ABB introduced its first Extension Pack for the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Distributed Control System (DCS), providing industrial operators with a flexible way to access new functionalities without upgrading their core software platform. The launch marks a significant step in ABB’s strategy to simplify digital transformation while preserving system stability and operational continuity.

By adopting a modular software approach, customers can deploy new features incrementally, reducing the complexity, cost, and risk typically associated with large-scale system upgrades. At the same time, the solution safeguards existing engineering investments and minimises operational disruptions.

Web-Based Operations Client Enhances User Experience

A key feature of the Extension Pack is the introduction of a web browser-based Operations Client built on HTML5 technology. This modern interface enables secure monitoring and control of industrial processes through standard web browsers, offering greater accessibility and flexibility for operators.

Furthermore, the new user interface improves navigation, streamlines workflows, and presents operational data more effectively. As a result, operators can make faster, more informed decisions, ultimately enhancing plant productivity and efficiency.

Supporting Modernisation and Future-Ready Automation

The Extension Pack is designed to support both the modernisation of existing automation infrastructure and the implementation of new projects. By enabling the integration of advanced digital capabilities without altering core control functions, ABB helps customers maintain high levels of reliability while embracing innovation.

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the solution also aligns with ABB’s Automation Extended program, which focuses on extending the value of automation systems through modular technologies and continuous innovation. This approach allows organisations to introduce emerging digital tools and applications while maintaining the availability and performance of mission-critical operations.

ABB Reinvents the Delivery of Automation Innovation

“Industrial operators need to modernise while maintaining the stability and availability their operations depend on,” said Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President, Process Automation Technology, ABB.

“With the first Extension Pack for the latest version of our System 800xA, ABB is introducing a new way to deliver functionality into running systems. New and existing automation customers can introduce modern web-based operations and digital capabilities without disrupting existing control environments or compromising operational reliability. With Extension Packs and Automation Extended, ABB is redefining how innovation is delivered into mission-critical automation environments,” Basenach added.

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, launched India’s first Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project at the Kasta coal block in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district. Developed under the strategic guidance of the Ministry of Coal, the initiative represents a significant step toward adopting advanced coal utilization technologies and enhancing the value of the country’s vast coal resources. The pilot project is expected to demonstrate the commercial and technological potential of underground coal gasification, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient use of coal reserves.

Converting Coal into Valuable Industrial Gases

Underground Coal Gasification is an innovative process that converts coal deposits directly into combustible gases while the coal remains underground. Through controlled gasification, the process produces valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can subsequently be used as feedstock for a wide range of industrial applications, including the production of synthetic natural gas (SNG), transportation fuels, fertilizers, chemicals, explosives, and other value-added products. As a result, UCG technology offers an alternative pathway for utilizing coal resources beyond conventional mining and combustion methods.

Unlocking Previously Inaccessible Coal Resources

One of the key advantages of underground coal gasification is its ability to access coal reserves that are difficult or uneconomical to extract through traditional mining techniques. According to the Ministry of Coal, the technology can help unlock substantial coal resources located at greater depths or in geologically challenging areas. Consequently, UCG has the potential to enhance domestic energy security while improving the economic viability of untapped coal deposits. By converting coal into usable gas underground, the technology can reduce the need for extensive surface mining operations and associated infrastructure.

Supporting India’s Energy and Industrial Growth

The successful implementation of the UCG pilot project could open new opportunities for India’s energy, chemical, and fertilizer industries. The syngas produced through coal gasification can serve as a critical raw material for downstream manufacturing sectors, supporting industrial development and reducing dependence on imported feedstocks. The project aligns with the government’s broader objective of promoting advanced clean coal technologies and maximizing the value derived from domestic energy resources.

Positioning India at the Forefront of Coal Gasification Technology

With the launch of the Kasta pilot project, India joins a select group of countries exploring underground coal gasification as a strategic energy and industrial solution. The ministry of coal believes that successful demonstration of the technology could accelerate the adoption of coal gasification projects across the country and contribute to the development of a diversified energy portfolio. As reported by constructiontechology.in, as India continues to pursue energy security, industrial growth, and technological innovation, the ECL-led UCG initiative represents an important milestone in the evolution of the nation’s coal sector and its transition toward more advanced resource utilization practices.

Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) announced a significant boost to the Sultanate’s green hydrogen ambitions, with India-based ACME Group committing approximately US$4.2 billion to develop the second and third phases of its green hydrogen and green ammonia project in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

The investment marks a major milestone for Oman’s rapidly growing green hydrogen sector and further reinforces the country’s strategy to become a leading global producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Additionally, the project supports Oman’s long-term economic diversification goals by attracting large-scale international investments into the renewable energy sector.

Strategic Agreements Formalize Project Expansion

The latest investment follows the signing of Project Development and Usufruct Agreements between Hydrom, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), and ACME Group. These agreements formally integrate the project into Oman’s national hydrogen development framework, providing a structured pathway for large-scale project execution and long-term industrial growth.

Expansion to Significantly Increase Green Hydrogen Capacity

As part of the expansion, ACME Group will develop the second and third phases of its green hydrogen and green ammonia complex across a combined area of approximately 80 square kilometers in Duqm. Each phase is expected to produce around 71,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, alongside approximately 400,000 tons of green ammonia per year. Consequently, the project will substantially increase ACME’s overall production capacity and strengthen Oman’s role in the global clean energy supply chain. The expansion builds upon the project’s first phase, which is currently under construction and designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually.

Facility to Become One of the Region’s Largest Green Ammonia Projects

Upon completion of all three phases, the Duqm facility is projected to achieve a total production capacity of approximately 900,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year. This scale will position the project among the largest green ammonia developments in the Middle East and underscore Oman’s growing importance in the global energy transition. Green ammonia is increasingly viewed as a critical carrier for green hydrogen, offering a practical pathway for storing and transporting clean energy to international markets.

Driving Industrial Development and Economic Growth

According to Hydrom, ACME’s latest investment highlights the increasing confidence of global investors in Oman’s green hydrogen ecosystem. Beyond renewable energy production, the project is expected to stimulate downstream industrial activities, strengthen local supply chains, and support the development of a comprehensive renewable energy value chain. The investment is anticipated to generate employment opportunities, attract additional industrial investments, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the region.

Oman’s Green Hydrogen Portfolio Surpasses $50 Billion

With ACME’s expanded commitment, Oman continues to accelerate the implementation of its national hydrogen strategy. Hydrom revealed that awarded green hydrogen projects across the Al Wusta and Dhofar Governorates now represent more than $50 billion in planned investments. These projects are supported by nearly 35 GW of renewable energy capacity and collectively target annual production of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. The growing project pipeline reflects strong international interest in Oman’s renewable energy sector and the country’s emerging role as a major clean energy hub.

Green Hydrogen Emerging as a Catalyst for Economic Diversification

Hydrom emphasized that green hydrogen is rapidly evolving beyond an energy opportunity and is becoming a key driver of industrial development, foreign investment, and economic diversification. As project activity continues to gain momentum in Duqm and other strategic locations, Oman is building a robust ecosystem that integrates renewable power generation, hydrogen production, ammonia exports, and industrial development.

Supported by a structured project portfolio, favourable investment environment, and enabling regulatory framework, Oman is steadily advancing toward its ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of green hydrogen and green ammonia.

Supporting the Global Energy Transition

The expansion of ACME’s green hydrogen and green ammonia project represents another important step in the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems. As reported by saudigulfprojects.com, by combining large-scale renewable energy resources with ambitious hydrogen development plans, Oman is positioning itself at the forefront of the emerging green fuels economy while creating long-term value for industry, investors, and local communities.

Biocon Ltd. is aiming to become the world’s leading insulin supplier within the next five years, according to its Executive Chairperson and co-founder, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. The company plans to capitalize on rising global demand for insulin as major pharmaceutical companies increasingly shift their focus toward newer diabetes and weight-management therapies. Mazumdar-Shaw expressed confidence in Biocon’s ability to scale its insulin business globally. “In five years, we could be the number one insulin company in the world,” she said. “We are one of the few companies globally that has the scale to address that opportunity.”

Expanding Production Capacity to Meet Rising Demand

Biocon, manufacturer of generic medicines and biosimilars, has steadily strengthened its position in the global insulin market. Biosimilars are biological medicines that closely resemble branded biologic drugs while offering more affordable treatment options. The Bengaluru-based pharmaceutical company is currently the world’s third-largest insulin supplier by volume. To support future growth, Biocon has made substantial investments in expanding its manufacturing capacity and enhancing its supply capabilities. According to Mazumdar-Shaw, these investments are positioning the company to meet growing global demand for affordable insulin therapies.

