Evonik commences production of high purity colloidal silica in Michigan
General

Evonik commences production of high purity colloidal silica in Michigan

Facility in Weston produces crucial raw material for the semiconductor industry

  • By ICN Bureau | June 11, 2024

Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, has started the production of ultra-high purity colloidal silica for the semiconductor industry at its new facility in Weston, Michigan. Colloidal silica is a critical raw material for the electronics and semiconductor industries, whose growth is driven by a surging global demand for complex and increasingly smaller microchips and digital products. The plant is the first of its kind in North America.

"The new facility is a strategic portfolio addition and testament to Evonik’s commitment to innovation and supply security for our customers in the semiconductor market,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, Head of Evonik’s Smart Materials Division. “We are proud to inaugurate this new addition to our Weston facility.”

Recent semiconductor industry investments in the U.S., facilitated by government incentives under the CHIPS Act of 2022, have amounted to nearly $450 billion across 25 states, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. The incentives aim to stabilize the semiconductor supply chain in America. The industry’s manufacturing capacity in the U.S. is expected to triple by 2032.

The new plant will be integrated into existing processes at the site. It will make Evonik one of the only market participants that can reliably produce the colloidal silica required for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) in the necessary quality and purity.

"We are proud that Evonik choose Make It in Michigan as we continue to build on our growing semiconductor ecosystem, especially its supply chain,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “On behalf of the MEDC and Team Michigan, I congratulate Evonik on its ribbon cutting and thank them for their vote of confidence in our state that helps us to win more projects that attract people and revitalize places.”

In addition to the ultra-pure colloidal silica plant, Evonik has recently opened the Global Semiconductor Center of Excellence in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Center now enables Evonik to focus on critical chemicals for microchip production. The Center’s team will engage in customer-driven projects and offer technical support for IDISIL customers.

“The Semiconductor Center of Excellence is an investment in the anticipated growth of the semiconductor chemicals market over the coming years,” said Christian Edlinger, Head of the Americas region in Evonik’s Silanes business line. "Our team's vast experience and capabilities will enable us to successfully develop and market new, innovative chemicals that will help our customers stay ahead of the curve."

 

The Center is part of Evonik’s Innovation Hub in Allentown, which consists of several state-of-the-art testing and processing labs as well as a pilot plant.

BASF is in its eighth year of advanced field testing of Nemasphere in North America, including more than 200 field trials in the United States. On average, Nemasphere boosts yield potential by 8%. As the yield gap widens each year due to increasing SCN resistance to native traits, the boost Nemasphere delivers in bushels will be critical to help growers hit their full harvest potential and make it possible to achieve full genetic yield potential.

 

In addition to offering industry-leading SCN resistance, Nemasphere is a single-locus trait which enables breeders to incorporate into a full range of high-yielding seed varieties with no compromises to overall agronomic performance and access to use the Enlist weed control system.

 

Soybean growers have been longing for a new solution to protect their fields from SCN for decades. With the introduction of Nemasphere, growers are finally getting a tool to go on offense against this invisible threat. Nemasphere is anticipated to be available in 2028, pending regulatory approval.

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We are

opening Rajgarh and Vindya Vilas later this year. Rajgarh is 65 keys and Vindya Villas will be 21

keys. They open this year. The other projects that we've announced are Tirupati which is a 125 keys.

Vizag which is also a similar number and Gandikota, which is a small hotel of about 20 keys. And

lastly, we've also announced Goa which is 90 keys. In addition to that, overseas we're opening two

boats on the Nile. They're relatively small of 7 keys each. They open this year as well. I don't know

if I've left anything out

 

So work on Tirupati and Vizag has already started. Goa, we're still in the planning stage. My best

estimate is that we'll break ground certainly in the next six to eight months or....yeah, let's say eight

to twelve months to be absolutely safe and then three years for construction.

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Schneider Electric Launches EcoStruxure for Life Science Segment, accelerating Sustainability in Indian Pharma Industry

 

 

 

·         Spearheading the shift towards Pharma 4.0 by leveraging the power of digital

 

·         Building future-ready pharmaceutical production and biotech facilities to accelerate sustainability, resilience, and, agility

 

·         Harnessing digital technologies for reducing ~70% CO2 emissions

 

·         An IoT-enabled solution focused on water conservation, process electrification, sustainability by design, green electricity, reduction in Scope 1, Scope 2, & Scope 3 emissions, and circularity

 

 

 

Mumbai, June 10, 2024: Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and NextGen automation, has launched EcoStruxure for Life Sciences Segment. This cutting-edge software technology aims to accelerate the efficiency and decarbonization of the pharmaceutical sector by facilitating the transition to Pharma 4.0.

