Business
Essar sets up Vertex Hydrogen to help drive energy transition in UK
 
												Essar has formed Vertex Hydrogen Limited, a transformative new joint venture, with Progressive Energy, to build the UKs largest hydrogen hub at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex.
Led by Essar as the majority shareholder, Vertex Hydrogen has been formed to provide the catalyst for development of a hydrogen economy across North West England and North Wales, as a central part of the HyNet decarbonisation cluster.
This initiative is a core part of a wider strategy by Essar globally to focus on investing in energy transition through the transformation of existing portfolio companies, and investments in new ventures.
Providing low carbon hydrogen across North West England and North Wales
The UK’s first low carbon hydrogen facility at Essar Stanlow will sit at the heart of the HyNet low carbon cluster, to produce a total of 1GW per year of hydrogen, across two units, from 2026. This is equivalent to the domestic heating energy used by a major British city region, such as Liverpool.
Waste fuel gases from Essar Stanlow, and natural gas, will be converted by Vertex Hydrogen into hydrogen, with carbon dioxide safely captured and stored by HyNet partner Eni SpA, underground offshore in Liverpool Bay. The hydrogen production hub will provide low carbon energy to replace fossil fuels in industry across the HyNet region, as well as heating homes, and fuelling buses, trains and trucks.
A total investment of approximately 1 billion pounds will be committed to deliver the hydrogen production hub.
The hydrogen produced will, in the first instance, be utilised by Essar to reduce its carbon footprint at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. In addition, Vertex will also provide low carbon hydrogen to a wide range of businesses, including companies from the chemicals, ceramics, paper, glass and flexible power generation sectors, such as Tata Chemicals Europe, Encirc, InterGen, Solvay, Ingevity, Novelis, Glass Futures and Saica Paper, all having expressed interest already. More widely in the region, companies such as Pilkington are demonstrating use of hydrogen in their facilities. Cadent Gas Ltd is also developing the UK’s first multi-user hydrogen distribution network within HyNet.
Prashant Ruia, Essar Chairman, said: “Essar is massively committed to investing in energy transition and is building a portfolio of companies in this space. Vertex Hydrogen is a central component of that vision, which will be instrumental in helping create a hydrogen future for North West England and North East Wales. This will see over 1 billion pounds of investment, thereby creating jobs and supporting local communities for decades to come.”
Deepak Maheshwari, Essar Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Vertex Hydrogen is a critical investment for Essar in helping it achieve its vision of becoming the UK’s first low carbon refinery and supplying UK markets with the sustainable fuels of the future.”
Chris Manson-Whitton, Director at Progressive Energy, explained: “As the founding developer of HyNet, we see the launch of Vertex Hydrogen as a key milestone. Vertex is central to unlocking the low carbon hydrogen economy, reducing emissions, creating a cleaner world for future generations whilst creating and safeguarding jobs.”
In November 2020, the UK government published its Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, providing a roadmap to driving innovation, boosting export opportunities, and generating green jobs and economic growth across the country to level up regions.
As part of the plan, government committed to deploy Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) in two industrial clusters by the mid-2020s, with a further two clusters coming on-line by 2030. The successful deployment of CCUS is critical to meeting the UK’s net zero goals and remains crucial for industrial decarbonisation, low carbon power, engineered greenhouse gas removal technologies and delivering the government’s 5GW by 2030 low carbon hydrogen production ambition.
Vertex Hydrogen was launched in January 2022. A joint venture between Essar Oil UK (90 per cent) and Progressive Energy Ltd (10 per cent), Vertex will deliver the UK’s first low carbon hydrogen production plant to lead the country’s hydrogen production economy. Using Johnson Matthey’s Low Carbon Hydrogen (LCHTM) technology, the hydrogen production plant will sit at the heart of HyNet North West, the UK’s leading industrial decarbonisation cluster. HyNet will deploy a combination of low carbon hydrogen, distributed by Cadent Gas Ltd, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure, provided by ENI, to decarbonise industry, transport and transform how we heat our homes across North West England and North East Wales.
Business
FM Sitharaman embarks on Bhutan visit to deepen economic, developmental cooperation

New Delhi, Oct 30: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday embarked on an official visit to Bhutan to further deepen economic and developmental cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
The visit of the Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, is slated from October 30-November 2, according to an official statement.
The visit underscores India’s enduring partnership with Bhutan, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared commitment to progress and prosperity in the region, it added.
Finance Minister is scheduled to call on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
She will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Bhutan Finance Minister Lekey Dorji to discuss avenues for further strengthening India-Bhutan economic and financial cooperation.
FM Sitharaman will begin her official tour with a visit to the historic Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, established in 1765 and home to over 100 monks engaged in advanced Buddhist studies, according to the statement.
She will visit and observe several key projects being implemented with support of the Government of India. These include the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant Dam and Powerhouse, the Gyalsung Academy, the Sangchen Choekhor Monastery and Punakha Dzong.
Sitharaman will attend presentations on key developmental initiatives, including the energy sector of Bhutan by Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC); Bhutan’s 21st Century Economic Roadmap; Banking/Financial sector in Bhutan by Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan; and The Gelephu Mindfulness City project
The Finance Minister will also visit the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market, where she will witness a transaction using India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), reflecting the growing digital and financial connectivity between the two nations.
According to the official statement, Sitharaman will visit the Punakha Dzong — Bhutan’s second-oldest and second-largest dzong.
On the way to the Punakha Dzong, she will also interact with Bhutanese farmers to understand their agricultural practices, challenges, and opportunities.
Business
IMW 2025: PM Modi to spell out reforms in maritime sector today

