Pentagreen Capital and Candi Solar Announce $50 Million Financing Partnership for 400 MW Solar and Battery Projects in India

Pentagreen Capital and Candi Solar announce a US$50 million financing partnership for 400 MW of solar and battery storage projects in India

Pentagreen Capital (“Pentagreen”), manager of the Green Investments Partnership (“GIP”), a strategy under Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (“FAST-P”) initiative, and Candi Solar, a leading clean energy company specialising in distributed solar solutions for commercial and industrial (“C&I”) businesses, today announced the signing of a US$50 million financing partnership.

The transaction will finance approximately 400MWp of solar and battery energy storage projects in India, expanding access to clean energy for the small and medium-sized enterprise (“SME”) segment, which is underserved with renewable energy access but accounts for 31% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and 35% of its manufacturing output. It will also underpin Candi’s rapid expansion, supporting the company's objective to more than double its total capacity to exceed 1GW over the next 24 months.

From left to right: Michelle Head, Candi Solar, Daryl Aw Yeong, Pentagreen Capital

Marat Zapparov, CEO of Pentagreen Capital said:

India’s growing energy demand and need to reduce oil imports make the transition to clean energy both a strategic and an economic priority. Pentagreen Capital, under Singapore’s FAST-P initiative, is honoured to partner with Candi, whose flexible solar and storage solutions are tailored to the needs of India’s SMEs. Together, we are unlocking finance for projects that make clean energy accessible to an underserved segment, help businesses stabilise their energy costs, and strengthen India’s energy security.

Fabio Eucalipto, Co-founder and Director of Candi Solar, said:

The climate crisis demands an energy transition that reaches far beyond large corporations to the millions of smaller businesses that power India's economy and drive its industrial growth. These companies should benefit from clean, reliable energy without the burden of mastering energy complexities or making major capital commitments. At Candi, we have spent years building a customer-first model to make this possible. By combining rooftop and ground-mounted open-access solutions with flexible financing, we can deliver tailored energy solutions at scale. Our partnership with Pentagreen is an important milestone and the first building block in our next phase of growth. Together with recent additional shareholder commitments and an equity round planned for early next year, the capital will help us accelerate towards installing more than 1 GW of operational solar capacity within the next 24 months, bringing clean energy to hundreds more businesses across India.

The facility will finance rooftop, ground-mounted, and open-access solar installations paired with BESS across key business hubs in India. These projects are expected to deliver 560 gigawatt hours (“GWh”) of renewable energy annually, supporting the decarbonisation of 227 commercial and industrial customers, 78% of which are SMEs. This would enable the avoidance of an estimated 397,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

India has set a target of 500GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, up from 300GW in August 2026, and is promoting battery energy storage to deepen the decarbonisation of its power sector.² According to India’s public policy think tank NITI Aayog’s “Roadmap for Green Transition of MSMEs,” SMEs in India account for approximately 135 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (“MtCO2e”) of emissions annually, largely due to fossil fuel-based energy use. Providing capital to this underserved segment is key to accelerating India’s energy transition.

Under Candi's turnkey shared-value model, clients preserve their capital, paying only for the clean energy generated while Candi manages all engineering, construction and long-term operational performance.

As a solar project developer and financier serving commercial and industrial businesses across India, Candi addresses their clean energy needs through a suite of flexible, performance-linked solar and storage solutions tailored to each customer’s energy requirements and cost-saving objectives. Its model enables SMEs to adopt clean energy without upfront capital expenditure, while integrating solutions into their existing operations. By reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, these solutions can also help businesses manage energy costs and reduce exposure to fluctuations in diesel and grid electricity prices.

About Pentagreen Capital

Headquartered in Singapore, Pentagreen is the sustainable infrastructure debt financing platform established by HSBC and Temasek, dedicated to accelerating sustainable infrastructure in Asia. The company seeks to unlock the flow of capital where it is most needed, bridge critical gaps in Asia’s infrastructure financing needs, and open new infrastructure opportunities to investors.

Pentagreen Capital operates a blended finance strategy under the Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (“FAST-P”), a Singapore-led initiative in collaboration with key global public, private and philanthropic partners. Focused on Southeast Asia and with an allocation to South Asia, the strategy provides debt finance to accelerate the development of projects across renewable energy and storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainable transport, water and waste management, data infrastructure and other green infrastructure sectors.

The strategy is backed by Pentagreen Capital, the FAST-P Office under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”), Australian Government represented by Export Finance Australia, International Finance Corporation, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (“FMO”), HSBC, Temasek, British International Investment, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Allied Climate Partners, DBS and Cathay United Bank. The European Commission is supporting the strategy under its Global Gateway programme.

Pentagreen holds a capital markets services license from the MAS to carry out fund management activities. For more information, please visit www.pentagreen.com.

About Candi Solar

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, Candi Solar is a leading clean energy company and dedicated distributed solar and battery storage partner for commercial and industrial (“C&I”) enterprises across India and South Africa.

Combining Swiss engineering standards with flexible, balance-sheet-light financing models, including Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and Performance-Linked Models (“PLLs”), Candi manages every project end-to-end, enabling businesses to switch to clean power with minimal capital outlay and complete generation guarantees.

Candi has contracted over 340 MW across more than 185 installations. To date, Candi Solar has secured over USD 200 million in cumulative capital from premier global development finance institutions and leading infrastructure investors. The company is supported by key equity partners Norfund, STOA Infra & Energy, and Kyuden International, alongside institutional lenders including the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) and the Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (“EEGF”).

For more information, visit www.candi.solar.

Media enquiries to Candi Solar:

Bhavya Master
bhavya@candi.solar
Global Head of Marketing

2 https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2296782®=48&lang=2

India Lands World’s Largest Green Hydrogen Orders as Japan, Germany and Korea Line Up

India has achieved a major milestone in the green energy sector, with Indian companies signing the world's largest green hydrogen offtake commitments, totalling 5,55,610 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). This positions India as a global leader in green hydrogen supply commitments.

Key Highlights

• 23 offtake contracts have been signed since the launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023.
• 18 agreements were signed in 2026 alone, covering more than 4 lakh MTPA of green hydrogen equivalent supply.
• More than 70% of the contracted volume is earmarked for exports, primarily to Japan, Germany and South Korea.
• The projects are expected to attract around ₹90,000 crore (US$9.5 billion) in investment.

Major International Deals

• Reliance Industries signed a long-term green ammonia supply agreement worth over US$3 billion with Samsung C&T of South Korea, with deliveries expected from 2028.
• AM Green secured a long-term agreement to supply green ammonia to Germany through the H2Global mechanism.
• ACME Group signed a deal to supply 4,88,000 MTPA of green ammonia to Japan’s IHI Corporation, along with a separate green methanol supply agreement with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical.
• L&T and ITOCHU formed a joint venture to supply 3,00,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually to Japan.

Why It Matters

Green hydrogen projects typically require firm purchase commitments before financing can be secured. These signed offtake agreements provide the demand certainty required for project financing, making India one of the few countries with a large bankable pipeline of green hydrogen exports.

The commitments already account for roughly 11% of India's target to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Bottom Line: India is rapidly emerging as a global green hydrogen export hub, with Japan, Germany and South Korea becoming major future buyers and billions of dollars in investment expected to flow into the sector.

