has recommended developing a dedicated methodology in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and TERI for incorporating biofuel consumption into India’s national energy balance.

The report proposes preliminary methodologies to capture electricity consumption from captive power plants, off-grid energy systems, and electric vehicles (EVs). However, it notes that these methodologies will require further validation and refinement before they can be officially integrated into the national energy database.

Addressing Methodological Inconsistencies

Besides filling data gaps, the committee has also identified inconsistencies in the way different government agencies calculate key energy indicators. For instance, it observed conceptual differences between the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and MoSPI in calculating per capita electricity consumption. To improve transparency, the committee has recommended that both organizations clearly explain their respective methodologies whenever they publish these figures.

Likewise, the report highlighted differences between the CEA, the Ministry of Power (MoP), and MoSPI regarding the calculation of the average calorific value of coal used by thermal power plants. To standardize reporting, the committee has recommended that the CEA and the Ministry of Power adopt MoSPI’s methodology, which measures the gross calorific value (GCV) of coal at the loading or dispatch point.

Building a More Reliable Energy Statistics System

MoSPI emphasized that implementing the committee’s recommendations will require close coordination among various ministries, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. By adopting international standards, standardizing methodologies, and improving data quality, India can build a more integrated, transparent, and globally comparable energy statistics framework. As reported by knnindia.co.in, such reforms will play a crucial role in supporting evidence-based policymaking, monitoring renewable energy progress, and guiding the country’s transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.

Premier Energies Boosts Solar Growth Through Strategic Investment

0

Premier Energies announced plans to invest approximately ₹6,000 crore over the next three years to establish solar ingot and wafer manufacturing facilities in Andhra Pradesh. The investment marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s solar manufacturing supply chain, reducing import dependence, and advancing the country’s clean energy and renewable energy goals. The expansion will enable the company to manufacture critical upstream solar components domestically, reinforcing India’s push for greater self-reliance in the solar sector.

Major Solar Manufacturing Hub to Come Up Near Tirupati

The proposed investment forms part of Premier Energies’ broader ₹12,500 crore capital expenditure programme. As part of the project, the Andhra government has approved the proposal and allotted 200 acres of land at Naidupeta, near Tirupati, for the new manufacturing complex. The facility will feature an annual production capacity of 10 GW each for solar ingots and solar wafers, making it one of the country’s major upstream solar manufacturing projects. Construction is expected to commence shortly, while commercial operations are targeted to begin by 2028.

Strengthening India’s Solar Supply Chain

Once operational, the manufacturing units will allow Premier Energies to produce key raw materials for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in-house. As a result, the company will significantly improve supply chain resilience, enhance manufacturing efficiency, and reduce its reliance on imported components and third-party suppliers. The investment also aligns with India’s broader strategy to develop an integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting the country’s rapidly growing renewable energy capacity.

Expanding Beyond Solar Cells and Modules

Alongside its upstream expansion, Premier Energies is continuing to increase its downstream manufacturing capabilities. The company is scaling up its solar cell and solar module production capacities while diversifying into adjacent clean energy products, including inverters, batteries, and transformers. This broader product portfolio is expected to strengthen its position across the renewable energy value chain. Currently, Premier Energies operates manufacturing facilities around Hyderabad with an annual production capacity of 3.6 GW of solar cells and 11.1 GW of solar modules.

Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

The planned investment is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem. By expanding local production of critical solar components, Premier Energies aims to support the country’s clean energy transition, enhance energy security, and contribute to achieving India’s long-term renewable energy and sustainability targets. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, as demand for solar power continues to rise, investments in integrated manufacturing facilities such as this are expected to accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for solar equipment manufacturing.

Advertisement

Newsletter

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter & Stay Updated

Advertisement