Shifting Dynamics Create New Opportunities in the Insulin Market

Biocon’s ambitions come at a time when the global insulin market is undergoing significant transformation. The worldwide insulin market, estimated at approximately USD 30 billion, is witnessing a strategic shift as major pharmaceutical companies redirect resources toward next-generation metabolic therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs used for diabetes and obesity management.

Industry leaders such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, whose businesses were built on decades of insulin sales, are increasingly prioritizing newer diabetes and weight-loss treatments that offer stronger growth prospects and higher profitability. As a result, Biocon sees an opportunity to strengthen its presence in a segment that remains essential for millions of patients worldwide.

Growing Diabetes Burden Fuels Long-Term Insulin Demand

The need for insulin continues to rise globally. More than 830 million people are currently living with diabetes, and millions rely on insulin therapy to effectively manage their condition. Diabetes prevalence is increasing rapidly across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Despite this growth, access to affordable insulin remains inconsistent in many regions. Healthcare advocates have expressed concerns that patients dependent on traditional insulin therapies could be overlooked as pharmaceutical companies focus heavily on next-generation treatments. Mazumdar-Shaw believes this evolving landscape presents a significant growth opportunity for Biocon. “The current situation is a windfall for me because I’m able to fill that gap, and my insulin business has just taken off,” she said.

Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen Global Reach

To accelerate expansion, Biocon is exploring partnerships across international markets. The company is particularly interested in collaborating with organizations that possess insulin pen and cartridge manufacturing capabilities. Through such alliances, Biocon aims to enhance production efficiency, expand market access, and strengthen its position as a reliable supplier of insulin products worldwide.

Taking a Cautious Approach to the GLP-1 Market

While many pharmaceutical companies are aggressively pursuing opportunities in the rapidly growing obesity and diabetes drug segment, Biocon is adopting a more measured strategy. The expiration of patents covering semaglutide—the active ingredient in blockbuster drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic—has opened the door for generic manufacturers worldwide. Countries including India and Canada are already witnessing the entry of lower-cost alternatives. However, Mazumdar-Shaw believes the generic GLP-1 market is becoming increasingly crowded. “We have to be aware that generic GLP-1s is a crowded market,” she said. “Being a generics player, we are realistic about the level of global competition.”

Selective Market Focus for Future GLP-1 Opportunities

Biocon does not currently plan to launch generic semaglutide products in India, where intense competition has already driven prices sharply downward. Instead, the company intends to pursue opportunities selectively in international markets where growth prospects and pricing dynamics are more favourable. Mazumdar-Shaw identified Canada, Latin America, Brazil, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia as regions where Biocon sees meaningful opportunities for GLP-1 therapies.

Building a Sustainable Growth Strategy

Rather than chasing every emerging opportunity, Biocon is balancing investments between its rapidly expanding insulin business and carefully targeted participation in the GLP-1 segment. By leveraging its manufacturing scale, biosimilar expertise, and global partnerships, the company aims to strengthen its leadership in diabetes care while creating a sustainable growth platform for the future. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as the global diabetes burden continues to rise, Biocon’s strategy positions it to play an increasingly important role in delivering affordable and accessible therapies to patients worldwide.

Zydus Lifesciences Limited, an innovation-driven global life sciences company, announced that its subsidiary, Zydus Worldwide DMCC, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Assertio Holdings, Inc., a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company specializing in specialty and oncology supportive-care therapies.

The acquisition will be executed through Zara Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned acquisition subsidiary of Zydus Worldwide. Under the agreement, Zydus will acquire all outstanding shares of Assertio at USD 23.50 per share in cash, valuing the transaction at approximately USD 166.4 million on a fully diluted basis. The move marks another significant step in Zydus’ strategy to strengthen its global specialty pharmaceutical business while expanding its commercial presence in the United States.