Tata Power Partners Norway's Ocean Sun to Pilot Membrane‑Based Floating Solar in India

• Will undertake a ~300 kWp floating solar pilot at Tata Power’s Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, has partnered with Norway-based renewable energy technology company Ocean Sun to bring its innovative membrane-based floating solar technology to India. The collaboration agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2nd India–EFTA Prosperity Summit, reinforcing the growing India–Norway and India–EFTA partnership in technology, innovation and clean energy.

The collaboration will see Tata Power and Ocean Sun undertake a ~300 kWp floating solar pilot at Tata Power’s Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra. The pilot will evaluate Ocean Sun’s proprietary membrane-based floating solar technology for performance, reliability, cost competitiveness and scalability under Indian conditions, while generating practical operating insights for potential future deployment.

India has significant potential for floating solar deployment. According to estimates by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), the country has more than 102 GWp of floating solar potential, providing a substantial opportunity for the technology to complement ground-mounted and rooftop solar as India scales its renewable energy ecosystem. Against this backdrop, technology pilots such as the Mulshi project can help build the technical and commercial evidence base required for wider deployment.

The ~300 kWp pilot will enable Tata Power to evaluate Ocean Sun’s technology against conventional floating solar solutions across key parameters, including energy generation, capacity utilisation factor (CUF), installation methodology and time, reliability, operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements, capital cost and overall commercial viability.

Unlike conventional floating solar systems that typically use interconnected pontoon structures, Ocean Sun’s technology deploys solar PV modules on a thin, hydro-elastic membrane that floats directly on the water surface. The lightweight design has the potential to simplify transportation and installation while reducing structural requirements. The close proximity of the PV modules to the water surface may also provide a cooling effect, which could contribute to improved generation performance.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO&MD Tata Power, said: “At Tata Power, innovation is central to accelerating India’s clean energy transition. Our collaboration with Ocean Sun reflects our commitment to bringing advanced global technologies to India and evaluating their potential in real-world conditions. Through this floating solar pilot, we aim to generate valuable operating insights and assess its potential to deliver reliable, scalable and cost-effective clean power solutions.”

"India is one of the world's most attractive floating solar markets, but it is also a large and complex market where local execution capabilities are essential. Tata Power brings the experience, capabilities and market understanding required to navigate that complexity. We are therefore particularly pleased to establish this collaboration and to work together on the floating solar project," said Kristian Tørvold, CEO, Ocean Sun.

The collaboration comes at an important juncture for India’s floating solar sector, which is expected to assume a growing role in the country’s renewable energy transition. By enabling solar generation from suitable water bodies, floating solar can help reduce dependence on land while offering opportunities for co-benefits such as reduced water evaporation and potentially enhanced PV performance.

The Summit brought together stakeholders from India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Invest India playing an important role in facilitating and strengthening India’s engagement with EFTA and supporting opportunities for international investment and technology collaboration.

Vikram Solar Seals 1 GW Pact with Avaada Electro to Bolster India’s DCR Supply Chain

Kolkata: Vikram Solar, a pioneer in Indian solar module manufacturing, has entered into a domestic cell supply agreement with Avaada Electro, reinforcing its foothold in India’s fast-expanding Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) segment and strengthening long-term supply-chain resilience.

Under the agreement, Avaada Electro will supply 1 GW of ALMM-compliant domestically manufactured half-cut N-Type G12R TOPCon solar cells for Vikram Solar’s module manufacturing operations. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in September 2026, ensuring consistency in supply and operational continuity to meet the country's growing DCR requirements.

This agreement marks a further step in Vikram Solar's penetration of the domestic DCR market and its strategy to diversify and strengthen its cell supply chain, adding to the supply agreements the company has entered into earlier this year. It also complements Vikram Solar's backward integration strategy, anchored by its upcoming 9 GW high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing facility, scheduled to commission in Q4 FY27.

Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director, Vikram Solar, said:

"The next phase of India's solar growth will be won or lost on supply chain depth, not just manufacturing scale. This arrangement is another step in that direction- one that widens our supplier base, strengthens our hand on DCR, and gives us the confidence to commit to India's energy security with fewer variables outside our control. Atmanirbhar Bharat won't be built by any single partnership; it'll be built by companies that keep making these choices, year after year.”

About Vikram Solar Limited:

Vikram Solar Limited is one of the leading Indian solar module manufacturers, specializing in efficient photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing, with an international presence across 39 countries. Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, it is one of the largest PV module manufacturers in India. Vikram Solar is a 9th time ‘Top Performer’ in PVEL’s PV Module Reliability scorecard and has been included in the Tier 1 solar PV modules manufacturer list of Bloomberg NEF for 9 consecutive quarters. Vikram Solar Limited has established a pan-India presence through an extensive distributor network of 119 authorized distributors and more than 750+ dealers.

For further information, please contact: Srabani Sen | Vikram Solar | Mobile: +91 7349661300 | Email: press@vikramsolar.com

Tata Power and IIT Bombay Collaborate to Accelerate Innovation in Clean Energy and Advanced Power Technologies

Tata Power, one of India's largest integrated power companies, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), one of the country's premier institutions for science, engineering and technology research, signed a Master Research Agreement (MRA) marking the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership for accelerating scaling up and commercialization of lab scale innovations in next generation energy technologies and advanced clean energy solutions.

The agreement was signed at the IIT Bombay campus by Dr. Praveer Sinha, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Tata Power, and Prof. Shrikrishna V. Kulkarni, Dean (Research & Development), IIT Bombay, in the presence of Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay.

This collaboration brings together IIT Bombay's research excellence and Tata Power's industry expertise to jointly develop impactful solutions across areas such as smart grids, power electronics, energy storage, electric mobility, cybersecurity, AI for power systems, digital grid technologies, carbon capture, and circular economy. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into scalable, industry-ready technologies that contribute to India's clean energy transition, energy security, and sustainable development.

Dr. Praveer Sinha, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Tata Power, said “We are proud to partner with IIT Bombay to harness innovation and technology for the next generation of India’s power sector. By combining IIT Bombay’s cutting-edge research with Tata Power’s experience in deploying solutions at scale, we aim to accelerate the development of future-ready energy technologies. This partnership will contribute to a more resilient, secure, intelligent, and sustainable power ecosystem for India.”

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said: “India’s energy transition requires not only advances in scientific research, but also the ability to translate those advances into reliable, scalable, and relevant technologies. This collaboration with Tata Power aligns strongly with IIT Bombay’s mission to translate advanced laboratory research into deployable industry solutions. By combining IIT Bombay’s research and innovation capabilities with Tata Power’s industry experience and large-scale deployment expertise, we aim to accelerate the development of indigenous technologies that can strengthen India’s energy security, accelerate decarbonization and contribute to a future-ready resilient power grid.”

The collaboration reflects the Government of India's emphasis on industry-academia partnerships to accelerate research, innovation and commercialization of technologies critical to the country's energy transition.

India Commits $2.5 Billion to Scale Biogas, Driving Clean Energy Transition

India has approved the ₹23,731 crore ( ~ $2.5 billion) GOBARdhan National Circular lBioenergy Scheme, aiming to boost compressed biogas (CBG) production nearly tenfold between FY2026-27 and FY2035-36. This marks a major step in India’s clean energy transition, with assured demand, stable pricing, and infrastructure support for biogas plants.

Previously spread across four ministries, the scheme is now consolidated under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for unified implementation.

