As South America’s tire and rubber industries navigate evolving global market conditions, Birla Carbon is reinforcing its commitment to the region through a combination of global innovation, local manufacturing, technical expertise, and customer-focused support.

With a long-standing presence in Brazil and decades of experience serving customers across South America, the company remains well-positioned to help manufacturers address current market challenges while preparing for future opportunities.

Showcasing Innovation at Expobor 2026

To further demonstrate its commitment to the region, Birla Carbon will participate in Expobor 2026, scheduled to take place from June 23–25 at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo, Brazil. Visitors can meet the company’s team at Booth 19004, where it will showcase its latest solutions and innovations for the tire and rubber industries.

Delivering Global Expertise with Local Relevance

As one of the world’s leading carbon black producers, Birla Carbon serves a wide range of industries that depend on carbon black as a critical performance material, including tires, rubber products, mechanical rubber goods, and specialty applications.

The company leverages its regional manufacturing footprint, global technical resources, and innovation network to deliver solutions tailored to local market requirements. Its extensive portfolio includes BC grades, Raven™ and Conductex™ carbon blacks, Continua™ SCM, and Nanocyl™ carbon nanotubes, all designed to meet customer expectations for quality, consistency, and performance.

Advancing Sustainability Through Innovation

As customer priorities increasingly focus on performance, supply reliability, and sustainability, Birla Carbon continues to develop solutions that support the industry’s transition toward more circular value chains.

As per the press release, one of the company’s key sustainability-focused innovations is Continua™ SCM, a sustainable carbon material that can partially replace conventional carbon black in various rubber and industrial applications. By doing so, it helps customers advance their sustainability goals while maintaining product performance.

Driving Long-Term Industry Growth

By combining a strong local presence with global capabilities, Birla Carbon continues to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of South America’s tire and rubber industries. Furthermore, its ongoing focus on innovation and sustainability positions the company as a strategic partner for manufacturers across the region.

Meet Birla Carbon at Booth 19004

During Expobor 2026, attendees can visit Booth 19004 to learn more about Birla Carbon’s portfolio of carbon black solutions and sustainability-driven innovations, as well as discuss emerging industry trends and opportunities with the company’s experts.

In a major boost to India’s circular bioeconomy and clean energy ambitions, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has approved financial assistance of ₹150 crore under the PM JI-VAN Yojana for the country’s first private-sector Hybrid Second-Generation (2G) Ethanol Project in Uttar Pradesh.

The project will produce sustainable 2G ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and other agricultural residues, paving the way for the large-scale conversion of agricultural waste into clean transportation fuel.

Supporting India’s Ethanol Blending Goals

As India continues to expand its ethanol blending programme, policymakers and industry stakeholders are increasingly focusing on feedstocks that do not compete with food production. Traditionally, ethanol production has relied on sugar and grain-based feedstocks. However, next-generation biofuel technologies now enable the use of agricultural residues such as bagasse, crop stalks and other biomass waste that are often underutilized or burned in fields.

The upcoming 91 KLPD integrated biorefinery will primarily use agricultural residues and showcase an innovative waste-to-fuel model based on three complementary technologies.

Advanced Technology to Convert Waste into Fuel

The process begins with agricultural residues, including sugarcane bagasse. Ankur Scientific’s advanced biomass gasification technology converts the biomass into clean synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Subsequently, LanzaTech’s proprietary gas fermentation platform uses naturally occurring microorganisms to convert the syngas into ethanol. Unlike conventional ethanol production methods that depend on sugars or starches, this technology produces ethanol from biomass residues that otherwise offer limited economic value.

Industry Leaders Join Hands

The project brings together the expertise of Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED), Ankur Scientific Energy Technologies and LanzaTech.

SED will lead the engineering, development and execution of the integrated biorefinery. Meanwhile, Ankur Scientific will provide the biomass-to-syngas conversion platform, while LanzaTech will supply its gas fermentation technology to convert syngas into sustainable ethanol.