Acquisition Provides Established Oncology Commercial Platform

With this transaction, Zydus gains access to Assertio’s established specialty oncology commercial platform in the U.S., particularly its strong position in the oncology supportive-care segment. A key asset in Assertio’s portfolio is ROLVEDON® (eflapegrastim-xnst), a long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) biologic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The therapy is indicated for the prevention of febrile neutropenia in adult cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

ROLVEDON® is administered once per chemotherapy cycle and has secured a growing presence within the oncology supportive-care market. By integrating this asset into its portfolio, Zydus aims to enhance its specialty oncology offerings while strengthening relationships with oncology healthcare providers across the United States.

Leveraging Commercial Capabilities for Future Growth

Beyond the product portfolio, the acquisition provides Zydus with Assertio’s focused commercial infrastructure, experienced sales organization, and established oncology network. As a result, Zydus plans to leverage these capabilities to accelerate the development and commercialization of future specialty and oncology therapies. The company views the transaction as an opportunity to build a broader, differentiated oncology business in one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets.

Leadership Perspective

Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, emphasized the strategic importance of the transaction for the company’s long-term growth ambitions. “This transaction represents a strategic step in strengthening our specialty and oncology footprint in the U.S. Assertio brings a focused commercial platform and an approved oncology asset that aligns well with our long-term strategy of building differentiated, durable specialty businesses globally,” he said.

Advancing Zydus’ Global Specialty and Oncology Strategy

The acquisition underscores Zydus Lifesciences’ commitment to expanding its specialty pharmaceutical portfolio and enhancing its presence in high-growth therapeutic segments. By combining Assertio’s commercial capabilities with Zydus’ global development and manufacturing strengths, the company is positioning itself to become a stronger player in the U.S. oncology and specialty pharmaceutical market. As per company press release, as demand for innovative cancer therapies and supportive-care solutions continues to rise, the transaction is expected to support Zydus’ long-term vision of building a sustainable, globally competitive specialty healthcare business.

Syensqo Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., a global player in advanced materials and specialty polymers, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Singapore-based Memsift Innovations Pte. Ltd., a developer of advanced membrane and thermodynamic separation technologies. The two companies have signed a Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly evaluate, develop, and potentially commercialize next-generation membrane technologies for industrial water treatment, water reuse, and resource recovery.

The partnership combines Syensqo’s expertise in high-performance membrane materials and hollow fiber technologies with Memsift’s proprietary membrane engineering capabilities and its innovative HEXAGON™ Technology Platform, which is designed to support circular water infrastructure.

Driving Innovation in Water Reuse and Resource Recovery

Through this collaboration, the companies aim to develop advanced membrane architectures capable of meeting the demanding requirements of modern industrial operations. The technologies under evaluation are expected to support applications such as wastewater recycling, ultra-pure water production, industrial resource recovery, concentration of process streams, and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems. As industries increasingly seek sustainable solutions, these advanced membrane systems could play a critical role in reducing water consumption, improving resource efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact.

Addressing Critical Challenges Across High-Value Industries

The collaboration will focus on delivering innovative solutions for several water-intensive sectors, including pharmaceuticals, microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing, AI and data center infrastructure, mining and metals processing, specialty chemicals, and pulp and paper production.

These industries face mounting pressure to optimize water usage, reduce carbon emissions, recover valuable resources, and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Consequently, advanced membrane technologies are emerging as a key enabler of sustainable industrial growth and operational resilience.

Supporting Circular Manufacturing Through the HEXAGON™ Platform

The partnership aligns closely with Memsift’s vision of advancing circular manufacturing. At the heart of this vision is the company’s HEXAGON™ Technology Platform—an integrated technology architecture designed to close the industrial water loop. By converting wastewater into reusable process water, ultra-pure water, and recoverable resources, the platform helps industries transition toward more sustainable and circular operating models while improving overall resource productivity.

Leadership Perspectives

Dr. J. Antony Prince, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Memsift Innovations, emphasized the importance of advanced membrane materials in shaping the future of water treatment and resource recovery. “Advanced membrane materials are the foundation of the next generation of water and resource recovery technologies. This collaboration with Syensqo brings together complementary strengths in material science, membrane engineering, and industrial application development. By combining Syensqo’s expertise in advanced polymers and hollow fiber technologies with Memsift’s innovation in separation science and circular water infrastructure, we see tremendous opportunities to create new membrane solutions capable of delivering higher performance, greater resilience, and stronger sustainability outcomes for industries worldwide,” he said.