The $2.5B GOBARdhan biogas scheme is a cornerstone of the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) vision, reducing dependence on imported LNG, creating rural income streams, and building a domestic clean energy industry worth an estimated ₹75,000 crore.

India currently imports ~50% of its natural gas; the scheme aims to reduce reliance on LNG imports. By reducing reliance on LNG imports through chokepoints like Hormuz, India insulates itself from global supply disruptions.

India imports ~50% of its natural gas, with 55–60% of LNG routed through the vulnerable Strait of Hormuz. By scaling compressed biogas (CBG) production nearly tenfold, the scheme substitutes imported LNG with domestic fuel.

Moreover, the Government estimates suggest savings of over ₹40,000 crore in foreign exchange over the next decade by cutting LNG imports.

India Approves $2.5 Billion Biogas Development

Key Highlights of the $2.5 Billion Biogas Push

• Scheme Name: GOBARdhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan)
• Budget: ₹23,731 crore (~$2.5 billion)
• Timeline: FY2026-27 to FY2035-36
• Objective: Increase domestic CBG production nearly 10x and reduce fossil fuel imports
• Administered Price: ₹2,110 per MMBtu for CBG, fixed for at least 10 years
• Blending Mandate: 3% blending in FY2026-27, 4% in FY2027-28, 5% from FY2028-29 onwards

Six Growth Engines of the Scheme

• Assured offtake: Mandatory procurement by city gas distribution companies
• Stable pricing: Long-term administered price framework
• Capital assistance: Up to ₹2 crore per tonne/day capacity for greenfield plants
• Pipeline infrastructure: Connecting CBG plants to gas networks
• Credit guarantee: Support for MSME-based projects
• Ecosystem challenge fund: Strengthening district-level implementation and feedstock chains

Impact on India’s Energy & Rural Economy

• Agricultural residue use: Converting ~500 million tonnes annually into clean fuel
• Farmer income: Organized procurement of paddy straw, press mud, and cattle dung
• Waste management: Municipal organic waste transformed into renewable energy and organic manure
• Energy security: Reduced dependence on imported LNG and fossil fuels
• Climate benefits: Lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality

Risks & Challenges

• Feedstock aggregation: Ensuring reliable supply of biomass across regions
• Project viability: Synchronization between CBG plants and city gas distribution networks
• Private investment: Requires consistent policy enforcement

Quick Comparison

Feature	Before Scheme	With GOBARdhan
CBG Plants Commissioned	~216	Target: 10x growth
Pricing	Market-linked, unstable	₹2,110/MMBtu fixed for 10 years
Blending Obligation	None	3–5% mandatory blending
Farmer Participation	Limited	Organized procurement chains
Infrastructure	Fragmented	Integrated pipelines & credit support

In essence, GOBARdhan transforms waste into wealth, positioning India to achieve energy independence, rural prosperity, and climate resilience simultaneously.

Serentica Renewables Commissions Phase 1 of its 1 GWh Battery Energy Storage System in Bikaner

Serentica Renewables, the renewable energy arm of the Vedanta Group and a leading renewable energy provider in India, today announced the commissioning of Phase 1 of its 1 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bikaner. The milestone marks the entry into utility scale energy storage for the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sector and represents a significant step towards delivering reliable, dispatchable renewable energy to India's energy intensive industries.

The first phase comprises a 200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that stores surplus renewable energy generated during the day and discharges it during peak demand hours, enabling the supply of clean power during nighttime. The project has been developed with a modular architecture that offers operational flexibility, scalability and rapid response capabilities, while strengthening grid stability and supporting higher integration of renewable energy.

The Bikaner project powers one of the world's first time block Round the Clock (RTC) renewable power arrangements for industrial consumers, demonstrating how battery storage can transform intermittent renewable energy into dependable, 24x7 clean power. The commissioning marks an important milestone in Serentica's vision of delivering firm, dispatchable renewable energy solutions that enable industries to decarbonize without compromising operational reliability.

Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, said, "Battery Energy Storage Systems will play a defining role in the next phase of India's clean energy transition by making renewable energy available whenever it is needed. The commissioning of Phase 1 of our 1 GWh BESS is a significant milestone in our journey to deliver reliable, round the clock renewable energy for India's industrial sector. By integrating advanced storage with renewable generation, we are creating a future ready energy ecosystem that combines sustainability, reliability and flexibility for our customers."

The commissioning of the Bikaner BESS marks the first step in Serentica's broader energy storage strategy. With a planned 7 GWh battery order pipeline over the next two years, the company is building one of India's largest battery storage portfolios for the C&I segment, reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable and round-the-clock clean energy solutions at scale.

Recykal Invests ₹10 Crore in Walbha to Drive India’s Biomass Clean Energy Transition

• Strategic investment extends Recykal's behavioral change mission into sustainable industrial fuels, shifting industries from fossil fuels to clean, traceable biomass energy

Recykal, India's leading circular economy company driving behavioral change across the waste and sustainability value chain, today announced a strategic investment of ₴100 million in Walbha Industries Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of biomass briquettes and pellets. The investment marks Recykal's entry into the bioenergy value chain and extends its mission of changing how India produces, consumes, and recovers resources, this time by helping industry shift from fossil fuels to clean, farm-sourced biomass, while giving farmers a paying alternative to burning crop residue.

The partnership will connect Walbha's biomass production to Recykal's enterprise network of 620+ brands and manufacturers, many of which operate industrial boilers as part of their production processes creating an immediate demand channel for Walbha's fuel. In exchange, Walbha gains access to Recykal's technology platform and its expertise in digitising and formalising fragmented supply chains, while Recykal's brand and enterprise customers gain access to verified, lab-tested biomass fuel for their energy transition commitments. The deal will also support Walbha's planned expansion beyond its current North and Central India footprint into South Indian markets.

Abhay Deshpande, Founder & CEO, Recykal, said: "Every problem we solve at Recykal is ultimately a behavior problem. Consumers littering, brands treating sustainability as paperwork, recyclers operating in cash and opacity, industries burning coal because it's familiar and have become a habit with time. But habits change when the alternative is easier, transparent, and economically better. Walbha makes the clean fuel choice exactly that for the Indian industry, giving farmers a profitable alternative to stubble burning. That's behavioral change at both ends of the supply chain."

Vaishavi Sinha Bhasin, Co-Founder, Walbha Industries, said: "21,100+ farmers in Bundelkhand now have a verified buyer for crop residue they would otherwise burn in the open. That is what behavioral change looks like at the supply end of the chain and it is why this partnership makes sense."

Walbha operates one of the largest covered biomass production plants in North India, located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh right in the groundnut heartland of Bundelkhand, with abundant access to agricultural residues such as groundnut shell, mustard husk, and sawdust. The company converts these residues into high-calorific-value bio briquettes and pellets that serve as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to coal for industrial boilers, with a supply network spanning 50+ cities across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Walbha's plant has a production capacity of 250,000 kg per day, supplies to 57 B2B industrial clients, and sources residue through a network of 21,100+ farmers. The company is an active biomass supplier to NTPC Vindhyachal and NTPC Tanda.

The global shift toward renewable energy has sharply increased industrial demand for biomass fuels. Produced from agricultural residues, sawdust, and other organic materials, bio briquettes and pellets deliver lower carbon emissions, improved combustion efficiency, and meaningful cost savings for manufacturing units, power plants, and commercial heating systems.