 

 

 

By harnessing digital technologies, EcoStruxure for Life Sciences promises to reduce up to 70% of carbon emissions by leveraging universal automation to develop smart facilities, manufacturing, supply chains, and sustainability. The IoT-enabled solution is designed to drive water conservation, implement process electrification, foster sustainability by design, utilize green electricity, reduce Scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions, and promote circularity.

 

 

 

The pharmaceutical industry faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices and minimize its environmental footprint. EcoStruxure for Life Sciences aims to enable pharmaceutical production and biotech facilities to become future-ready by integrating sustainability, resilience, and agility into their operations, accelerating the transition to Pharma 4.0.

 

 

 

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Arvind Kakru, Vice President – Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric India said, “Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure for Life Sciences presents an excellent opportunity for the pharmaceutical sector to collaborate in achieving the country's climate goals by embracing Pharma 4.0. Our pioneering solutions will empower our customers and partners to embrace sustainability. The launch of our EcoStruxure solutions underscores our dedication to engaging with key stakeholders in the pharma industry and guiding them towards the future of Pharma in India.”

 

 

 

The key focus pillars for obtaining Sustainability In Life Science through EcoStruxure solutions include:

 

Water Conservation: Leveraging real-time water tracking to enable businesses to monitor water usage with precision, linking water quality risks directly to operational and governance strategies. Additionally, the introduction of on-site water treatment capabilities and innovative VOC recovery methods will contribute towards environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance.

 

 

 

Process Electrification: Empowering businesses to embrace electrification to drive towards a greener and more efficient future by optimizing energy distribution, ensuring seamless integration of renewables, and the management of microgrids.

 

 

 

Sustainability by design: Embedding sustainability across every step of the design through process optimization to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and reduce wastage.

 

 

 

Green electricity: Assisting the pharmaceutical sector to source green electricity through renewables, PPAs, and minimizing offsets to spearhead sustainability across the value chain.

 

 

 

Reduce GHG Scope 1 & Scope 2: Empowering the sector to reduce its Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions by offering consulting solutions covering decarbonisation and energy strategy, energy management solutions, carbon capture technology, green hydrogen solutions, and integrated power and process solutions.

 

 

 

Circularity: Collaborating closely with upstream suppliers and partners to ensure the sourcing of 100% circular materials and ingredients while managing waste efficiently.

 

Reduce GHG Scope 3: Deploying the best practices by leveraging data, tracking carbon emissions throughout the portfolio, and identifying priority areas for continuous improvement. Leveraging low-carbon design standards for major projects, implementing supply-side management, harnessing digital tools and digital twin technologies, and promoting green certificates. 

 

AVEVA PI System: An industry-leading data management solution that collects and stores data from any location and source. It offers deeper operational insight, faster analysis of critical data, and expanded visibility of remote assets and IIoT sensors, helping the pharma facility operate more efficiently and sustainably.

 

Cobots: Schneider Electric provides collaborative robots (cobots) that are designed to work alongside human operators to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity in life science applications. They can perform tasks such as lab automation, sample handling, and packaging with precision and reliability. These are ideal for protecting sterile environments from contamination and can complete repetitive tasks with low error once programmed.

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Covestro (India) Private Limited Empowers Truck Drivers in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi Area with Flagship CSR Initiative, 'Project Arogyam'  " Do let me know if you would like to carry the news.

 

Mumbai, Maharashtra - Covestro (India) Private Limited, a leading producer of advanced polymers, is proud to announce the successful implementation of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, 'Project Arogyam,' aimed at uplifting truck drivers Community.

 

According to a study by the People-to-People Health Foundation in July 2022, findings indicated that truck drivers encounter various health challenges like chronic pain or musculoskeletal issues (36.7%), sleep-related problems and tiredness (28.2%), vision-related issues (19.2%), respiratory issues (14.7%), and acidity or stomach-related problems (9.6%). These challenges not only affect their health but also pose obstacles to their financial stability and general well-being.

 

Designed to address these persistent challenges faced by truck drivers, 'Project Arogyam' focuses on promoting their physical and mental well-being, enhancing financial literacy, and providing skills for professional growth. Since its inception in March 2024, the project has made a significant impact on the lives of over 960 truck drivers in the Bhiwandi region, with plans to support over 1,600 drivers till completion.

 

To address healthcare needs, Covestro (India) Private Limited, in collaboration with its implementing partner, Impact Guru Foundation, has set up a dedicated wellness centre at the warehousing facility of Rhenus Logistics in Bhiwandi.

 

Rhenus India, our esteemed logistics partner, has been instrumental in supporting Covestro India's CSR initiative. Our collaboration, grounded in shared values of community support and sustainability, has enabled us to undertake this project at their warehouse and support us as a logistics partner.