Advancing Solutions for Water Scarcity and Resource Efficiency

Floryan De Campo, Market Vice President, Life Solutions at Syensqo, highlighted the broader significance of innovation in membrane materials. “Innovation in membrane materials is essential to addressing global challenges related to water scarcity, resource efficiency, and industrial sustainability. We are pleased to collaborate with Memsift to explore new opportunities for applying advanced polymer and hollow fiber technologies within emerging water treatment and resource recovery applications,” he stated.

Strengthening the Future of Sustainable Water Infrastructure

As global industries accelerate their sustainability initiatives, the collaboration between Syensqo and Memsift represents a significant step toward developing advanced water treatment solutions that support circularity, resource recovery, and environmental stewardship. As per the press release, by combining expertise in material science, membrane engineering, and industrial applications, the two companies aim to create next-generation technologies that help industries achieve both operational efficiency and long-term sustainability goals.

Siegfried, a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) headquartered in Zofingen, Switzerland, has inaugurated a new large-scale Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Minden, Germany. The investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion strategy and strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading CDMOs for small-molecule drug substances. By adding substantial production capacity and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Siegfried is further enhancing its ability to support pharmaceutical companies with complex, high-quality, and scalable API manufacturing solutions.

Additional Reactor Capacity Supports Growing Customer Demand

The newly commissioned facility adds 100 cubic meters of reactor capacity to Siegfried’s global manufacturing network, significantly expanding its ability to handle commercial-scale API production. As pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek reliable and flexible manufacturing partners, the expanded capacity will enable Siegfried to meet growing demand for complex drug substances while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The new facility also strengthens the company’s ability to support customers throughout the product lifecycle, from development and scale-up to full commercial manufacturing.

Strategic Milestone in Global Network Expansion

Marcel Imwinkelried, Chief Executive Officer of Siegfried, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment. “The inauguration of our new Minden facility is an important milestone in the continued expansion of our global manufacturing network. It strengthens our ability to support customers with complex API manufacturing at commercial scale and underlines our commitment to reliable, flexible and high-quality supply,” he said. The facility reflects Siegfried’s long-term strategy of expanding its global production footprint while strengthening supply chain resilience for pharmaceutical customers worldwide.

Advanced Technologies Drive Efficiency and Safety

The Minden facility incorporates state-of-the-art process technologies designed to optimize production performance, operational efficiency, and workplace safety. Key features include advanced automation systems, high-containment manufacturing capabilities, gravity-flow processing technology, RFID-enabled recipe management, and optimized solvent handling systems. Together, these technologies help improve process reliability, enhance product quality, and support efficient large-scale manufacturing operations while maintaining stringent safety standards.

Strengthening Large-Scale API Manufacturing Capabilities

With the addition of the new facility, Siegfried further expands its portfolio of large-scale drug substance manufacturing services. The enhanced capabilities allow the company to support increasingly complex pharmaceutical projects while providing customers with greater flexibility and scalability. As demand continues to grow for specialized and high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients, the company is positioning itself to deliver advanced manufacturing solutions that meet evolving industry requirements.

Reinforcing Operational Excellence and Long-Term Partnerships

The Minden expansion also aligns with Siegfried’s strategic focus on operational excellence, manufacturing reliability, and customer-centric growth. By investing in advanced infrastructure and expanding its production network, the company aims to strengthen long-term partnerships with pharmaceutical innovators and generic drug manufacturers alike. The facility will play a key role in ensuring secure, high-quality supply while supporting the development and commercialization of critical medicines.

Supporting the Future of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The inauguration of the new Minden API facility underscores Siegfried’s commitment to expanding its global manufacturing capabilities and supporting the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry. As per company press release, with increased production capacity, advanced process technologies, and a strong focus on quality and efficiency, the company is well positioned to meet the growing demand for commercial-scale API manufacturing and reinforce its status as a trusted global CDMO partner.

Evonik’s Innovation Factory inaugurated the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, a dedicated application technology center focused on advancing Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis technology. The new facility will test and optimize Evonik’s high-performance DURAION® membranes under real-world operating conditions, supporting the commercialization of green hydrogen technologies in China and global markets.