At its core, Recykal's work has always been about behavioral change, nudging consumers away from littering and toward responsible disposal, helping brands move from compliance checkboxes to genuinely sustainable practices, and enabling recyclers and aggregators to shift from informal, opaque trade to transparent, traceable, digital supply chains. The investment in Walbha carries this same philosophy into industrial energy: changing a decades-old habit of burning fossil fuels, and giving farmers a reason to sell crop residue rather than burn it in the open.

ABOUT RECYKAL:

Founded in 2015, Recykal is a globally recognised, Hyderabad-headquartered technology company driving behavioral change in waste management through digital platforms, Deposit Return Systems (DRS), and circular commerce of recyclable materials. The company also develops AI-enabled hardware solutions, including reverse vending machines, indigenously designed and manufactured in India, helping businesses, and governments across the globe by making material recovery measurable, scalable and economically viable. It has channelised over 30,00,000+ MT of waste by empowering 650 brands like Hindustan Unilever, Samsung, BMW etc, and more than 5000 aggregators and recyclers.

ABOUT WALBHA INDUSTRIES:

Walbha Industries is a biomass briquette and pellet manufacturer operating Uttar Pradesh's largest covered biomass production plant in Jhansi. With in-house lab testing, year-round production capability, and a farmer sourcing network, Walbha supplies groundnut, sawdust, and mustard-based briquettes and pellets to industrial clients across North and Central India.

Midwest Energy Inaugurates Its Giga Watt Scale Manufacture Facility for Manufacturing Battery Energy Storage Systems

• Integrated Cell-to-Container production strengthens India's advanced energy storage manufacturing capabilities

Midwest Energy, the technology and clean energy arm of the Midwest Business House, today announced the commencement of commercial production at its 1.2 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing facility in Bengaluru.

The facility has been established with integrated Cell-to-Container manufacturing capabilities, enabling production of battery modules, trays, racks and fully integrated containerised Systems to serve commercial, industrial, renewable energy and utility-scale applications.

The commissioning of the facility marks an important milestone in Midwest Energy's journey in expansion of its capabilities at a time when battery storage is becoming an essential component of modern power infrastructure.

As renewable energy deployment accelerates and grid flexibility becomes increasingly important, Battery Energy Storage Systems are expected to play a significant role in supporting reliable power supply, renewable integration and energy resilience.

Facility Highlights

• Annual manufacturing capacity of 1.2 GWh
• Integrated Cell-to-Container manufacturing
• Wide capacity range from 3 kWh to 6 MWh (48V–1500V)
• Applications across commercial, industrial, renewable and utility sectors
• Advanced quality assurance, traceability and end-of-line testing
• Products aligned with UL 1973, UL 9540 and UL 9540A. 
• Customised solutions

Soumya K, Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Energy Limited, said, "India is pursuing an accelerated transition towards a cleaner energy future driven by renewability, sustainability, decarbonisation and decentralisation. The increasing integration of renewable energy into the power grid is fundamental to achieving these objectives. While, it present challenges such as demand-supply mismatch, grid instability and supply uncertainties.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) provide a reliable, effective and fast deployable solution to address these challenges and enabling a resilient, stable and decarbonised energy ecosystem. Through this facility, we are building indigenous capabilities to design, manufacture and deploy advanced energy storage solutions that are proudly designed and made in India. Our vision is to become a trusted long-term partner in supporting the country's clean energy transition."

Midwest Energy will focus on supplying advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems across domestic and international markets while expanding its portfolio of customised energy storage solutions for diverse customer requirements.

The facility has been designed to support scalable manufacturing, high product reliability and globally benchmarked quality standards, in line with its stated objectives.

About Midwest Energy

Midwest Energy is the technology and clean energy arm of the Midwest Business House, a Hyderabad-headquartered industrial group established in 1981 with diversified operations spanning mineral exploration, mining, mineral processing, engineering and advanced materials.

The company is developing manufacturing capabilities across Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), rare earth permanent magnets and critical materials that support electric mobility, renewable energy, grid infrastructure and strategic industries.

Midwest Energy has commissioned an integrated 1.2 GWh Battery Energy Storage manufacturing facility in Bengaluru with end-to-end Cell-to-Container capabilities for manufacturing battery modules, battery trays, battery racks and fully integrated containerised Battery Energy Storage Systems.

The company is further building rare earth permanent magnet eco-system first time in India and has established a commercial scale magnet manufacturing unit with a capacity of 500 TPA and expanding the same to 5000 TPA in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Midwest Energy strives continuously to bring in improvements in the entire value system including but not limited to materials, process, products and production systems to support its core purpose i.e., cleaner air, water, food chain and public health.

FOUNDER’S MESSAGE

K Raghava Reddy, Founder Midwest Business House

This project is in sync with our stated objectives and purpose to contribute towards improving the quality of;

Air,
Water,
Food chain and consequently public health by contributing towards energy transition goals of renewability, sustainability, decarbonization & decentralization.

India Secures Australian Uranium for Clean Energy Surge

India and Australia have signed a landmark uranium supply deal that will fuel India’s nuclear power surge, giving fresh momentum to its clean energy goals and strategic security ambitions. The agreement ensures long-term uranium exports from Australia exclusively for peaceful energy purposes, helping India target 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

Australia holds the world’s largest uranium reserves, accounting for about 28–29% of global identified resources, with major deposits concentrated in South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The Olympic Dam mine in South Australia is the single largest uranium deposit globally.

Australia’s uranium wealth, anchored by Olympic Dam and Yeelirrie, makes it a cornerstone of the global nuclear fuel supply chain. For India, tapping into these reserves through the recent uranium export agreement ensures a stable, safeguarded supply critical to achieving its 100 GW nuclear power target by 2047.

Key Highlights of the Uranium Deal

• Signed on July 9, 2026 in Melbourne during PM Narendra Modi’s visit.
• Australia to supply uranium under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, ensuring peaceful use.
• India’s target: 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, critical for clean energy transition and data center demand.
• Australia’s reserves: ~28% of global uranium supply, giving India access to one of the world’s largest sources.
• Strategic scope: Deal accompanied by 18 pacts covering defence, maritime security, critical minerals, cyber tech, and supply chains.

Strategic & Economic Impact

• Energy Security: Stable uranium supply strengthens India’s clean energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Indo-Pacific Stability: Defence and maritime cooperation reinforce India-Australia partnership against regional geopolitical challenges.
• Trade Diversification: Australia reduces dependence on China by expanding uranium exports to India.
• Critical Minerals: Collaboration extends to lithium, rare earths, and green hydrogen, vital for EVs and renewable infrastructure.

Comparison: India’s Nuclear Path vs Australia’s Role

India’s Nuclear Goals	Australia’s Contribution
100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047	Supplies ~28% of world uranium reserves
Expanding fast breeder reactors & thorium strategy	Long-term uranium exports under IAEA safeguards
Clean energy for data centers, EVs, manufacturing	Diversifies trade beyond China
Net Zero by 2070	Gains new market for resources sector

Risks & Challenges

• Non-proliferation concerns: Past hesitations over uranium exports due to fears of diversion to weapons programs; safeguards now in place.
• Geopolitical volatility: Indo-Pacific tensions could affect supply chain stability.
• Infrastructure readiness: India must accelerate reactor commissioning and grid integration to fully utilize uranium imports.

