Ceramic and glass business news of the week for October 13, 2025

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

The ‘typhoon-proof’ wind farms powering China’s coast

China is racing to develop a new generation of wind farms that can not only survive tropical cyclones but also harness their power.

Australian solar farm deploys AI-powered robots to install almost 500,000 panels

An Australian electricity and gas provider has been using autonomous robots at its 250-megawatt solar farm, where nearly 500,000 panels are being installed ahead of schedule with the help of machines powered by artificial intelligence.

World’s largest solid-oxide electrolyzer in an industrial setting begins operation

The world’s largest solid-oxide electrolyzer ever to be installed in an industrial setting has begun production of green hydrogen molecules at a refinery in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. MultiPLHY is a demonstration project with consortium partners Neste, Sunfire, CEA, and ENGIE.

Nuclear and fusion energy getting lift in Massachusetts with new roadmap effort

The Massachusetts state government launched a four-month effort to chart a course for further exploration of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies for both power generation and other applications, teaming up with the University of Massachusetts Lowell, which hosts one of 25 research reactors in the country.

Argo Graphene announces first graphene-infused concrete test pour in Tennessee

Argo Graphene Solutions announced the successful commencement of its first graphene-infused concrete test pour in Bristol, Tenn., on three concrete slabs totaling 12.5 cubic meters. The test pour aims to demonstrate the potential of Argo’s proprietary graphene-infused concrete formula.

New additive manufacturing infrastructure inaugurated at Chalmers

A new open research infrastructure for additive manufacturing was inaugurated at Chalmers University of Technology. AM@Chalmers and the WISE Additive node give researchers and industry access to advanced metal and multimaterial 3D printing technologies.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

UCR partners with Corpora.ai to speed up clean energy breakthroughs

Energy technology firm UCR Group partnered with artificial intelligence research engine Corpora.ai with the aim of accelerating the development of clean energy and sustainable materials.

Veka Iberica and Guardian Glass collaborate in Iberia

Veka Ibérica, a manufacturer of PVC window profile systems, and Guardian Glass signed a collaboration agreement to combine their expertise and promote responsible, conscious management of resources and environmental impact in the building sector in Iberia.

Saint-Gobain Glass and LuxWall partner to launch INSIO in European market

Saint-Gobain Glass and LuxWall announced a strategic partnership to bring INSIO next-generation vacuum glazing to the European market. Through this collaboration, Saint-Gobain Glass will integrate LuxWall’s transparent insulation technology into its new vacuum insulated glass.

STL and QNu to advance research in leveraging quantum communications over optical fiber

STL, an advanced connectivity solutions company for digital infrastructure, signed a memorandum of understanding with end-to-end quantum cybersecurity company QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd. to strengthen R&D capabilities in quantum communications over optical fiber transmission.

OTHER STORIES

Steel plant and refractory expert Tom Vert is UNITECR 2025 keynote speaker

Tom Vert, the industry expert and author with more than 30 years in steel plant refractories including installation, engineering and management, was announced as another of the keynote speakers at UNITECR 2025, which will take place Oct. 27–30, 2025, in Cancun, Mexico.

New company Super Carbon Composites Technologies aims to revolutionize C–C composites

Edward J. A. Pope, founder of materials research and development company MATECH, launched Super Carbon Composites Technologies (SCCT). SCCT plans to commercialize ultrahigh-density carbon-carbon composites for the aviation, space, industrial, semiconductor, and automotive industries.

UC San Diego Glass Center welcomes inaugural leader

The newly built Glass Center at the University of California, San Diego, welcomed Alexander Rosenberg as assistant director. He will work alongside Annika Nelson, senior director of the Craft and Glass Centers, to establish the Glass Center as a multidisciplinary meeting place.

Kyanite Mining Corporation celebrates 80^th anniversary

Kyanite Mining Corporation is celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year. Founded in 1945 and family-owned ever since, this company is the world’s largest and longest-running producer of the essential industrial mineral kyanite.

How China’s new rare earth export controls work

China further tightened export restrictions on rare earths ahead of talks between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the end of October 2025. The Chinese governments says it intends to reject applications related to defense and would closely scrutinize those related to advanced semiconductors and certain kinds of artificial intelligence.

MARKET TRENDS

Buildings are turning to ‘ice batteries’ for sustainable air conditioning

Ice thermal energy storage technologies cut electricity usage and lower the strain on the grid. Companies that produce these systems say they have seen a growing demand for this technology over the past few years.

Turkcell CEO sees 5G as ‘turning point’ in Türkiye’s digital future

Turkish telecommunications companies are continuing their work and preparations ahead of the anticipated launch of 5G technology in Türkiye, expected in April 2026. Ahead of the planned launch, the CEO of Turkcell, Ali Taha Koç, shared his thoughts on Türkiye’s 5G journey.

NEW PRODUCTS

UbiQD quantum dot glass boosts crop yield, efficiency, and sustainability

UbiQD announced the publication of peer-reviewed results from a greenhouse study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and conducted at the University of California, Davis. The findings demonstrate that UbiQD’s luminescent quantum dot-laminated glass significantly enhances plant growth, nutrient uptake, and energy efficiency.

LG Electronics unveils new antimicrobial glass powder at German trade show

LG Electronics Inc. unveiled its new advanced material at a major plastics trade show in Germany. LG PuroTec, an antimicrobial glass powder, can be blended into a range of materials, including plastic, paint, and rubber, to provide antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to prevent odor, contamination, and discoloration caused by microbial activity.