 

 

 

“Rhenus closely collaborates with truck drivers, understanding their challenges firsthand. When Covestro (India) initiated project Arogyam, we were happy to support them in addressing these issues by providing them space to conduct the project, this initiative strengthened our partnership & commitment to community well-being.”  Said Vivek Arya – Global CEO Warehousing Solutions Intercontinental

 

Staffed with proficient healthcare team of doctors, experienced nurses, physiotherapists, and yoga experts, the centre offers essential services tailored for truck drivers. These include OPD consultations, eye tests, first aid kits, physiotherapy and yoga sessions, dental check-ups, distribution of corrective spectacles, counselling for substance abuse and healthy diet, alongside maintenance of Yojana cards and detailed health records.

 

Mumbai, Maharashtra - Covestro (India) Private Limited, a leading producer of advanced polymers, is proud to announce the successful implementation of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, 'Project Arogyam,' aimed at uplifting truck drivers Community.

 

According to a study by the People-to-People Health Foundation in July 2022, findings indicated that truck drivers encounter various health challenges like chronic pain or musculoskeletal issues (36.7%), sleep-related problems and tiredness (28.2%), vision-related issues (19.2%), respiratory issues (14.7%), and acidity or stomach-related problems (9.6%). These challenges not only affect their health but also pose obstacles to their financial stability and general well-being.

 

Designed to address these persistent challenges faced by truck drivers, 'Project Arogyam' focuses on promoting their physical and mental well-being, enhancing financial literacy, and providing skills for professional growth. Since its inception in March 2024, the project has made a significant impact on the lives of over 960 truck drivers in the Bhiwandi region, with plans to support over 1,600 drivers till completion.

 

To address healthcare needs, Covestro (India) Private Limited, in collaboration with its implementing partner, Impact Guru Foundation, has set up a dedicated wellness centre at the warehousing facility of Rhenus Logistics in Bhiwandi.

 

Rhenus India, our esteemed logistics partner, has been instrumental in supporting Covestro India's CSR initiative. Our collaboration, grounded in shared values of community support and sustainability, has enabled us to undertake this project at their warehouse and support us as a logistics partner.

 

 

 

“Rhenus closely collaborates with truck drivers, understanding their challenges firsthand. When Covestro (India) initiated project Arogyam, we were happy to support them in addressing these issues by providing them space to conduct the project, this initiative strengthened our partnership & commitment to community well-being.”  Said Vivek Arya – Global CEO Warehousing Solutions Intercontinental

 

Staffed with proficient healthcare team of doctors, experienced nurses, physiotherapists, and yoga experts, the centre offers essential services tailored for truck drivers. These include OPD consultations, eye tests, first aid kits, physiotherapy and yoga sessions, dental check-ups, distribution of corrective spectacles, counselling for substance abuse and healthy diet, alongside maintenance of Yojana cards and detailed health records.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Mehernosh Patel, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics, ISC, Covestro, stated, "Project Arogyam embodies Covestro's commitment to the welfare of truck drivers, who play a vital role in our logistics operations. By addressing their holistic well-being, we aim to create a positive impact on their lives and the communities they serve."

 

Kavita Desai, Head of Corporate Communications & CSR, India, added, “With targeted workshops and support, we're steering the wheels of change for approximately 1600 truck drivers in just 4 months. Our project is more than a journey; it's a roadmap to better health, education, and economic stability, aligning directly with SDGs 3, 4, and 8."

 

 

"Covestro (India) Private Limited' reaffirms its dedication to the welfare of the truck driver community by actively engaging in initiatives aimed at fortifying road safety measures. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we aim to mitigate the risks faced by drivers on Indian roads while fostering a culture of responsibility and care within the logistics sector. By prioritizing the well-being of individuals integral to the industry, Covestro is not only committed to enhancing operational efficiency but also to creating a safer and more sustainable future for all."

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HONEYWELL INTRODUCES BATCH HISTORIAN TO DIGITALIZE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

 

 

 

New software solution helps manufacturers digitalize and gain insights from data to increase efficiency

 

 

 

INDIA, June 10, 2024 – Honeywell today introduced Honeywell Batch Historian, a software digitalization solution designed to provide manufacturers with contextualized data history for reporting and analytics, leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations. The digitalization of manufacturing operations supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to the automation megatrend.

 

 

 

Manufacturers often encounter complications analyzing data with a lack of batch visualization, which makes it difficult to expand data usage to advanced applications. With Honeywell Batch Historian, manufacturers can now directly capture data with context from batch engines without complex configuration. The new solution leverages simple drag-and-drop tile configuration, eliminating the need for advanced programming skillsets or detailed historian database knowledge to develop reports.