Takeaway

This Australia-India uranium deal is a breakthrough in energy diplomacy, positioning India as a major nuclear power player while securing Australia a strategic economic partner. For India, it’s not just about fuel—it’s about energy independence, clean growth, and geopolitical leverage in the Indo-Pacific.

Tata Motors and Welspun Renewable Energy Private Limited Partner to Develop 86 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Project

• The project is estimated to generate 200 million units of clean energy annually and offset over 1.4 lakh tons of CO₂ emissions
• The project will provide renewable energy to four Tata Motors manufacturing plants across Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, contributing to the company’s RE100 target and advancing its net-zero emissions ambition.

Tata Motors Ltd., India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has joined hands with Welspun Renewable Energy Private Limited (WREPL), a frontrunner in India’s clean energy transition, for a landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to co-develop an 86 MW wind-solar hybrid renewable energy project supplying power to Tata Motors’ manufacturing plants in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

Estimated to generate 200 million units of clean electricity annually, the project is expected to offset over 1.4 lakh tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Enabled through co-investment and a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), this integrated wind-solar hybrid solution will provide a reliable supply of green energy exclusively to Tata Motors’ four manufacturing facilities in the covered states, supporting the production of commercial vehicles.

This initiative will significantly catalyse Tata Motors’ clean energy transition and support its RE100 target by 2030, accelerating meaningful progress toward climate-resilient operations. It also marks a major milestone in Tata Motors’ sustainability roadmap, aligning with the company’s broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions through responsible manufacturing.

Signing the PPA, Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President – Operations, Tata Motors Ltd, said, "This project reflects Tata Motors’ continued focus on building greener and more energy-efficient manufacturing operations. The scale and integrated nature of this wind-solar hybrid solution will help us secure a reliable supply of renewable energy for key commercial vehicle manufacturing facilities, while meaningfully reducing carbon emissions across operations on a sustained basis. Collaborations like these are critical as we progress to fulfil our RE-100 commitment and net-zero aspirations."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kapil Maheshwari, MD & CEO, Welspun Renewable Energy Private Limited, said, “This partnership with Tata Motors represents a defining milestone in Welspun New Energy's journey. We are not merely signing a PPA, we are co-creating a model for how India's largest manufacturers can decarbonize and achieve net zero and sustainability goals. We thank Tata Motors for their trust and look forward to making this one of many long and successful partnerships. At Welspun New Energy, we remain committed to building resilient, future-ready renewable energy infrastructure for both Utilities and C&I consumers”. 

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):

Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

India Unveils World’s First Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Plant

India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen production facility at IGCAR, Kalpakkam, using the Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) thermochemical cycle powered by nuclear heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). This breakthrough positions India at the forefront of carbon-free hydrogen innovation, integrating advanced nuclear technology with clean energy goals.

Imagine boiling water in a special pot, and instead of just steam, clever chemistry breaks the water into hydrogen (fuel) and oxygen (air). The “ingredients” (copper and chlorine compounds) act like kitchen helpers—used again and again, never wasted.

Developed through the combined expertise of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and IGCAR, this first-of-its-kind facility reflects the strength of indigenous innovation and reinforces the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat through advanced nuclear science and technology.

In this breakthrough, Hydrogen burns without smoke—only water comes out and unlike petrol or coal, this process doesn’t release CO₂. Instead of wasting electricity, it uses heat from reactors that already exist. In its future usage, Hydrogen can run cars, factories, and even airplanes without polluting the air. 

So, in plain words —

India has built a “magic kitchen” at IGCAR that cooks water with nuclear heat, serving up clean hydrogen fuel without smoke or waste.

Key Highlights

• Inauguration Date: 26 June 2026
• Location: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
• Technology: Copper–Chlorine (Cu–Cl) thermochemical cycle developed by BARC
• Heat Source: Nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)
• Leaders Present: Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty and Sreekumar G. Pillai

How the Cu–Cl Cycle Works

• Process: Splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using nuclear heat.
• Efficiency: Operates at lower temperatures than other thermochemical cycles.
• Environmental Impact: Produces zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Strategic Importance

• Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• Clean Energy Transition: Supports India’s Net Zero 2070 target.
• Global Leadership: First-of-its-kind facility worldwide.
• Scalability: Technology demonstrator providing operational data for future deployment.

Comparison: Hydrogen Production Methods

Method	Energy Source	Emissions	Efficiency	Global Status
Steam Methane Reforming	Natural Gas	High CO₂	Moderate	Widely used
Electrolysis	Electricity (renewables/nuclear)	Zero (if clean power)	Moderate	Growing adoption
Cu–Cl Cycle	Nuclear Heat	Zero	High	First facility at IGCAR

Risks & Challenges

• Scaling Up: Requires large infrastructure investments.
• Public Perception: Nuclear-linked hydrogen may face acceptance challenges.
• Global Competition: Other nations exploring rival cycles.

Next Steps for India

• Expand: Move Cu–Cl hydrogen production to industrial scale.
• Integrate: Use Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for distributed hydrogen generation.
• Export: Position India as a global supplier of clean hydrogen.

Beyond India’s Cu–Cl breakthrough at IGCAR, several other nuclear-assisted hydrogen systems are being explored worldwide, including sulfur–iodine cycles in Japan and South Korea, high-temperature electrolysis in the U.S. and Europe, and hybrid thermochemical projects under the IAEA. These efforts aim to leverage nuclear heat for large-scale, carbon-free hydrogen.

India’s Cu–Cl facility is unique for its lower temperature requirement, making it more practical than sulfur–iodine cycles. Globally, HTGRs and advanced reactors are expected to drive nuclear hydrogen, with pilot projects in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. forming the backbone of future deployment.

Gruner Sets Asia Record with 23.5 TPD BioGas, Driving India’s Clean Energy Revolution

• Becomes the second-highest performing CBG plant globally.

Gruner Renewable Energy, the flagship company of the Gruner Group and one of World's fastest-growing Technology + Engineering, Procurement and Construction (T+EPC) companies in the Compressed BioGas (CBG) sector, has achieved a historic milestone in India's clean energy landscape. The Company has established a new benchmark by recording an unprecedented 23.5 tonnes per day (TPD) of CBG production in a single day at Satna—the highest ever achieved by any CBG facility in Asia. The BioGas plant built and operated by Gruner is operating at 120% of its designed production capacity, significantly outperforming industry utilization levels, where many CBG facilities continue to operate at only 40–50% of installed capacity. This remarkable accomplishment positions the facility among the world's top-performing renewable energy assets and makes it the second-highest performing CBG plant globally.

This landmark achievement underscores India's growing capability to develop, operate, and scale world-class bioenergy infrastructure that meets global standards. It also reinforces the transformative potential of the country's biofuel ecosystem in converting agricultural and organic waste into valuable clean energy resources.

A key driver behind this success is the company's access to global engineering expertise through Gruner New Inergie Deutschland GMBH, the Technical Excellence Centre of Gruner, which brings together more than 25 years of international bioenergy experience and a cumulative portfolio of 500+ bioenergy and biogas plant references worldwide. The integration of global best practices with local execution capabilities has enabled Gruner Renewable Energy to consistently deliver high-performance CBG infrastructure across India.

The Satna facility stands as a powerful example of innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability working in harmony. By efficiently converting agricultural residue and paddy straw into renewable fuel, the plant contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable waste management, enhancing rural incomes, and strengthening India's long-term energy security.