As per the press release, the collaboration demonstrates how thermochemical and biological processes can work together to transform agricultural residues into high-value renewable fuels. By integrating gasification and gas fermentation technologies, the project creates a scalable pathway for producing transportation fuels from non-food biomass while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing agricultural waste.

Industry Perspective

Commenting on the development, Ankur Jain, Managing Director of Ankur Scientific, said that India generates vast quantities of biomass residues every year and that the key challenge lies in converting them efficiently into valuable products.

He noted that gasification technology enables the conversion of agricultural waste such as bagasse into clean syngas, creating the foundation for next-generation fuels. He further emphasized that integrating biomass gasification with advanced gas fermentation technologies can help transform agricultural residues into an important source of sustainable ethanol without competing with food resources.

According to Jain, the project marks an important step towards building a circular bioeconomy driven by indigenous innovation.

Strengthening India’s Energy Transition

Beyond ethanol production, the project underscores the broader role agricultural residues can play in India’s energy transition. As the country explores higher ethanol blending targets and works to strengthen energy security, technologies capable of converting waste biomass into fuels, chemicals and other low-carbon products are expected to become increasingly important.

Driving Sustainable Growth

The project serves as a significant example of how agricultural waste streams can be transformed into renewable fuels. In doing so, it can create additional value for farmers, reduce residue burning, and contribute to India’s long-term decarbonization and bioenergy goals.

With the integration of advanced gasification and gas fermentation technologies, the initiative represents a major milestone in the development of sustainable, non-food-based biofuels in India.

India’s green hydrogen ecosystem is gaining significant momentum, with thirteen states either announcing dedicated green hydrogen policies or incorporating hydrogen-related provisions into their existing renewable energy and industrial frameworks. Highlighting the growing role of states in advancing the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi stated that six states have already notified dedicated green hydrogen policies, while seven others have integrated hydrogen-focused measures into broader policy initiatives. The minister made these remarks while launching the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India at a national workshop focused on strengthening the implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Green Hydrogen Certification Portal Launched

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has developed the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal to streamline certification processes and ensure regulatory compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India. The portal is expected to enhance transparency, improve traceability, and provide a robust framework for certifying green hydrogen production across the country. This initiative is seen as a critical step in building investor confidence and supporting the growth of India’s emerging green hydrogen market.

Dedicated Policies Offer Strong Incentives

According to Joshi, States are playing a pivotal role in accelerating green hydrogen adoption by providing policy certainty, financial incentives, and regulatory support for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and end-use applications. The six States that have introduced dedicated green hydrogen policies are Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand.

These policies offer a range of incentives, including capital subsidies, land and water allocation support, electricity-related benefits, stamp duty exemptions, and assistance for establishing electrolyser manufacturing facilities, hydrogen refuelling stations, and hydrogen hubs.

Maharashtra and Gujarat Lead with Comprehensive Support Packages

Among the states, Maharashtra and Gujarat have unveiled some of the most comprehensive incentive frameworks for green hydrogen development. Their policies include capital subsidies ranging from 20% to 30%, significant exemptions on transmission and wheeling charges, and targeted support for hydrogen mobility projects and industrial decarbonisation initiatives. These measures are expected to attract large-scale investments while helping industries transition toward low-carbon operations.

Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttarakhand Focus on Investment and Innovation

Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have prioritized investment promotion through incentives such as SGST reimbursement schemes, streamlined approvals, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence for green hydrogen research and innovation. Uttarakhand has extended all existing renewable energy incentives to green hydrogen projects, creating a supportive environment for developers and investors seeking to establish hydrogen-related infrastructure in the State.

Seven States Integrate Hydrogen into Existing Policies

In addition to dedicated policies, seven States have incorporated green hydrogen provisions into their broader renewable energy or industrial development frameworks. These States include Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam. By embedding hydrogen-related incentives within existing policy structures, these States are laying the groundwork for future investments while aligning their energy transition strategies with national decarbonisation goals.