 

 

 

“Honeywell’s full suite of digital manufacturing technologies will help manufacturers improve product quality, regulatory compliance and overall efficiency in order to drive business outcomes,” said Shawn Opatka, Vice President and General Manager of Life Sciences at Honeywell Process Solutions. “Our approach is modular and flexible, helping companies begin their digitalization journey by adopting new technologies as they need them.”

 

                                                                                           

 

Honeywell Batch Historian supports several industries including specialty chemicals, life sciences, food & beverage, pulp & paper, and mining, materials, and metals (MMM). By leveraging the software, manufacturers can enhance process efficiency and simplify troubleshooting, ultimately improving operational outcomes. The solution’s configuration for batch reporting simplifies the reporting and data analysis process, making it easier for operators to comply with strict industry reporting regulations.

 

 

 

By enabling manufacturers to efficiently capture, analyze, and utilize manufacturing data, Honeywell Batch Historian empowers users to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and drive continuous facility improvement. The software is a standalone application that can be delivered as a module on the Manufacturing Excellence Platform (MXP), or made available as a standard part of every Experion Batch system.

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BASF at The Battery Show Europe 2024: The chemistry to power up sustainable mobility

Enabling advancements for next generation battery systems

Solutions for elevating protection and performance

Improving efficiency while lowering the environmental impact

BASF will be showcasing its innovative power solutions at The Battery Show Europe 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. Taking place between June 18-20, Europe’s largest industry event brings together the battery and electric vehicle (EV) community combining real-world commercial and technical aspects. As a leading solution provider for various battery applications, BASF will be presenting its range of products specifically targeted to enable advancements of battery technologies and future automotive mobility at booth 10-C110.

 

Innovative batteries with BASF battery materials and recycling solutions

 

Battery materials are at the heart of lithium-ion batteries as they significantly determine their performance. BASF offers one of the broadest cathode active material (CAM) portfolios with a well-established position in key CAM technologies like NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum-oxide), NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide) and LCO (lithium-cobalt-oxide). By leveraging industry-leading R&D platforms and passion for innovation, BASF Battery Materials already today looks into future CAM products ranging from cost-efficient manganese-rich solutions to high-performance ultra-high nickel products, high-performance LMO (lithium manganese oxide) as well as CAM dedicated for sodium-ion applications. BASF also provides base metals sourcing and management to ensure a stable, responsible, and sustainable supply chain for the production of cathode active materials.

 

In addition, BASF’s portfolio also includes comprehensive battery recycling solutions in order to offer its customers recycled metals with a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin metals, thus helping to meet regulatory requirements. In March, BASF started operating its prototype metal refinery for battery recycling in Schwarzheide, Germany, to further improve the process of recovering valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper from end-of-life batteries and battery production scrap. It complements BASF’s existing CAM plant and the battery recycling plant to produce black mass, which is scheduled to start operations later this year. The portfolio addresses various customer requirements, including closed loop offerings and digital end-to-end solutions to set up regional recycling value chains.

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Siemens and BASF collaborate on driving circular economy

 

Siemens circuit breaker is the first electrical safety product to use plastic components where fossil raw materials have been replaced by biomethane derived from recycled biowaste

The material changeover in the SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker production will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide equivalents by ~270 tons per year1

SIRIUS 3RV2 is one of the first products covered by the recently launched Siemens EcoTech label

Siemens Smart Infrastructure and BASF have today announced the first electrical safety product to include components made from biomass-balanced plastics. Used across industrial and infrastructure applications, Siemens SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker is now being manufactured using Ultramid® BMBcertTM and Ultradur® BMBcertTM from BASF, where fossil feedstock at the beginning of the value chain is replaced by biomethane derived from renewable sources such as agricultural waste. Both materials offer the same quality and performance as conventional plastics. The material changeover in the SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker production will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide equivalents by ~270 tons per year1. Customers using these products contribute to a circular economy towards a more sustainable future.

 

The move supports Siemens´ sustainability goals in the areas of decarbonization and resource efficiency, outlined within its DEGREE framework, with the company following a 1.5°C science-based decarbonization target, including a 90 percent reduction target for scope 1 and 2 until 2030, and the application of a Robust Eco Design for 100 percent of relevant product families by 2030.

 

In the coming months, Siemens plans to expand the use of sustainable materials across the broader SIRIUS industrial controls portfolio. In addition to product design and features, as well as manufacturing and supply processes, the choice of materials plays a major role in further reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker meets the strict criteria of the recently introduced Siemens EcoTech label, designed to give customers a comprehensive insight into product performance across selected environmental criteria. In addition to most of the product housing and functional parts being made from biomass-balanced plastic, the product also offers lower power consumption over its lifetime compared to its predecessor.