Commenting on the achievement, Utkarsh Gupta, Founder & CEO, Gruner Renewable Energy, said, "Achieving 23.5 TPD of CBG production and operating at 120% of our designed capacity is a defining milestone not only for Gruner Renewable Energy but for India's entire bioenergy sector. This achievement demonstrates that India has the capability to build and operate world-class renewable energy infrastructure while transforming agricultural waste into clean energy, farmer prosperity, and greater energy security for the nation."

Mehmet Oenal, COO of Gruner New Inergie Deutschland GMBH, added, "This achievement is far greater than a corporate milestone—it represents a defining moment for India's bioenergy sector. The record-setting performance of our Satna CBG Plant demonstrates that India possesses the capability, expertise, and vision to build and operate renewable energy infrastructure that can compete with the very best in the world."

The achievement comes at a pivotal time as India accelerates its clean energy transition through flagship initiatives such as the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) Programme and the National Bioenergy Programme. Gruner Renewable Energy continues to play a vital role in supporting these national objectives through the development and execution of large-scale Compressed BioGas infrastructure across the country.

With an order book exceeding ₹4,500 crore and more than 72 CBG projects under execution across multiple states, Gruner Renewable Energy is actively contributing to the creation of a robust bioenergy ecosystem. The company's efforts are generating rural employment opportunities, supporting farmers with additional income streams, promoting circular economy practices, and accelerating India's transition toward a low-carbon, energy-secure future.

As India advances toward its ambitious sustainability and net-zero goals, Gruner Renewable Energy remains at the forefront of the green fuel revolution, demonstrating how innovation, scale, and execution excellence can drive meaningful environmental and economic impact.

About Gruner Renewable Energy

Gruner Renewable Energy is the flagship company of the Gruner Group and specializes in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) solutions for Compressed BioGas projects. Backed by the Gruner Technical Excellence Centre (GTE) in Germany, which brings over 25 years of global expertise and experience across 500+ bioenergy projects worldwide, the company combines international engineering excellence with local execution capabilities. With over 63 ongoing projects across India and an order book exceeding ₹4,500 crore, Gruner Renewable Energy is helping accelerate India's transition toward sustainable, circular, and carbon-neutral energy systems.

Tata Power Launches Vidyut Dhaara, a Social Impact Expression, With a Vision to Empower a Billion Lives

• Vidyut Dhaara embodies the Company's commitment to creating meaningful social impact deeply embedded into its business purpose of providing sustainable, affordable, and innovative energy solutions.
• Created in collaboration with Swarathma and Music Boutique, the film is a sparkling musical mosaic of inclusion, opportunity, livelihoods epitomising the endless possibilities unlocked by flowing energy.

Where does the energy we generate truly flow? For most people, the journey of energy ends when a light turns on, a machine starts running, or a home is powered. For Tata Power, that journey continues much further. It continues into classrooms where young minds discover new possibilities. Into livelihoods that help families build a better future. Into communities that become more inclusive, resilient, and empowered. And into collective efforts that create a more sustainable tomorrow.

As Tata Power's footprint expanded across geographies and businesses over its century-long legacy, so did the stories of impact emerge from the energy ecosystem it powers every day.

Vidyut Dhaara was conceived as a unified expression of these stories - a reflection of Tata Power's vision to empower a billion lives through sustainable, affordable and innovative energy solutions, and of its promise to power not just homes and industries, but a billion aspirations, every hour, every day, for life.

Rooted in the belief that social impact is not separate from business but a natural extension of it, Vidyut Dhaara carries the same conviction that runs through every part of the Company's operations and reflects how the flow of energy creates value beyond electricity: through learning, livelihoods, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Through Vidyut Dhaara, Tata Power reaffirms its commitment to powering not just homes, industries, and businesses, but also aspirations, opportunities, and sustainable futures, carrying forward its Founder Jamsetji Tata's belief that a business holds its wealth in trust for the community it serves. The film marks a new chapter in the Company's purpose led storytelling journey, bringing alive the transformative role of energy in shaping lives and communities across India.

Vidyut Dhaara reflects how energy powers aspirations beyond the grid. The expression is introduced through an original film and title song that weave together stories of opportunity, resilience, inclusion, and sustainable progress.

At the heart of the film is Dhaara, a young protagonist whose journey threads through classrooms, workshops, fields, and communities - tracing, quite literally, where energy goes once it leaves the grid. As she moves from one story to the next, her journey becomes a lens into the many ways energy transforms lives: opening doors to skill and opportunity, turning entrepreneurship into independence, making space for inclusion, and inspiring a generation to protect the planet they will inherit.

Set against the backdrop of Tata Power's legacy hydro landscapes and the renewable future being built through solar, hydro, and wind energy, the film seamlessly weaves together stories from some of the Company's flagship initiatives. These include Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), which equips youth with green jobs and power sector skills; Anokha Dhaaga, Tata Power's flagship micro collective capacity building and entrepreneurship initiative that creates sustainable livelihoods; Pay Autention, a pioneering initiative focused on neurodiversity awareness, inclusion, and empowerment; and Club Enerji, Tata Power's long standing energy and sustainability literacy programme that inspires young minds to become champions of conservation and climate action.

To bring Vidyut Dhaara to life as an immersive experience, Tata Power partnered with Swarathma, the contemporary folk-rock band known for blending storytelling with social consciousness. The collaboration resulted in an original composition that serves as the narrative thread of the film, carrying viewers through stories of hope, resilience, and transformation.

Tata Power’s commitment to sustainable progress extends directly into its clean energy roadmap. The Company has committed to increasing the share of clean and green capacity in its portfolio to 70% by 2030 - a goal that makes the language of sustainable progress something the Company can be held to, not just something it speaks to. Vidyut Dhaara is the human face of that same transition, a reminder that the shift toward cleaner energy and the shift toward more inclusive, empowered communities are, in fact, the same journey.

At its core, Vidyut Dhaara embodies Tata Power's belief that sustainable progress is created when business purpose and community aspirations move forward together.

Link of the video: https://webappsprd.tatapower.com/content/video/links/vindex715.html

GEON Powers India’s Grid: 2.88 GWh Battery Storage at Khavda Goes Live in Record 5 Months

Representative Image

GEON, the future technologies division of Kabra Extrusiontechnik Ltd, has successfully completed the integration and commissioning of a 2.88 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Khavda, Gujarat, within five months. This project is one of the largest utility-scale BESS deployments in India and is now fully commercially operational.

The installation is part of the growing renewable energy infrastructure at Khavda, which is emerging as one of India's key clean energy hubs. Geon's scope covered system integration, execution, testing, and commissioning — including the integration of Power Conditioning Systems (PCS), transformers, and advanced energy management systems (EMS).

Anand Kabra, Chairman and Managing Director at Geon – Green Energy ON, said – The Khavda project is a meaningful marker of how quickly energy storage infrastructure is scaling in India. Battery storage is no longer a supporting technology — it is fast becoming central to how we manage and deliver clean power at grid scale. We are proud to have delivered this project on time and look forward to building on this momentum.

Saurabh Jain, CEO – Energy Storage, Geon, added – GEON successfully delivered the 2.88 GWh BESS Khavda project as nodal agency, completing the entire scope within an impressive timeline of just five months. The achievement reflects strong planning, efficient execution, and seamless coordination between the engineering and on-site project teams. This milestone highlights GEON’s capability in executing large-scale energy storage projects with speed, precision, and high standards of quality. As India's renewable capacity grows, infrastructure like this will be critical to making that capacity reliable and dispatchable.