Mumbai, Oct 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Maritime Leaders Conclave and chair the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, on Wednesday, during which he will spell out the reforms in the maritime sector.
The Global Maritime CEO Forum, the flagship event of IMW 2025, will bring together CEOs of global maritime companies, major investors, policy-makers, innovators, and international partners to deliberate on the future of the global maritime ecosystem. The Forum will serve as a key platform for dialogue on sustainable maritime growth, resilient supply chains, green shipping, and inclusive blue economy strategies.
PM Modi in his post on X on Tuesday said, “Looking forward to being in Mumbai tomorrow, 29th October, to attend programmes relating to the ongoing India Maritime Week 2025. I will speak at the Maritime Leaders Conclave and also chair the Global Maritime CEO Forum. This is a great forum to build collaborations in the maritime sector and highlight India’s reforms in the same.”
The Prime Minister’s participation reflects his deep commitment to an ambitious, future-oriented maritime transformation, aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This long-term vision, built on four strategic pillars – port-led development, shipping and shipbuilding, seamless logistics, and maritime skill-building – aims to position India among the world’s leading maritime powers.
IMW 2025 serves as the Union government’s premier global platform to translate this vision into action, bringing together leading stakeholders across shipping, ports, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and blue economy finance, said the government release.
Under the theme ‘Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision’, the conclave, which began on October 27, will conclude on October 31. It will showcase India’s strategic roadmap to emerge as a global maritime hub and a leader in the Blue Economy.
IMW 2025 will draw participation from over 85 countries, featuring more than 1,00,000 delegates, 500+ exhibitors and 350+ international speakers.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday said that India’s maritime sector forms the backbone of its economy, with over 95 per cent of the nation’s trade by volume moving through the sea. Under the Net Zero by 2070 commitment, India aims to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 30 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2047, making the sector a key driver of climate action.
Minister Sonowal emphasised that flagship initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme, Maritime India Vision 2030, Harit Sagar Guidelines, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 place sustainability, innovation, and climate responsibility at the core of India’s maritime growth.
“As we look toward Amrit Kaal 2047, our goal is not only to expand maritime capacity but also to make it greener, smarter, and more resilient,” said Minister Sonowal.
“With our unique geography along key global trade routes, India is poised to become a hub for green shipping corridors, connecting domestic and international markets through clean energy trade,” he added.
India’s first national shore-power standard will enable vessels to draw clean electricity while docked, significantly reducing port-side emissions. Ports like Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) are leading the shift with battery-powered trucks and electric logistics systems toward zero-emission operations, said the minister.
“The maritime transition cannot be achieved in silos – it demands partnership among governments, industry, financiers, and technology leaders,” Minister Sonowal said.
“Together, we can ensure that the seas that connect us also unite us in purpose – to create a future where maritime trade drives both prosperity and sustainability,” he noted.
Business
India-EU FTA: Brussels delegation in New Delhi next week to achieve ‘constructive conclusion’

New Delhi, Oct 29: To advance the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, the EU technical team, led by Director General for Trade Sabine Weyand, will visit India next week with the objective of achieving a “constructive conclusion based on the potential solutions identified over the past two days”, an official statement said on Wednesday.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, visited Brussels from October 26-28 and had productive and meaningful engagements with Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and his team on outstanding issues related to the ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations.
“Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to conclude the India-EU FTA by the end of 2025, following the clear direction from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during the College of Commissioners’ visit to New Delhi in February 2025,” according to the official statement.
The engagement focused on achieving a mutually beneficial, balanced and equitable trade agreement, reflecting the depth of political trust and the strategic ties between India and the European Union, and at the same time respecting each other’s sensitivities and priorities.
The statement further said that India recognises the importance of ensuring that the FTA remains balanced in addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers and creating transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks that accelerate trade for both partners in the coming years.
There was intensive engagement to explore possible landing zones on the outstanding issues.
There was also a good discussion on India’s concerns on Non-Tariff Measures and the new EU regulations. During the negotiations, Goyal emphasised the need for preferential treatment for India’s key asks, particularly those with respect to labour-intensive sectors.
Both sides agreed to work closely to finalise the non-sensitive industrial tariff lines. They also agreed that issues related to Steel, Auto, CBAM, and other EU regulations still require further discussion, as these issues have higher sensitivities.
“India looks forward to working closely with the European Union to transform this vision into reality through shared innovation, balanced, equitable, and meaningful trade, and a collective commitment to peace and prosperity,” the statement noted.
- 
																	   Crime3 years ago Crime3 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur 
- 
																	   Maharashtra1 year ago Maharashtra1 year agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations 
- 
																	   Maharashtra1 year ago Maharashtra1 year agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City 
- 
																	   Maharashtra1 year ago Maharashtra1 year agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy 
- 
																	   National News1 year ago National News1 year agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal 
- 
																	   Maharashtra12 months ago Maharashtra12 months agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day 
- 
																	   National News1 year ago National News1 year agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface 
- 
																	   Crime1 year ago Crime1 year agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report 

 
								 
																	
																															 
											 
											 
											 
											 
											 
											 
											 
											 
											