 

“With our products, we help customers to improve asset performance, availability, and reliability, through resource-efficient and circular products which optimize energy use, production, and supply chains throughout their entire lifecycle. In BASF, we have found a strong partner that supports us with its innovations in the field of sustainable plastics,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

 

By increasingly relying on renewable and recycled raw materials for the manufacture of its products, BASF is committed to make its contribution to the circular economy and de-fossilization. This is achieved through a process that gradually replaces fossil raw materials with bio-based and recycled feedstock. According to the mass balance approach, renewable or recycled raw materials are introduced into production at the beginning of the complex BASF value chains. If customers decide in favor of a certified product from such a value chain, BASF feeds sustainable raw materials into ongoing BASF Verbund production.

 

"The mass balance approach is a game-changing solution that enables the gradual replacement of fossil raw materials in sometimes complex production processes. The advantages of this approach are obvious, and the greater the demand for alternative products, the higher the proportion of alternative raw materials in the production network. This aligns with our goal of achieving a circular economy and net zero operations as soon as possible,” explains Martin Jung, President BASF Performance Materials. “In addition, the special thing about this project is that the SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker is also used in our BASF production plants. This circuit breaker not only protects the motors but also increases their efficiency and reliability, making a double contribution to our sustainability objectives.”

 

With the mass balance approach, various alternative raw materials, such as biomethane, bio-naphtha or pyrolysis oil, can be integrated into the value chain. The bio-naphtha and biomethane used by BASF are certified as sustainable according to established systems such as ISCC PLUS and REDcert. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker is a proof for resource-efficient plastics production and a milestone on BASF’s #ourplasticsjourney.

 

“The use of such an innovative material in an important safety component, without compromising its safety functionality and performance, is a unique achievement for Siemens,” underlines Andreas Matthé.

 

Circuit breakers are used in factories and buildings around the world and protect machines or electrical cables in the event of faults such as short circuits. They help prevent major damage, for example from fires. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker, using sustainable plastic components, will be presented for the first time on Siemens booth E3, hall 11 at the ACHEMA trade fair in Frankfurt, June 10-14, 2024.

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Korea and Malaysia unite at the Shepherd CCS Summit 2024 for the carbon capture future:

 

Unlocking Transboundary CCS to Decarbonize the Region

 

[Seoul, Korea] 10 June 2024 – Korea and Malaysia have united to advance Carbon Capture and

Storage (CCS) initiatives, fostering dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders for a

sustainable future in the CCS sector. CCS, which involves capturing emitted carbon dioxide (CO 2 )

and storing it in stable permanent storage, is essential for decarbonizing the region and is a key

element in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The 'Shepherd CCS Summit 2024,' held at THE SHILLA Seoul, Korea, today, brought together

amongst others, global companies and government officials to shape the future of the carbon

capture industry. The summit saw participation from over 60 organizations and more than 200

attendees, including industry professionals, policymakers, experts, and business stakeholders.

The summit commenced with opening speeches by Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of

SAMSUNG E&A, and Datuk Adif Zulkifli, Executive Vice President & CEO Upstream of Petroliam

Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS). Both emphasized the summit's significance, highlighting the

collaboration between private and public sectors in cross-border CCS cooperation, providing a

platform for developing constructive and practical solutions for the future.

The 'Shepherd CCS Summit 2024' featured a variety of programs, including keynote speeches,

panel discussions, and government addresses. Keynote speakers from SAMSUNG E&A, Korea

National Oil Corporation, PETRONAS, AspenTech and others introduced the global CCS market,

prospects, and actual project cases.

Panel discussions focused on the role and challenges of CCS in decarbonizing domestic

industries, technological trends, and the key contexts of CCS policies and roadmaps for both

Korea and Malaysia. Government officials from both countries emphasized the necessity of

close cooperation and communication between governments and companies to realize cross-

border CCS projects.

A highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Shepherd CCS project, a pioneering

global initiative. This cross-border project, jointly developed by Korean and international

companies, aims to capture CO2 from Korean industrial regions and transport it to Malaysia for

 

permanent storage. With an abundance of potential storage capacity in Malaysia, CCS is a

technology lever that will propel and position Malaysia as the preferred CCS hub in the Asia

Pacific region.

Further presentations included the development status of CO2 hub clusters, CO2 storage

development in Sarawak, Malaysia, the global CCS market outlook, the development of the

southeastern CCS Cluster in conjunction with Shepherd Ulsan Hub Terminal, and digital

solutions for accelerating CCS.