The project comes amid accelerating investments in battery storage across India, driven by the country's renewable energy targets and the growing need for grid balancing solutions. Geon's long-term strategy includes manufacturing BESS domestically, with plans underway for a gigafactory to support future demand and strengthen India's energy storage ecosystem.

About GEON:

Founded in 2018, GEON (Green Energy ON) is powering India’s clean energy transition with smart and sustainable solutions. The company works across e-mobility, energy storage, and electronics, offering lithium-ion battery packs for two-, three-, and four-wheelers as well as off-road vehicles. Its product portfolio also includes sophisticated storage systems like BESS, inverter batteries, telecom backup, and commercial and industrial solutions. Innovation, safety, and reliability are the strong pillars on which each product at GEON stands, while keeping sustainability and durability as core concerns. Responsible innovation coupled with customer-centric service helps GEON continue to deliver reliable energy systems that address India’s rising demand for future-ready technologies.
For further details, visit:

https://www.geon-energy.com

Greenply Powers Vadodara Plant with 80% Renewable Energy, Strengthening Clean Manufacturing Vision

• Renewable energy integration strengthens Greenply’s sustainability roadmap through enhanced energy security, operational efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint

Greenply Industries Limited has commissioned its second Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) at the Vadodara manufacturing facility, drawing electricity from a mix of renewable sources. With the commissioning of the second renewable energy asset, close to 80% of the Vadodara facility’s total energy consumption is now supported through renewable energy sources, significantly strengthening the plant’s clean energy footprint while enhancing long-term energy security and operational efficiency.

With the operationalisation of the second asset, Greenply now sources a substantially higher share of its electricity requirements from renewable energy at the Vadodara facility. The development reflects the company’s continued focus on building environmentally conscious manufacturing operations while steadily reducing its carbon footprint.

India’s industrial sector faces mounting pressure to decarbonise, even as grid electricity costs remain unpredictable. While clean energy adoption has become a wider priority across manufacturing industries, Greenply began integrating sustainability-led operational practices and clean technology solutions much earlier as part of its long-term manufacturing vision. Greenply’s approach at Vadodara, combining renewable procurement with in-plant EV mobility and other environmentally responsible practices, reflects this broader commitment. The renewable energy assets support round-the-clock power generation aligned with the plant’s real-time consumption requirements, helping improve energy reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create greater predictability in long-term power costs. The initiative also aligns with the broader direction of India’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable industrial growth.

Commenting on the development, Sanidhya Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries Limited, said, “Sustainability at Greenply isn’t a box we tick, it’s built into how we make decisions about manufacturing, growth, and where we invest. The second renewable asset at Vadodara reflects our continued effort to build manufacturing operations that are more resilient, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible. Every step towards cleaner energy strengthens our ability to build more future-ready manufacturing operations while contributing meaningfully to long-term environmental and economic sustainability. As more Indian manufacturers accelerate their sustainability efforts, we remain focused on building systems and practices that can create meaningful long-term impact.”

This latest step sits alongside a broader innovation story at Greenply. The company was among the first in India to introduce E0-level plywood manufactured with zero added formaldehyde and has also been an early mover in fire-retardant technology for premium wood panel products. The common thread across these initiatives is a consistent focus on raising industry benchmarks ahead of evolving market expectations.

About Greenply Industries Limited:

Greenply Industries Limited is among India’s leading interior infrastructure companies with a strong presence of 42 years in the wood panel industry. The company operates five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the country and offers a wide portfolio of products including Plywood, MDF, Block Boards, Flush Doors, Decorative Veneers, PVC and Flooring products for domestic as well as global markets. With a strong distribution network spanning 1,100+ cities, towns, and villages across 27 states and 6 union territories, supported by more than 2,300 dealers and authorized stockists, a retail network exceeding 6,000 outlets, and 50+ physical and virtual branches across India.

Researchers Develop New Material That Makes Clean Energy Storage More Compact and Affordable

Researchers at ARCI have developed a spinel nanocomposite phase change material (PCM) that boosts thermal battery efficiency by up to 45%, offering a cost‑effective solution for clean energy storage in concentrated solar power and industrial waste heat recovery systems. This breakthrough, published in Materials Today Chemistry, aligns with India’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative and global clean energy goals.

Breakthrough in Simple Words

Scientists have found a smart way to make thermal batteries—used to store heat for later—work better and cost less. These batteries save heat from the sun in solar power plants or capture wasted heat from factories, turning it into useful energy.

The ARCI team discovered that mixing just 1% of special spinel nanoparticles into the storage material helps batteries hold 45% more heat.

What This Means

• Smaller tanks are needed to store the same amount of energy
• Lower costs for building and running these systems
• More efficient clean energy for homes, industries, and power plants

This breakthrough makes clean energy storage cheaper, more compact, and more powerful—helping India and the world move closer to reliable renewable energy.

Key Breakthrough

• Institution: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), under India’s Department of Science and Technology
• Lead Scientist: Dr. Mani Karthik
• Innovation: Spinel oxide nanoparticles added to PCM via a simple co‑precipitation method
• Impact: Just 1% nanoparticle addition increased specific heat capacity by 45%, enabling more compact and efficient thermal energy storage

Why It Matters

• Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): TES systems are critical for storing solar heat and releasing it when sunlight is unavailable
• Industrial Waste Heat Recovery: Captures and reuses excess heat, reducing energy loss
• Cost Savings: Higher energy density means smaller tanks, less construction material, and lower capital/operational costs. 
• Scalability: The process is cost‑effective and scalable, making it suitable for large‑scale deployment

Global Relevance

• Clean Energy Transition: Supports worldwide efforts to decarbonize power generation. 
• Compact Design: Enables next‑generation thermal batteries that are lighter, cheaper, and more efficient. 
• Indigenous Expertise: Strengthens India’s position in advanced energy materials research while contributing to global sustainability

Comparative Advantages

Feature	Conventional PCM	Spinel Nanocomposite PCM
Specific Heat Capacity	Baseline	+45% increase
Thermal Stability	Moderate	Excellent
Tank Size	Larger	Reduced by ~40%
Cost Efficiency	Higher material & construction costs	Lower capital & operational costs
Scalability	Limited	Scalable, cost‑effective process

Mechanism of Improvement

• Nanoparticle Dispersion: Uniform distribution increases surface area. 
• Stable Spinel Oxide Layer: Forms at the PCM interface, enhancing surface energy
• Result: Higher energy storage per unit mass, improved thermal conductivity, and long‑term stability

Strategic Impact

• India’s Energy Goals: Supports Aatma Nirbhar Bharat by advancing indigenous clean energy technologies. 
• Global Adoption: Potential to revolutionize thermal batteries for CSP plants worldwide. 
• Publication: Materials Today Chemistry (Elsevier), 2026, DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2025.103282

Tata Power, DGPC Launch Training Ecosystem to Support Bhutan’s 5,000 MW Clean Energy Vision

• Aim to build a future-ready workforce to support the operation and maintenance of large-scale clean energy assets under the strategic partnership
• Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, graced the MoU signing ceremony at Thimphu
• Training programmes will be delivered through Tata Power Skill Development Institute

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power utilities, and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), the sole power generation utility of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu, Bhutan, to establish a comprehensive skill development ecosystem.