Rajasthan’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy Stands Out

Rajasthan has emerged as a notable example through its Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, which promotes the development of Green Hydrogen Parks and integrated renewable energy-plus-hydrogen facilities. The policy also supports the creation of manufacturing ecosystems for electrolysers, hydrogen storage systems, and transportation infrastructure, positioning Rajasthan as a potential hub for green hydrogen production and exports.

The momentum is expected to continue, with Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Kerala currently in the advanced stages of finalising their dedicated green hydrogen policies. Draft proposals under consideration include capital subsidies for hydrogen production and manufacturing, reductions in power costs through duty and wheeling charge waivers, land allocation support, stamp duty exemptions, and incentives for establishing hydrogen hubs. Once approved, these policies are likely to further strengthen India’s green hydrogen ecosystem and accelerate investments across the value chain.

Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Future

The growing participation of States highlights the increasing alignment between national and regional efforts to build a robust green hydrogen economy. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with supportive policy frameworks, targeted incentives, and improved regulatory mechanisms such as the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal, India is steadily creating the conditions needed to scale green hydrogen production, attract investment, support industrial decarbonisation, and achieve its long-term clean energy and net-zero ambitions.

N.A.N. GreenMet and Belgium-based Silox announced the formation of a 50:50 joint venture, N.A.N. Silox GreenMet. The partnership aims to establish a large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling and critical minerals recovery platform in India, helping reduce dependence on imported raw materials that are essential for electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and renewable energy technologies. By developing a domestic circular economy for battery materials, the joint venture is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s clean energy ecosystem.

Large-Scale Recycling Facility Planned in Andhra Pradesh

As part of the initiative, the joint venture will develop an advanced industrial facility in Andhra Pradesh, leveraging existing land resources and state government incentives to accelerate project implementation. The project will be executed in two phases and has set ambitious capacity targets. Upon completion, the facility is expected to process up to 40,000 tons per annum of battery shredding material and 20,000 tons per annum of hydrometallurgical processing capacity.

Using advanced recycling technologies, the plant will recover valuable battery-grade materials, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. These critical minerals are indispensable for the manufacturing of next-generation batteries and energy storage solutions.

Combining Global Technology Expertise with Local Execution

A key strength of the partnership lies in the complementary capabilities of both companies. Silox brings more than four decades of expertise in hydrometallurgical processing and critical metals recovery. The company has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its recycling technology at pilot scale in India through Silox Specialties India. N.A.N. GreenMet contributes strong industrial execution capabilities, local market knowledge, and a policy-driven approach to sustainable resource management. Together, the partners aim to create a robust circular economy platform that supports India’s long-term ambitions in battery manufacturing, electric mobility, and renewable energy storage.

Expanding Beyond Recycling into Value-Added Materials

In addition to recovering critical minerals, the joint venture is exploring opportunities to move further downstream in the battery value chain. Potential future initiatives include the production of cathode active materials and the development of second-life battery applications for stationary energy storage systems. These value-added activities could enhance resource efficiency while creating new opportunities within India’s rapidly expanding battery ecosystem. By extending the lifecycle of battery materials, the partnership seeks to maximize resource utilization and support a more sustainable energy transition.

Supporting Battery Energy Storage and Renewable Energy Growth

The project carries significant implications for EPC contractors, renewable energy developers, and energy storage providers. As battery energy storage systems become increasingly important for grid stability and renewable energy integration, access to domestically sourced battery materials will be critical. The availability of recycled lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese could help stabilize supply chains, reduce import dependence, and mitigate raw material price volatility. Furthermore, a reliable domestic source of critical minerals may contribute to lower battery manufacturing costs while improving the sustainability credentials of future energy infrastructure projects.