The 'Shepherd CCS Summit 2024' provided a comprehensive platform for discussing measures

for the success and development of CCS, and underscored CCS as a critical technology for

Korea, where manufacturing dominates and some industries face challenges in reducing carbon

emissions. Reflecting this, the Korean government has set an ambitious annual CO2 reduction

goal of 4.8 million tons through CCS by 2030.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy - Republic of Korea(MOTIE)’s Director General, Yeon

Woo Choi stated: “The two countries recognized the importance of a cross-border CCS

arrangement/agreement between Korea and Malaysia and confirmed that the two

governments will discuss such matters taking into consideration of relevant regulatory

frameworks, international laws, conventions, and treaties.”

During the summit, Dato’ Luqman Ahmad, the Deputy Secretary General (Macro) from the

Ministry of Economy Malaysia, highlighted that: “Malaysia recognizes the need to establish

bilateral agreements to position Malaysia as a regional CCS hub and is looking forward to

joining forces with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy from the Republic of Korea,

moving us closer towards a lower-carbon future. The development of the CCS sector in

Malaysia will help unlock various socioeconomic benefits for Malaysia, contributing to

economic growth, the creation of skilled and high-value job opportunities, and the

advancement of new technology and innovation. As we move ahead, I trust that all of us will

continue to take bold steps, forge collaborations, and harness our collective strength in the

pursuit of a more resilient and sustainable future for the generations to come.”

Hong Namkoong, President and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A said: “The 'Shepherd CCS Summit 2024'

is meaningful for present and future generations for a better tomorrow. It also underscores the

crucial importance of this joint endeavor as we build a brighter future together. CCS is a crucial

stepping stone towards net zero. Coming together and building a sustainable, low-carbon

future is imperative globally. “

 

The 'Shepherd CCS Summit 2024' marks a significant milestone in international cooperation on

carbon capture and storage, setting the stage for continued collaboration between Korea,

Malaysia, and the global community. As CCS technology continues to evolve and mature, the

commitments and partnerships forged at this summit will be crucial in meeting climate goals

and ensuring a sustainable, low-carbon future for the region and beyond.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxYara opens renewable hydrogen plant: “A major milestone”

External

Inbox

 

Yara International ASA <ir@yara.com>

Mon, 10 Jun, 18:39 (15 hours ago)

to me

 

    

 

Today, Yara International is officially opening its renewable hydrogen plant at Herøya, Norway. Yara is now producing renewable hydrogen and ammonia and has already delivered the first tonnes of fertilizers made from renewable ammonia produced at this plant. "This is a major milestone for Yara and for the decarbonization of the food value chain, shipping fuel and other energy intensive industries," says Svein Tore Holsether, President & CEO of Yara.

 

The Norwegian Prime Minister Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre today inaugurated the 24 MW renewable hydrogen plant at Herøya Industrial Park, the largest of its kind currently in operation in Europe. The hydrogen is produced with electrolysis of water and renewable energy, replacing natural gas as feedstock and annually cutting 41,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the site.

 

"This is a ground-breaking project and a testament to our mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. I want to thank our dedicated employees who have worked tirelessly to get this cutting-edge production up and running, Enova for supporting the project, our partners and our brave customers who are first movers towards a more sustainable future. We are very pleased to have delivered the first tonnes of low-carbon footprint fertilizers to Lantmännen, a partnership which serves as a concrete example of how collaboration across the entire food value chain is required to decarbonize. Together, we have made this important step towards decarbonizing hard to abate sectors," says Holsether.

 

The low-carbon footprint fertilizers produced and delivered will be part of a new portfolio called Yara Climate Choice. These solutions will benefit crops while at the same time contributing to decarbonizing the food value chain and reducing climate impact. In addition to fertilizers produced with electrolysis of water and renewable energy, fertilizers based on low-carbon ammonia produced using carbon capture storage (CCS) will be a large part of Yara’s portfolio going forward.

 

"Renewable ammonia is an important part of the decarbonization puzzle, however developing it at scale takes time. As the world is rapidly approaching 2030, we are also working to produce low-carbon ammonia with CCS to enable the hydrogen economy and develop the emerging markets for low-emission ammonia," says Hans Olav Raen, CEO of Yara Clean Ammonia.

 

In 2023, Yara signed a binding CO2 transport and storage agreement with Northern Lights, the world’s first cross-border CCS agreement in operation. Yara aims to reduce its annual CO2-emissions by 800,000 tons from the ammonia production at Yara Sluiskil. Yara is also evaluating one to two world-scale low-carbon ammonia production projects with CCS in the US.

 

"The world needs to act urgently on multiple fronts to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, and CCS is a critical steppingstone to decarbonize rapidly and profitably. The green transition will require investments, predictable framework conditions, massive build-out of renewable energy and grid, continuously advancing technology, and a maturing market where demand and supply are developed simultaneously. The companies who take this seriously will have a competitive advantage. At Yara, we have already reduced our emissions by 45 percent since 2005, and with our strategy to profitably deliver decarbonized solutions quickly and at scale, produced with both renewable energy and CCS, we are uniquely positioned to deliver, both to shareholders, customers, employees and society at large," says Holsether.

