Ceramic and glass business news of the week for July 22, 2024

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

Libya to open largest ceramics factory in North Africa

The Libyan Ministry of Industry and Minerals announced the near completion of the largest ceramics factory in North Africa, set to open in the coming weeks. According to the ministry, this factory is a significant strategic initiative developed in collaboration with China’s Goodwill-Uganda Ceramics Co. Ltd.

Corre and SemperPower to build €300M battery storage plant in Netherlands

Corre Energy established a joint venture with SemperPower to develop a two-hour, 32-MW battery storage project in the Netherlands with an investment of around €300 million. The facility is projected to offset the emission of more than 70,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Utility-scale agrivoltaic installation in Ohio is now operational

Savion, a Shell Group portfolio company, announced that the Madison Fields Solar Project has achieved commercial operation. The 180-MW solar power plant is located in Madison County, Ohio, and is one of the first operating utility-scale solar sites to intentionally integrate soybeans, alfalfa, and forage crop production within the array.

First plasma marks major milestone in UW–Madison fusion energy research

Over the past four years, a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison physicists and engineers has been constructing and testing a fusion energy device in UW’s Physical Sciences Lab. The device transitioned to operations mode last week, marking a major milestone for the yearslong research project.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Micro-Precision Technologies acquired by Great River Capital Partners

Benchmark International brokered the acquisition of Micro-Precision Technologies, Inc. by Great River Capital Partners. This transaction brings together Micro-Precision’s specialized capabilities in high-performance microelectronics for harsh environments with Great River’s focus on mid-sized industrial technology companies.

Perenco Cameroon launches first gas-to-industry supply project in Central Africa

Perenco Cameroon announced the launch of the Perenco Group’s first gas-to-industry supply project in Central Africa with delivery of gas from the Bipaga Gas Processing Center to the ceramic manufacturing plant of Keda Ceramics. The gas is being transported via a 6-km pipeline built and operated by the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures.

Green Valley Biochar and Bton Group partner on climate positive concrete

Green Valley Biochar, a leading producer of biochar in the Middle East, and Bton Group, a German technology-driven concrete company, signed a memorandum of understanding for supply and partnerships. The agreement centers around the use of biochar, a carbon sinking material traditionally used for soil enhancement, in the production of concrete.

Toray Partners with Elevated Materials to repurpose carbon fiber prepreg waste

Toray Composite Materials America, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of carbon fiber and prepreg materials, signed a memorandum of understanding with Elevated Materials. Under the three-year agreement, Elevated Materials will repurpose Toray scrap prepreg materials, including slit-edge and full-width prepreg sheets.

PowerCo and QuantumScape announce agreement to industrialize solid-state batteries

Volkswagen Group subsidiary PowerCo and battery startup QuantumScape reached an agreement to mass produce QuantumScape’s next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology for the automaker’s future electric vehicles.

OTHER STORIES

Twelve companies will help expand distributed wind across the rural United States

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced plans to award $3.15 million to 12 U.S. component suppliers and manufacturers of small- and medium-sized wind turbines as a part of the 2024 Competitiveness Improvement Project. These selections will advance distributed wind turbine technology through testing and commercialization.

US initiative to produce semiconductors in Latin America announced by Antony Blinken

During opening remarks at the Americas Partnership ministerial plenary meeting in Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States had launched a program meant to expand semiconductor manufacturing in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, with plans to potentially include other countries in the Americas.

California first state to receive federal funds for hydrogen energy hub

California will be the first state to receive federal funds under a program to create regional networks, or “hubs,” that produce hydrogen as an energy source for vehicles, manufacturing and generating electricity. The projects will be based in California, Washington, Minnesota, Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Illinois.

FCC pursues rule forcing carriers to unlock phones after 60 days

The five members of the Federal Communications Commission unanimously agreed to pursue a rulemaking that would require mobile phone service providers to unlock customers’ cell phones within 60 days of activation.

MARKET TRENDS

Report: Bifacial PV, single-axis tracking produces cheapest electricity

The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Program’s latest factsheet says a combination of bifacial photovoltaic modules with single-axis tracking could increase energy output by up to 35%.

What to do with the battery industry’s sodium sulfate waste?

Companies are racing to build mines, battery material plants, and recycling plants, but these facilities generate sulfate waste, usually ammonium sulfate or sodium sulfate. Companies will need ways to deal with this waste, and a C&EN article considers some of the possible approaches.

Tension brews in Indonesia over Chinese ceramics

Chinese ceramics have long been a cornerstone of the intricate relationship between China and Indonesia. However, in recent years, the rapid growth of Chinese ceramic tile imports has posed unique challenges for Indonesia’s domestic ceramic industry. If left unchecked, it could spark potential tensions between the two countries.

NEW PRODUCTS

SCHOTT Pharma launches large format ready-to-use cartridges for on-body device

SCHOTT Pharma introduced new 10-ml ready-to-use cartridges, specifically designed to store highly sensitive biologics used to treat cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, genetic disorders, and immunological diseases. The proven container compatibility with devices allows patients to self-administer drugs.

Calderys launches HWI copper refractory products in EMEA

HWI copper refractory solutions are now available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in a variety of  brick and castable formulations that withstand high temperatures and the erosive and corrosive effects of slag.