Advancing India’s Circular Economy Vision

The joint venture will now focus on scaling and deploying its hydrometallurgical technology at an industrial level. As the Andhra Pradesh facility progresses toward commercial operations, industry stakeholders will closely monitor its contribution to India’s battery materials supply chain. As reported by mvapulse.com, the formation of N.A.N. Silox GreenMet marks a significant milestone in India’s emerging battery recycling sector. By combining global technology expertise with local industrial capabilities, the joint venture aims to establish a reliable source of critical minerals, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Novyte Materials, an AI-driven deep-tech startup specializing in advanced materials discovery, has entered into a manufacturing and royalty agreement with Chemvera Specialty Chemicals to develop, manufacture, and commercialize a high-value specialty chemical for the polymer industry. The collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced materials and specialty chemicals.

The partnership combines Novyte’s AI-powered materials discovery platform with Chemvera’s manufacturing and distribution expertise, creating an end-to-end India-based pathway for specialty chemicals that have traditionally been sourced from a limited number of global suppliers.

AI Platform Identifies Promising Material Candidates

In its first manufacturing-and-royalty partnership, Novyte has already leveraged its proprietary AI engine to identify a set of promising material candidates from a potential search space comprising trillions of chemical combinations.

The company will now focus on synthesizing and validating these candidates, while Chemvera will take responsibility for large-scale manufacturing and market distribution. As a result, the collaboration aims to significantly shorten the time required to bring new specialty chemicals from concept to commercialization.

Accelerating Material Discovery Through Artificial Intelligence

Ajaz Khan, Founder and CEO of Novyte Materials, emphasized the practical capabilities of the company’s technology. “Our platform goes beyond predicting what is possible. It designs materials that are synthesizable and manufacturable, not just theoretical simulations. With Chemvera, the roles are clear—we design the material, while they manufacture and distribute it. Together, we are creating a homegrown route to chemistry that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of global players,” he said. By integrating artificial intelligence with industrial-scale production, the partnership seeks to reduce development timelines while enabling faster innovation in specialty chemicals and advanced materials.

Long-Term Agreement Defines Clear Roles

Under the long-term agreement, Novyte will lead materials design and retain ownership of the intellectual property generated through the collaboration. The company will also continue to own its platform technology and receive royalties on all volumes produced and sold.

Meanwhile, Chemvera will oversee manufacturing and distribution activities and will hold exclusive rights to commercialize the resulting materials. Both companies will share a strong commercial interest in the success and market adoption of the products developed through the partnership.

Chemvera Sees Faster Route from Market Need to Product

According to Niharika Jain, Director of Chemvera Specialty Chemicals, the collaboration addresses one of the industry’s most persistent challenges—reducing the time required to develop commercially viable materials. “In specialty chemicals, understanding market demand is only part of the challenge. Developing a material and preparing it for commercialization often takes years. Even with highly experienced chemists, the journey from concept to market-ready product can be lengthy. Novyte’s AI-led approach compresses that development cycle, enabling us to move from market need to manufacturable product much faster. We bring market understanding and manufacturing expertise, while Novyte brings the speed of discovery,” she said.

Expanding Opportunities in the Global Polymer Additives Market

The partnership targets opportunities within the global polymer additives market, which is currently valued at more than $50 billion and is expected to exceed $75 billion by the early 2030s. Chemvera has strengthened its international presence through the recent acquisition of Michigan Additives in the United States. This move complements its established Indian operations and expands its footprint across the North American market, positioning the company to support future growth and commercialization efforts globally.

Novyte Strengthens Commercial and Technology Capabilities

The agreement comes at a time of rapid expansion for Novyte Materials. Over the past year, the company has enhanced the capabilities of its AI-driven materials discovery platform while also growing its commercial partnerships. Novyte is currently working with a growing roster of chemical and materials companies, including Manipal Specialty Chemicals and Primacy Industries, helping them solve complex materials and formulation challenges through AI-enabled research and development. The company now offers two core capabilities: NovyteQ, its advanced materials discovery platform, and an AI-powered co-scientist intelligence system designed to support research, formulation, and innovation activities.

Industry Signals Shift Toward AI-Led Chemical Innovation

Industry observers believe the partnership reflects a broader transformation underway in the specialty chemicals sector, where computational technologies are increasingly being translated into commercial products. Himanshu Sharma, Head of Investments and Portfolio at Theia Ventures, noted that the collaboration demonstrates how AI-driven innovation can be embedded within established industrial value chains.