 

Hydrogen is used to produce ammonia, which in turn is used to produce fertilizers and can also be used as shipping fuel. Ammonia is also an efficient energy- and hydrogen carrier.

 

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GHCL, DCM, SRF, PI Industries, Godrej

 

Mr. Atanu Roy                        Chief Information Officer

 

Sanjay Rao

President & CIO

 

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BASF unveils Nemasphere nematode resistance trait, the new standard of nematode management for soybean farmers

11 Jun 2024

BASF Agricultural Solutions has introduced Nemasphere™ nematode resistance trait, the most groundbreaking innovation in soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management in over 60 years. Nemasphere is the first and only biotechnology trait for SCN, the number one yield-robbing pest in soybeans in the United States. Harnessing a completely novel mode of action, Nemasphere will be stacked with the Enlist E3® technology and available in a full range of the top-performing and best-yielding soybean seed varieties, allowing farmers unmatched SCN resistance without compromising yield potential.

 

Nematodes are the leading cause of soybean yield loss in the United States, costing growers an estimated $1.5 billion in yield annually.

 

Compounding the problem, the effectiveness of native SCN traits is declining significantly. To combat this problem, Nemasphere produces a novel Cry14 protein that is ingested by nematodes, interfering with nutrient uptake in their intestines and leading to the nematodes’ death. BASF is the first company to develop a transgenic (genetically modified) trait to control SCN. To ensure the long-term durability of the Nemasphere trait and nematode control in general, BASF has been working closely with researchers and regulatory authorities to develop a multi-faceted stewardship plan.

 

“BASF is committed to helping farmers doing the Biggest Job on Earth through innovation and bringing impactful solutions to market,” said Scott Kay, Vice President of U.S. Agricultural Solutions at BASF. “We are thrilled to unveil Nemasphere, an innovation that will become the new standard of nematode management. Nemasphere offers a completely different level of protection and yield potential to soybean farmers, providing them with the solution they have been waiting for from SCN yield loss in an effective, reliable and easy to use trait.”

 

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L&T Technology Services and IIT Hyderabad forge strategic partnership to drive advancements in ADAS and C2VX Communication

 

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Posted On : 2024-06-11 09:18:26( TIMEZONE : IST )

L&T Technology Services and IIT Hyderabad forge strategic partnership to drive advancements in ADAS and C2VX Communication

L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) have announced a collaboration aimed at fostering industry and academia advancement in the domains of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (CV2X) communication. This partnership represents a significant leap in the automotive landscape by bringing in cutting edge technologies across these domains.

 

LTTS and IIT Hyderabad's engagement is designed to facilitate research and application of ADAS and CV2X technologies, with a focus on elevating road safety, efficiency, and the overall driving experience. It seeks to harness the combined expertise of both entities to drive innovation and bring about transformative developments in connected vehicle ecosystems.

 

The project encompasses recent advancements within ADAS and CV2X technologies. It provides a comprehensive exploration of development of state-of-the-art features within Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as collision avoidance, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, it will focus on the integration of AI-driven algorithms and sensor technologies to enhance real-time hazard recognition and response capabilities, as well as the research and development of robust communication frameworks for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything communication.

 

"At IIT Hyderabad, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture of innovation and research excellence. The partnership with LTTS provides an opportunity for our students to immerse in real-world industry projects, while equipping them with practical experience and expertise in developing pioneering solutions within the ADAS and CV2X domains. We are confident that it will provide an invaluable exposure to cutting-edge technologies, preparing them to excel in shaping safer and more intelligent mobility industry," said Dr Rajalakshmi P Professor and Head of Department (Electrical Engineering), Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad.

 

"We are excited about the partnership with IIT Hyderabad for the future of connected vehicles. LTTS has a successful track record of offering high end engineering solutions to global automotive OEMs. By harnessing our collective strengths, we aim to pioneer transformative solutions that will elevate the safety and efficiency standards of connected vehicles", said Alind Saxena, Executive Director & President - Mobility & Tech at L&T Technology Services.

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EKI Energy Services Ltd. welcomes ICVCM's approval of High-Integrity Carbon Crediting Methodologies

 

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Posted On : 2024-06-10 17:51:16( TIMEZONE : IST )

EKI Energy Services Ltd. welcomes ICVCM's approval of High-Integrity Carbon Crediting Methodologies

EKI Energy Services Ltd., a leading global developer and supplier of carbon credits in International Carbon Markets, applauds the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market's (ICVCM) recent approval of the first carbon-crediting methodologies that meet its stringent Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). This milestone represents a significant advancement in ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of carbon credits within the voluntary carbon market (VCM).