As Evonik’s first AEM-focused technology center in Asia, the facility represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to accelerate the adoption of next-generation hydrogen production technologies and strengthen collaboration with customers and partners across the hydrogen value chain.

Supporting Commercial Deployment of DURAION® Membranes

At the heart of the new center is the evaluation and optimization of DURAION® anion exchange membranes, which are manufactured at commercial scale in Marl, Germany. By testing the membranes under actual operating conditions, Evonik aims to ensure they meet the specific performance requirements of regional customers while accelerating their deployment in industrial-scale electrolysis systems. The facility will also provide valuable operational insights that help improve membrane efficiency, durability, and long-term reliability across a wide range of hydrogen production applications.

Strengthening Customer Collaboration and Market Responsiveness

According to Jack Zhang, Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific for Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line, the new center significantly enhances the company’s ability to serve the rapidly expanding hydrogen market.

“With the establishment of the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, we are significantly strengthening our ability to address the rapidly growing hydrogen-applications market in China and beyond. Being close to customers and partners allows us to better align our AEM technology with market needs, accelerate adoption, and scale up hydrogen solutions for commercialization worldwide,” he said. By establishing a local innovation hub, Evonik can respond more quickly to customer requirements while fostering stronger collaboration throughout the hydrogen ecosystem.

Collaborative Hub for AEM Electrolysis Development

Beyond membrane testing, the Shanghai center will serve as a collaborative platform where Evonik’s technical experts, research partners, and industry stakeholders can work together to solve challenges across the entire AEM electrolysis value chain. This integrated approach is expected to accelerate technology development and support the broader adoption of AEM-based hydrogen production systems. Dr. Ryan Liu, Director Strategic Projects and Head of RD&I Greater China, emphasized the facility’s importance in advancing the company’s AEM technology roadmap. “The AEM Center plays a key role in the continued advancement of our AEM technology. It will enable faster development cycles for DURAION® membranes and provide a deeper understanding of AEM-based electrolysis systems as a whole,” he said.

Advanced Testing Capabilities Accelerate Innovation

Built upon Evonik’s expertise in polymer chemistry, membrane science, and electrochemical materials, the Shanghai facility features specialized laboratories and demonstration-scale electrolysis testing capabilities. The center is equipped with advanced electrolyzer test benches that allow researchers to evaluate membrane performance, efficiency, and long-term durability under realistic operating conditions. These capabilities support the complete validation pathway—from single-cell testing through demonstration-scale systems—helping accelerate the industrial deployment of DURAION® membranes in commercial AEM electrolyzers.

AEM Electrolysis Offers Cost-Effective Green Hydrogen Production

Anion Exchange Membrane electrolysis is emerging as a promising technology for producing green hydrogen from water using renewable electricity. Compared with several conventional electrolysis technologies, AEM systems offer greater operational flexibility and lower capital investment requirements. Because they utilize more affordable materials, AEM electrolyzers have the potential to reduce system costs while maintaining high efficiency. As governments and industries seek scalable solutions to decarbonize energy-intensive sectors, AEM technology is gaining increasing attention as a viable pathway for large-scale green hydrogen production.

Supporting the Global Energy Transition

Evonik views green hydrogen as a critical component of future low-carbon energy systems and industrial decarbonization strategies. “The energy transition is accelerating, with green hydrogen from AEM technology representing a key opportunity to defossilize industry and transportation,” said Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China. “The Evonik AEM Center Shanghai will strengthen Evonik’s contribution to this goal by optimizing our DURAION® anion exchange membranes in one of the world’s most dynamic markets for climate-neutral hydrogen applications and water electrolysis technologies,” he added.

Driving the Future of Hydrogen Infrastructure

With the launch of the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, the company is expanding its global innovation network while strengthening its capabilities in one of the fastest-growing hydrogen markets worldwide. As per the press release, by combining advanced membrane technology, real-world testing expertise, and close collaboration with industry partners, Evonik aims to accelerate the commercialization of AEM electrolysis and support the development of efficient, cost-effective green hydrogen infrastructure for the global energy transition.

Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd. bagged a significant 300 MW/450 MWp ground-mounted solar Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract from its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunsational Power Pvt. Ltd. The project represents one of the first major contract awards within the group’s expanding Independent Power Producer (IPP) platform and underscores its commitment to accelerating renewable energy development in India. The contract strengthens Waaree Renewable’s position in the utility-scale solar EPC market while supporting the group’s long-term clean energy growth strategy.