“The co-development partnership between Novyte and Chemvera anchors AI-led materials discovery within an established industrial supply chain. It reflects a broader shift underway in specialty chemicals, where proprietary computational methods are increasingly being translated into commercial products,” he said.

A Milestone for AI-Driven Materials Commercialization

As Novyte’s first manufacturing-and-royalty partnership, the agreement represents a significant milestone in the commercialization of AI-driven materials discovery. As per the press release, it showcases how India’s emerging deep-tech ecosystem can collaborate with established manufacturers to accelerate innovation, strengthen domestic capabilities, and create globally competitive specialty chemical solutions.

India’s domestically manufactured solar cells are expected to meet nearly 50% of the country’s total solar cell demand in fiscal 2026-27, a significant increase from about 25% in the previous fiscal, according to Crisil Ratings. The sharp rise reflects the government’s continued efforts to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem. At the same time, manufacturers are rapidly expanding production capacities to capitalize on growing demand driven by localization policies.

ALCM Policy Reshapes India’s Solar Supply Chain

The growth in domestic solar cell production follows the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) move to deepen localization requirements across the solar photovoltaic (PV) value chain. After implementing the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar modules in April 2024, the ministry introduced the Approved List of Cell Manufacturers (ALCM) to promote the use of locally manufactured solar cells and reduce import dependence.

Effective from June 2026, the ALCM requirement will apply to utility-scale projects with bid submission dates after August 31, 2025, as well as net-metering and open-access projects commissioned after June 1, 2026. However, residential rooftop installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana will remain exempt until March 31, 2027.

Domestic Supply to Gain Significant Market Share

According to Crisil, India’s total solar cell demand is expected to remain robust at 60-65 GW during the current fiscal year. Manish Gupta, Deputy Chief Ratings Officer, Crisil Ratings, said the ALCM framework will significantly alter the country’s solar cell sourcing pattern. “The ALCM will sharply reset India’s solar cell supply mix. Domestic supply will gain share and meet around half of the 60-65 GW demand this fiscal, with imports making up the balance,” Gupta said.

He added that demand for indigenous solar cells will primarily come from newly awarded utility-scale projects, net-metering and open-access installations, and government-supported initiatives such as the Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM). Imports are expected to cater mainly to the backlog of utility-scale projects awarded before the August 31, 2025 cut-off date. As this project pipeline gradually declines, India’s dependence on imported solar cells is likely to reduce substantially from the next fiscal onward.

Capacity Expansion Wave Underway

To capitalize on rising demand and favourable policy support, several domestic manufacturers have announced significant investments in new solar cell production facilities and expansion projects. Crisil estimates that India’s cumulative solar cell manufacturing capacity will nearly double to 60 GW by the end of fiscal 2026-27. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, additional capacity additions are also expected in the following fiscal year. While this expansion strengthens India’s manufacturing capabilities, it may also create challenges for producers as increased supply could pressure capacity utilization levels and product realizations.

In a major milestone for India’s clean energy transition, Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED) bagged ₹150 crore in financial assistance under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG)’s PM JI-VAN Yojana through the Centre for High Technology (CHT). The funding will support the development of a 91 KLPD Second Generation (2G) Ethanol Biorefinery at Wave Sugar, Dhanaura, Uttar Pradesh. The project ranks among India’s first privately developed commercial-scale 2G ethanol biorefineries and marks a significant advancement in converting agricultural residues into sustainable, low-carbon fuels.

Integrating Cutting-Edge Technologies for Sustainable Fuel Production

The biorefinery will combine LanzaTech’s globally proven gas fermentation technology with Ankur Scientific Energy Technologies’ indigenous oxygen-enriched biomass gasification process. Through a thermally integrated configuration, the facility will efficiently convert biomass-derived synthesis gas (syngas) into sustainable ethanol.

