Reliance Industries Signs Tech Licensing Agreement with Nel ASA for Manufacturing Electrolysers in India

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has signed a technology licensing agreement with Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser AS, a fully owned subsidiary of Nel ASA, a Norwegian company specializing in hydrogen technology. With this agreement, RIL has obtained an exclusive license to manufacture Nel's alkaline electrolysers in India for production of green hydrogen.

Mukesh Ambani promoted RIL is building a multi-GW fully integrated end-to-end new energy value chain, from photon to green molecules, paving the way for abundant and affordable access to sustainable energy. The phrase "from photon to green molecules" encapsulates RIL's ambitious project to harness solar energy (photons) and convert it into green hydrogen (green molecules) through a series of processes, as explained below:

1. Photon Capture: Utilizing solar panels to capture sunlight (photons).
2. Electricity Generation: Converting the captured solar energy into electricity.
3. Electrolysis: Using the electricity to power electrolysers, like the ones from Nel ASA, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
4. Green Hydrogen Production: The hydrogen produced in this process is considered 'green' because it's made using renewable energy sources without emitting carbon dioxide.
5. Storage and Distribution: Storing the green hydrogen and distributing it for various uses, such as fuel for vehicles, industrial processes, or power generation.

The agreement also permits RIL to manufacture alkaline electrolysers for their own global use. Through this agreement, RIL gains access to Nel's leading technology platform for manufacturing electrolysers.

Additionally, both companies will collaborate on R&D, value engineering, and other areas to improve performance and reduce costs.

This partnership also opens up a new revenue stream for Nel ASA in a rapidly growing market. According to the agreement, Nel can procure equipment from Reliance for its own projects. Nel will continue to serve the Indian market with technology platforms that are not covered by the agreement.

This move is significant for RIL as it aligns with their ambition to build a fully integrated, end-to-end new energy value chain, contributing to the sustainable energy future with green hydrogen as a critical element. It's a strategic step towards achieving the vision set by RIL’s Chairman, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, for affordable and sustainable energy access.

Notably, Nel ASA's electrolyser technology is already in use in various parts of the world. Nel's H2Station™ technology is utilized daily in several European countries as well as in South Korea.

In California, US, Nel's technology provides hydrogen to passenger vehicles, buses, trucks, and other vehicles. Nel is involved in the commissioning of the first hydrogen- powered train in Germany as part of the H2 West Coast Consortium.

RIL aims to create a significant impact on the production of green hydrogen by building a multi-gigawatt (GW) scale operation, potentially making the company a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy sources. This initiative is part of RIL's broader strategy to become a net-zero carbon company by 2035. It's a visionary step towards a cleaner energy future and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.

Norway's Munch Museum and TCS to Create Interactive AI-Powered Museum Experiences

Tata Consultancy Services and Munch Museum (MUNCH) Collaborate to Create Interactive AI-Powered Museum Experiences Showcasing Edvard Munch’s Art and Celebrating His Innovative and Inclusive Spirit

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) has partnered with the Munch Museum (MUNCH) in Oslo to create immersive and interactive drawing experiences for local visitors and global audiences. Scientists from TCS Research will leverage their expertise in AI and Machine Learning (ML) to bring Edvard Munch’s artworks and creative process to life through the power of digital innovation.

MUNCH contains the world's most extensive collection of art dedicated to the renowned Norwegian artist, with 26,724 artworks, non-art objects and writings, parts of which are spread across 11 galleries on 13 floors. The museum approached TCS to collaborate on creating the first-ever real-time drawing experience based on Munch’s extensive collection as a way of honoring his inventive and inclusive spirit, and engaging new audiences with this fascinating part of Munch's artistry.

TCS and MUNCH will work together on designing, developing, and testing pioneering AI and ML technologies connected to the museum’s database of approximately 7,000 original drawings. In addition to collaboration through pathbreaking research, TCS will also provide IT consultancy, collaborative workshops, and talent exchanges to help create immersive museum experiences that showcase the future of art. These experiences will allow museum visitors to get closer to Munch’s unique worldview by immersing in the aesthetic quality of his paintings and drawings.

TCS will provide MUNCH access to its Research teams, partners from its Co-Innovation Network (COIN™), tools, and methodologies. The collaboration will offer the museum an opportunity to work with TCS’ Pace Ports™, a global network of co-innovation and research hubs to rapidly design and prototype next-generation digital solutions. 

This partnership will also enable MUNCH and TCS to assess joint business opportunities for partners and clients by exploring strategic priorities and art technology use cases.

Tone Hansen, Director at MUNCH, commented: “Edvard Munch was a restless innovator who explored the human condition through his experimental art, and we wanted to honor his dream of sharing his art with everyone. TCS has a reputation for digital innovations, and it has been thought provoking to see how powerful AI and ML technologies can be used to bring an artist’s work to life in ways they could never have imagined. We believe this partnership will help us further extend our work in engagin a global audience interested in experiencing our museum and the fascinating oeuvre of Edvard Munch.”

Dr Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer, TCS, said: “We are excited to be a part of MUNCH’s futuristic vision, and the possibility of using generative AI in an area that is as personal and intimate as art appreciation. Applications such as this truly bring to life the scenarios that the current generation of AI systems have made possible. We are delighted to partner with the museum as it provides an intimate insight into Munch’s worldview and by using AI, we make learning about art a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

About MUNCH

MUNCH is home to the world's largest collection of works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch and houses more than 26,000 works that Edvard Munch bequeathed to the City of Oslo. MUNCH preserve and manage the collection, and displays iconic artworks from the permanent collection, alongside digital content, temporary exhibitions and an extensive program of art and cultural experiences across thirteen floors - available for the public worldwide. For more information, visit: www.munchmuseet.no/en/