Comprehensive EPC and O&M Responsibilities

Waaree Renewable will undertake the complete engineering, procurement, and construction of the solar power project. In addition, the company will provide two years of operation and maintenance (O&M) services after the project’s commissioning, ensuring reliable plant performance and operational efficiency. The solar project is expected to be completed during FY 2026-27, contributing to the expansion of India’s renewable energy capacity and supporting the country’s clean energy transition goals.

Supporting Growth of the Group’s IPP Platform

The project marks an important milestone in the development of Waaree Group’s independent power producer business. By leveraging its EPC expertise and execution capabilities, Waaree Renewable will play a key role in building renewable energy assets within the group’s expanding power generation portfolio. The contract also highlights the strategic integration between the company’s EPC operations and its emerging power generation business, creating opportunities for long-term value creation across the renewable energy value chain.

Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Transition

The solar EPC project aligns with India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and growing demand for utility-scale solar power generation. As investments in clean energy continue to accelerate, projects of this scale play a crucial role in expanding sustainable power capacity and reducing carbon emissions. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, with its strong EPC expertise, integrated renewable energy capabilities, and growing IPP platform, Waaree Renewable Technologies is well-positioned to contribute to the country’s evolving energy landscape while strengthening its presence across the renewable power value chain.

Toray Industries, Inc. announced a major expansion of its global engineering plastics business through its subsidiary, Toray Industries (India). The company will establish a new production line for high-performance polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin composite materials at its facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The facility will manufacture Toray’s flagship Torelina® PPS resin series and will have a designed annual production capacity of 3,000 tonnes. Significantly, this will be Toray’s first proprietary PPS composite production facility in India, marking an important milestone in the company’s regional growth strategy.

Capacity Expansion to Meet Rising Global Demand

The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027, with sample shipments expected to commence in April 2027, followed by a rapid transition to full-scale commercial production. Upon completion, Toray’s global PPS production capacity will increase from 33,600 tons per year to 36,600 tons per year, further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of PPS materials. The expansion comes amid growing demand for high-performance engineering plastics across automotive, electronics, electrical, and industrial applications, where PPS materials are valued for their exceptional heat resistance, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance.

Supporting Toray’s Long-Term Growth Vision

The investment forms a key part of Toray Group’s long-term management strategy, “TORAY Challenges 2035.” Through this initiative, the company aims to strengthen localized manufacturing capabilities, improve supply chain resilience, and expand its regional production footprint in high-growth markets. The facility will help Toray build a more comprehensive engineering plastics ecosystem in India while supporting customers with faster delivery, enhanced technical support, and localized supply.

Creating Synergies Across Engineering Plastics Operations

As part of the project, Toray will establish an integrated PPS composite production system that complements its existing nylon and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin businesses in India. This integrated approach is expected to create significant operational synergies while strengthening Toray’s engineering plastics portfolio. By expanding local production capabilities, Toray aims to meet the evolving requirements of customers seeking advanced, lightweight, and high-performance materials.

Expanding Customer Support and Market Presence

In addition to expanding manufacturing capacity, Toray plans to strengthen its commercial and technical support infrastructure in India. The company intends to establish a new office in Pune, Maharashtra, in July 2026. The facility will enhance Toray’s production, sales, and technical service capabilities, enabling closer engagement with customers and faster response to market requirements across the country.

India Emerges as a Strategic Growth Market

Toray’s increased investment reflects growing confidence in India’s expanding manufacturing sector, favourable industrial policies, and rapidly developing automotive and electronics industries. With rising demand for advanced engineering materials and continued industrial growth, India is becoming an increasingly important market within Toray’s global expansion strategy. Through this latest investment, the company aims to strengthen its regional presence while supporting the development of next-generation manufacturing and mobility solutions.

Reinforcing Global Leadership in PPS Materials

As reported by news.chemnet.com, the Andhra Pradesh facility underscores Toray’s commitment to innovation, localized production, and sustainable growth. By expanding PPS manufacturing capacity and strengthening its presence in India, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on future market opportunities while reinforcing its leadership in the global engineering plastics industry.