The MoU lays the foundation for a structured training framework aimed at building a future-ready workforce to address both immediate and long-term requirements under the ongoing partnership between Tata Power and DGPC to jointly develop clean energy projects.

The MoU signing ceremony, was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay. The MoU was formally signed by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC. Ms Anjali Pandey, President- Generation, Tata Power, along with other senior representatives from Tata Power, DGPC, and relevant institutions, were also present at the ceremony.

Training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), leveraging its expertise in power sector skilling.

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said “This partnership with DGPC underscores our collective vision of creating a future-ready talent ecosystem for Bhutan’s growing clean energy sector. Leveraging its strong credentials in power sector training, Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) will help nurture industry-ready professionals with comprehensive expertise in safe operations, emerging technologies, and operations & maintenance.”

Tata Power will provide technical expertise, training infrastructure, courseware, and accreditation support through TPSDI for the effective implementation of the programmes. DGPC will facilitate the mobilisation and deployment of trainees, ensuring seamless execution under the MoU and subsequent definitive agreements.

DGPC will also be responsible for securing all necessary approvals from the Government of Bhutan and relevant Bhutanese authorities, while Tata Power will obtain the requisite approvals from the Government of India.

Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC, said, “This MoU is a practical step towards strengthening local capabilities required under the ongoing partnership to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity. DGPC will work with relevant Bhutanese authorities and stakeholders to identify training needs, mobilise trainees where appropriate, and ensure that the programme supports national priorities and complements the Royal Government of Bhutan’s broader workforce development efforts.”

The proposed skill development initiatives under this MoU will be implemented in a phased manner:

• Phase 1: Focus on immediate deployment of safety training to ensure workforce readiness prior to site entry, including mandatory safety induction programmes for project workers.
• Phase 2: Expansion into technical skill development covering construction, material handling, and earth-moving equipment operations, tailored to project construction requirements.
• Phase 3: Development of specialised capabilities for the long-term operation and maintenance of clean energy assets.

Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) was established to bridge the skill gap in the power sector by delivering industry-relevant, modular training and certification programmes. TPSDI is accredited by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to conduct safety training, administer assessments, and issue joint certifications. As an approved training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a Dual Awarding Body recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), TPSDI operates a robust training network across India, offering hands-on training across the power value chain, including thermal, hydel, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

This MoU reflects a collaborative and practical approach to developing the skills required for Bhutan’s clean energy growth, with DGPC working alongside relevant Bhutanese authorities and Tata Power providing technical training support.

Apple Pledges ₹100 Crore to Power India’s Green Energy and Startup Revolution

Apple has announced a ₹100 crore investment in India to expand renewable energy and support green startups, partnering with CleanMax and WWF‑India. The initiative will add over 150 MW of clean energy capacity—enough to power 1.5 lakh households annually—and provide catalytic support to six early‑stage enterprises in waste management, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy solutions.

Key Highlights of Apple’s India Green Push

• Investment Size: ₹100 crore (initial phase).
• Renewable Energy Capacity: 150 MW, powering ~150,000 households annually.
• Partners:
  • CleanMax → Renewable energy developer for solar and wind projects.
  • WWF‑India → Recycling and plastic waste recovery initiatives.
  • Acumen → Supporting six early‑stage green startups.
• Focus Areas: Renewable energy, waste management, regenerative agriculture, circular economy, plastic pollution reduction.
• Global Goal: Apple aims to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030.
• Impact on India’s Clean Energy & Startup Ecosystem
• Boost to Renewable Infrastructure: Large‑scale solar and wind projects will strengthen India’s clean energy adoption, especially across Apple’s supply chain.
• Startup Support: Six early‑stage enterprises will receive grants, mentorship, and strategic guidance to scale sustainable solutions.
• Waste Management Expansion: WWF‑India’s collaboration with Saahas Zero Waste in Goa will now extend to Coimbatore and other regions, improving recycling traceability and reducing plastic leakage.
• Supply Chain Sustainability: Apple’s India partners (Foxconn, Tata Electronics) will benefit from increased renewable energy integration.

Quick Comparison of Apple’s Initiatives in India

Initiative	Partner	Scale/Impact	Focus Area
Renewable Energy Expansion	CleanMax	150 MW capacity, 1.5 lakh households	Solar & wind infrastructure
Green Startup Support	Acumen	6 startups	Waste mgmt, agriculture, circular economy
Plastic Waste Recovery	WWF‑India + Saahas Zero Waste	Expansion from Goa to Coimbatore	Recycling, pollution reduction

Risks & Challenges

• Execution Timeline: Large‑scale renewable projects often face delays due to land acquisition and regulatory approvals.
• Startup Viability: Early‑stage green startups may struggle with scalability and funding beyond Apple’s initial support.
• Supply Chain Integration: Ensuring suppliers adopt renewable energy consistently across India could be complex.

Why This Matters for India

• Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing import dependence in clean energy.
• Aligns with India’s 500 GW non‑fossil fuel target by 2030.
• Encourages green entrepreneurship, creating jobs and innovation in sustainability sectors.

At Apple, our commitment to the environment is also a driving force for innovation — across the company and around the world, said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s vice president of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation. We’re proud to expand our efforts to invest in India’s clean energy economy and protect the country’s precious natural resources

Tata Power, Bhutan & World Bank Drive $515M Clean Energy Boost with Dorjilung Project

Bhutan has signed $515 million in financing agreements with the World Bank, alongside Tata Power, to build the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project—its largest hydropower initiative, expected to generate one-third of the nation’s electricity and boost GDP by 2.4%.

Project Overview

• Capacity: 1,125 MW
• Location: Kurichhu River, eastern Bhutan
• Annual Generation: Over 4,500 GWh of clean electricity
• Completion Target: 2031
• Economic Impact: Expected to raise Bhutan’s GDP by 2.4%

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Financing & Structure

• Total Project Cost: $1.7 billion
• World Bank Financing: $300M from IDA (includes $150M grant), $215M from IBRD, up to $300M from IFC
• Public-Private Partnership: Druk Green Power Corporation (60%) and Tata Power (40%)
• Private Sector Catalyzation: Expected to mobilize $900M additional financing

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Regional Impact

• Exports to India: Nearly 80% of annual generation
• Carbon Reduction: Displacement of 3.3 million tons of CO₂ annually
• Energy Security: Reduces winter imports, provides surplus summer power for export

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Economic & Social Benefits

• Jobs: Direct and indirect employment opportunities
• Sectors Boosted: Manufacturing, tourism, and small businesses
• Revenue Use: Export revenues reinvested in health, education, and infrastructure

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Leadership Statements

• Dasho Tshering Tobgay, PM of Bhutan: “This project is a cornerstone of Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan… advancing our carbon-negative commitment.”
• Johannes Zutt, World Bank VP South Asia: “The financing model sets a new standard for sustainable infrastructure development.”
• Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO Tata Power: “This landmark project will strengthen regional energy security and deepen India–Bhutan clean energy cooperation.”

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Key Takeaways

• Bhutan’s largest hydropower venture under PPP
• Model for sustainable financing with minimal sovereign debt exposure
• Transforms Bhutan’s energy sector, reinforces carbon-negative status
• Deepens regional clean energy trade with India