Beyond ethanol production, the project will establish a flexible technology platform capable of supporting future manufacturing of green chemicals, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) intermediates, and other renewable molecules. As a result, the facility will contribute to both India’s biofuel ambitions and the broader decarbonization of the chemical and aviation sectors.

Global Collaboration Meets Indigenous Innovation

SED’s partnership with LanzaTech represents a significant step in bringing world-class carbon recycling technologies to India’s rapidly evolving biofuel ecosystem. By combining international expertise with SED’s extensive experience in sugar, bioenergy, and industrial engineering, the project demonstrates how technology collaboration can accelerate the commercialization of advanced biofuels. The initiative highlights the importance of integrating indigenous manufacturing capabilities with global innovation to strengthen India’s energy independence.

Creating Integrated Bio-Industrial Ecosystems

Vivek Verma, Managing Director, SED, emphasized the need for the sugar industry to expand beyond traditional business models. “The future of the sugarcane industry lies beyond sugar and conventional ethanol. It lies in creating integrated bio-industrial ecosystems where agricultural residues become a valuable resource for clean fuels, green chemicals, and sustainable economic growth,” he said. He further noted that the project aligns with SED’s long-term vision of transforming rural India into a center for next-generation bio-manufacturing.

Advancing the Smart Village Vision

According to Verma, the biorefinery is a major step toward realizing SED’s Smart Village concept, where agricultural communities can actively participate in the green economy. “The Government’s support under PM JI-VAN reinforces the role of advanced biofuels in strengthening India’s energy security and reducing carbon emissions. By bringing together indigenous engineering, global technology partnerships, and local manufacturing capabilities, the project aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, while contributing to the broader ambitions of the Global Biofuel Alliance,” he added.

Paving the Way for Future Green Fuels and Chemicals

Highlighting the technological significance of the project, Mr. Sukhraj Soni, Director – Biofuels & Green Chemicals, SED, described the facility as a transformative development for India’s biofuel sector. “The 91 KLPD 2G Ethanol Biorefinery represents a significant advancement in India’s biofuel landscape. By integrating thermochemical gasification with biological gas fermentation, we are creating a flexible technology platform for producing advanced ethanol today and enabling the next generation of renewable fuels and green chemical products,” he stated.

Strengthening India’s Circular Bioeconomy

As India intensifies its focus on renewable energy and carbon reduction, projects such as SED’s 2G ethanol biorefinery are expected to play a crucial role in building a circular bioeconomy. As reported by chinimandi.com, by converting agricultural waste into high-value fuels and chemicals, the facility will not only support rural economic development but also contribute significantly to the nation’s energy security, sustainability, and net-zero aspirations.

Engineers India Limited (EIL), an engineering consultancy and EPC company under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has received the prestigious Sustained Excellence Award in the PSU Category at the 18th BML Munjal Awards 2026, organised by Hero Group Enterprise. The award recognises EIL’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, leadership development, and capability enhancement. It also highlights the company’s success in creating a robust, competency-driven ecosystem that supports both employee growth and organisational excellence.

Driving Excellence Through Learning and Development

Over the years, EIL has consistently invested in structured learning and development initiatives designed to strengthen workforce capabilities and prepare employees for evolving industry challenges. The company has actively promoted cross-functional knowledge sharing, employee empowerment and engagement, professional growth and technical excellence and leadership development across all levels.  As a result, EIL has built a strong talent pipeline equipped with the skills and expertise required to thrive in a rapidly transforming engineering and infrastructure landscape.

Building Future-Ready Skills for a Changing Industry

Recognising the growing impact of technological advancements and industry transformation, EIL has focused on equipping its workforce with future-ready competencies. Through targeted training programmes, leadership workshops, and continuous skill enhancement initiatives, the company enables employees to adapt quickly to emerging trends and business requirements. Furthermore, EIL’s emphasis on innovation, knowledge management, and professional development continues to strengthen its competitive position in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) sector.