 

In the third installment of its ongoing assessment series, the Integrity Council has endorsed seven carbon crediting methodologies. These methodologies, now bearing the high-integrity CCP label, account for an estimated 27 million carbon credits from projects that mitigate potent greenhouse gases by capturing methane from landfill sites and eliminating ozone-depleting substances (ODS) from discarded equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

 

The ICVCM's announcement aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's new principles for highintegrity voluntary carbon markets. While Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) can significantly combat climate change, they face challenges in maintaining the integrity and credibility of carbon credits. Discrepancies in crediting methodologies have raised concerns about transparency and accountability. Such significant moves by leading Governments and institutions address these issues and ensure market integrity.

 

Similarly, the Indian government has been proactive in addressing climate change. The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act of June 2022 empowered regulators to develop policies for a national emission trading system. In 2023, India launched the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) for compliance and voluntary sectors. The June 2023 amendment included the Offset Market, allowing non-obligated entities to participate and opening new opportunities for decarbonization projects. Although specific standards for VCM credits are still being defined, India's progress is commendable.

 

Mr. Manish Dabkara, Chairman & MD of EKI Energy Services Ltd. (EKI), said, "The approval of these high-integrity carbon crediting methodologies by the Integrity Council is a monumental step forward for the voluntary carbon market. At EKI, we believe that robust standards and transparent practices are essential for driving meaningful climate action. We are proud to support the Integrity Council's efforts and look forward to contributing to a sustainable and resilient future."

 

The Core Carbon Principles set a high bar for integrity and the CCP label is designed to help buyers identify carbon credits that meet our rigorous standards. Governments increasingly recognise that a high-integrity VCM can play a key role in scaling up private sector finance for high-quality projects to reduce emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere.

 

Additionally, 27 categories of carbon credits, representing over 50% of the market, remain under active assessment. This includes methodologies addressing landfill gas (covering an estimated 76 million issued credits) and ODS (covering an estimated 4 million issued credits). Multistakeholder assessments of widely used carbon credit types, including REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), Jurisdictional REDD (JREDD) and clean cookstoves, are also underway and expected to conclude in the coming months.

 

EKI is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the credibility and effectiveness of carbon markets. Our dedication to environmental sustainability aligns with the ICVCM's mission to establish global benchmarks for high-integrity carbon credits. These efforts are crucial for building trust in the voluntary carbon market, ensuring the comparability of credits and maximizing the market's potential to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions while unlocking significant private finance for climate solutions.

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Evonik commences production of high purity colloidal silica in Michigan

Facility in Weston, Mich., produces crucial raw material for the semiconductor industry

Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, has started the production of ultra-high purity colloidal silica for the semiconductor industry at its new facility in Weston, Michigan. Colloidal silica is a critical raw material for the electronics and semiconductor industries, whose growth is driven by a surging global demand for complex and increasingly smaller microchips and digital products. The plant is the first of its kind in North America.

“The new facility is a strategic portfolio addition and testament to Evonik’s commitment to innovation and supply security for our customers in the semiconductor market,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, Head of Evonik’s Smart Materials Division. “We are proud to inaugurate this new addition to our Weston facility.”

Recent semiconductor industry investments in the U.S., facilitated by government incentives under the CHIPS Act of 2022, have amounted to nearly $450 billion across 25 states, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. The incentives aim to stabilize the semiconductor supply chain in America. The industry’s manufacturing capacity in the U.S. is expected to triple by 2032.

The new plant will be integrated into existing processes at the site. It will make Evonik one of the only market participants that can reliably produce the colloidal silica required for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) in the necessary quality and purity.

“We are proud that Evonik choose Make It in Michigan as we continue to build on our growing semiconductor ecosystem, especially its supply chain,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “On behalf of the MEDC and Team Michigan, I congratulate Evonik on its ribbon cutting and thank them for their vote of confidence in our state that helps us to win more projects that attract people and revitalize places.”

In addition to the ultra-pure colloidal silica plant, Evonik has recently opened the Global Semiconductor Center of Excellence in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Center now enables Evonik to focus on critical chemicals for microchip production. The Center’s team will engage in customer-driven projects and offer technical support for IDISIL customers.

“The Semiconductor Center of Excellence is an investment in the anticipated growth of the semiconductor chemicals market over the coming years,” said Christian Edlinger, Head of the Americas region in Evonik’s Silanes business line. "Our team's vast experience and capabilities will enable us to successfully develop and market new, innovative chemicals that will help our customers stay ahead of the curve."

The Center is part of Evonik’s Innovation Hub in Allentown, which consists of several state-of-the-art testing and processing labs as well as a pilot plant.

 

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