Supporting India’s Engineering and Industrial Growth

Beyond organisational development, the award also acknowledges EIL’s contribution to India’s broader engineering and technology ecosystem. By nurturing leadership capabilities and encouraging a culture of lifelong learning, the company plays a significant role in advancing national development priorities and supporting industrial growth. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, the recognition at the BML Munjal Awards 2026 underscores EIL’s position as one of India’s most progressive public sector enterprises, demonstrating how sustained investment in people, knowledge, and leadership can drive long-term business success and industry leadership.

India’s Commercial and Industrial (C&I) energy storage market is set for remarkable growth, expanding from less than 1 GWh in 2025 to between 22 GWh and 31 GWh by 2032, according to a report released by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). The study highlights several key growth drivers, including rising electricity tariffs, increasing demand for reliable and high-quality power, rapid deployment of renewable energy, growing pressure to optimise energy costs, and India’s ambitious decarbonisation objectives. As industries seek greater energy resilience and sustainability, energy storage systems (ESS) are emerging as a critical component of the country’s clean energy transition.

Two Growth Scenarios Outline Market Potential

The report presents two distinct market outlooks for the C&I energy storage sector. Under the Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario, ESS installations are expected to reach approximately 22–23 GWh by 2032, supported by annual C&I electricity demand growth of 5–6 percent and a renewable energy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 percent.

In contrast, the Rapid Adoption (RA) scenario forecasts installations of up to 31 GWh by 2032. This accelerated growth path assumes stronger policy support, faster renewable energy deployment with an 18 percent CAGR, and continued declines in battery costs, making energy storage more economically attractive for industrial users.

Energy Storage Becomes a Strategic Business Asset

According to industry experts, energy storage is evolving beyond its traditional role as a backup power solution. “With regulatory clarity, proven business models, and advanced storage technologies, C&I consumers can now make smarter, data-driven decisions that drive both cost savings and sustainability. Our study equips the industry with the actionable intelligence needed to capture this historic opportunity,” said Vinayak Walimbe, Managing Director, Customised Energy Solutions (CES).

The report indicates that businesses are increasingly viewing battery energy storage systems (BESS) as strategic assets for energy optimisation, operational resilience, and carbon reduction rather than merely tools for emergency power backup.

Advanced Technologies Drive the Next Phase of Growth

The study evaluates a wide range of energy storage technologies, including lead-acid, advanced lead-acid, lithium-ion, vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB), sodium-ion batteries, and pumped hydro storage. However, the report focuses primarily on commercially promising technologies such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB), and Sodium-Ion batteries, which are expected to play a major role in future deployments. As technology costs continue to decline and performance improves, these solutions are becoming increasingly viable for commercial and industrial applications.

Shift Towards Application-Driven Energy Storage Solutions

The report also highlights a significant transformation in market dynamics. Rather than relying on storage solely for backup power, businesses are increasingly deploying customised BESS solutions tailored to specific energy applications. Key growth areas include integration with open-access renewable energy projects, replacement of diesel generator (DG) sets, rooftop solar-plus-storage installations, peak demand management and energy cost optimisation and enhanced power reliability and grid resilience. The shift reflects the growing maturity of India’s energy storage ecosystem and the expanding range of use cases across industries.

Industry Leaders See a New Era of Energy Management

“India’s C&I energy storage sector is transitioning from backup and peak shaving to a strategic asset for energy optimisation, resilience, and decarbonisation. The insights from this report will help stakeholders shift from reactive power management to proactive energy leadership,” said Debmalya Sen, President, IESA.

Report to Be Unveiled at India Energy Storage Week 2026

IESA, in collaboration with Customised Energy Solutions (CES), will officially present the report, titled ‘India Stationary Storage Market for C&I Applications: Insights Till 2032’, during the 12th India Energy Storage Week (IESW), scheduled to take place from July 8–10, 2026, in New Delhi. As reported by money.rediff.com, the report is expected to provide valuable market intelligence for developers, industrial consumers, policymakers, investors, and technology providers seeking to capitalise on India’s rapidly expanding energy storage opportunity.

Honeywell announced that its advanced modular Ecofining™ process technology, specialized pumps, compressors, and integrated control and safety systems will support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production at Acelen Renewables’ new greenfield biorefinery project in Bahia, Brazil. The project represents a significant step in expanding renewable fuel production capacity and strengthening Brazil’s position in the global energy transition. By combining cutting-edge process technology with automation expertise, Honeywell aims to help Acelen maximize efficiency while reducing project timelines and operational risks.

Meeting the Rising Global Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

As the aviation industry intensifies efforts to decarbonize, demand for sustainable aviation fuel is expected to grow sharply over the coming decade. Industry forecasts indicate that SAF demand could approach 5,00,000 barrels per day within the next ten years. To address this growing market opportunity, refiners are increasingly seeking technologies that enable faster deployment and lower production costs. Honeywell’s modular delivery approach offers a practical solution by reducing construction schedules, minimizing onsite installation requirements, and accelerating time-to-production compared with conventional refinery development methods.

Bahia Biorefinery to Support Sustainable Economic Growth

According to Marcelo Cordaro, Chief Operating Officer of Acelen Renewables, the Bahia project is designed to create long-term environmental, social, and economic value. “Brazil is poised to produce the fuel of the future through a project that is sustainable economically, socially, and environmentally. The Bahia facility will support biodiversity conservation while fostering a sustainability-driven economy. Honeywell’s process technology and automation expertise will help us maximize the production of lower-emission fuels and meet the growing global demand for renewable energy solutions,” he said. The facility is expected to contribute to Brazil’s renewable energy ambitions while creating a scalable platform for low-carbon fuel production.

Ecofining Technology Converts Waste into Low-Carbon Fuels

At the heart of the project is Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining™ process technology, developed in collaboration with Eni SpA. The technology efficiently converts waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Importantly, SAF produced through the Ecofining process can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent when blended with conventional jet fuel. As a result, the technology offers airlines and fuel producers a viable pathway toward achieving carbon reduction targets without requiring major infrastructure changes. The process enables the use of multiple renewable feedstocks, improving operational flexibility and supporting a circular economy approach to fuel production.

Automation and Digitalization to Improve Plant Performance

Beyond process technology, Honeywell will provide its integrated control and safety systems to enhance plant operations and reliability. The automation platform combines Honeywell UOP’s extensive operational expertise with the capabilities of the Experion® Process Knowledge System (PKS). This integrated solution is designed to optimize plant performance, improve safety, and generate data-driven operational insights that support continuous improvement. By bringing process technology and automation together, Honeywell will enable greater digitalization across the facility, helping operators improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and achieve operational excellence.

Lowering Renewable Fuel Production Costs

Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology, highlighted the critical role technology plays in making renewable fuels more commercially competitive. “Low-carbon process technologies are helping companies like Acelen meet rising demand for renewable fuels while utilizing a diverse range of feedstocks. Technology and integrated automation are essential to reducing renewable fuel production costs, which is critical for broader market adoption. Continuous advancements in Honeywell’s technology have already lowered SAF production costs, and the use of innovative low-cost feedstocks will help drive costs down even further,” he said.

Leveraging Global Experience in Modular Process Solutions

Honeywell brings extensive experience to the project, having delivered more than 1,500 modular process units worldwide across a range of industrial technologies.mIts modular engineering approach has become increasingly attractive for renewable fuel projects because it reduces construction complexity, shortens project schedules, and lowers execution risks. Consequently, producers can bring new capacity online faster while maintaining high operational standards.

Advancing the Global Energy Transition

The collaboration between Honeywell and Acelen Renewables underscores the growing importance of advanced process technologies, automation, and digital solutions in scaling renewable fuel production. As per the press release, as governments and industries pursue decarbonization goals, projects such as the Bahia biorefinery will play an increasingly important role in expanding sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel supplies. Through this partnership, Honeywell and Acelen are helping accelerate the transition toward a lower-carbon energy future while strengthening the global renewable fuels value chain.