Rising Orders Propel Growth in Power Transmission & Distribution Sector
Chandigarh, April 05, 2025: The Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) vertical of Larsen & Toubro has won new orders in India and abroad.
It has won an order for setting up a 765kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) in western India and another order for the turnkey construction of a transmission line associated with evacuation of power in the same region.
In Saudi Arabia, the vertical has received orders for setting up two 380kV overhead lines. The combined length of these transmission lines exceeds 130 route kilometer and are meant for ensuring reliable power supply to the key townships around Riyadh.
These apart, PT&D has also received turnkey orders for construction, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of two 132/11kV GIS in the UAE and for a 132kV GIS in Qatar. Further to this, additional orders have been received in ongoing projects in India and Oman.
These orders indicate the continued momentum in investments related to efficient grid infrastructure in India and abroad, and underscore customer confidence in L&T’s capabilities.
Thermocool Invests INR 30 Crore in New Ghaziabad Manufacturing Unit
Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd., a renowned UP-based Home & Kitchen Appliances brand, has inaugurated its new manufacturing plant in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh to double the Production Capacity. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Spanning 25,000 square meters, this new manufacturing plant is designed with state-of-the-art automation, energy-efficient systems, and employee welfare facilities. Equipped with advanced machinery and automation systems, this facility will ensure efficient production and high-quality products. The plant is set to work with a production capacity of 1800 to 2200 units/day, aiming to increase to 3000 to 4000 units/day in the next 6 months, while planning to expand the facility by 50% within the next 2 years.
With an initial investment of Rs 30 crore, this plant will cater to the growing demand for Thermocool products across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions, including Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand, and Nepal. Additionally, the plant’s construction began back in 2024 and is set to start operating by 2026.
Rajeev Kumar Gupta, MD of Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd, said at the inauguration of the plant, “We are proud to announce that we are opening our new manufacturing plant in Ghaziabad after Prayagraj. After seeing the rising demand for efficient, affordable, and high-quality products, the launch of this new manufacturing plant is a crucial step in strengthening our production capabilities and expanding our reach. This facility is our commitment to quality and innovation and our dedication towards sustainable business practices and regional economic development.”
In this manufacturing plant, Thermocool is also prioritizing eco-friendly operations and waste-reduction measures to minimize the environmental impact. This new plant will work on innovative technologies like AI-powered quality control, robotic assembly, and eco-friendly packaging. The company aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing while maintaining its reputation for delivering high-quality and affordable cooling solutions.
Thermocool’s new manufacturing plant will primarily be focusing on the production of a range of air coolers. The plant will have various models of air coolers, like desert coolers, Commercial Coolers, tower coolers, and room coolers, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of customers. By expanding its air cooler production capacity, Thermocool aims to strengthen its market presence and continue to provide customers with high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable cooling solutions.
Beyond manufacturing, this expansion is expected to drive economic growth in the region, creating over 200 + job opportunities and strengthening Thermocool’s distribution network. The company is also enhancing its after-sales service to ensure a seamless customer experience, further boosting brand reputation and customer loyalty. With this new plant, Thermocool Appliances is poised to redefine industry standards, blending technology, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation to meet evolving demands and position itself as a leading home appliances brand in India.
Hans Heritage Jaggery Plant Revolutionizes Farming with SED Technology
SHAMLI, Uttar Pradesh, 05 April 2025: Hans Heritage Jaggery and Farm Produce is leading a sustainable transformation in India’s ₹25,000 crore jaggery market. By implementing Spray Engineering Devices Limited’s (SED) cutting-edge Low-Temperature Evaporation (LTE®) technology, the Shamli-based facility has become one of the first jaggery manufacturers in India to completely eliminate traditional fuel-burning furnaces. This move significantly reduces the plant’s carbon footprint while creating enhanced economic opportunities for local sugarcane farmers.
Located in Oon village, the Hans Heritage plant now utilizes SED’s Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) based LTE® system. This innovative technology addresses major environmental concerns associated with the approximately 50,000 traditional jaggery units across India, which typically rely on inefficient open-pan furnaces burning bagasse (sugarcane residue). By recycling process vapour to concentrate juice, SED’s system eliminates the need for fuel combustion, achieving sustainable production alongside an impressive 97.5% juice extraction rate while processing 200 tons of sugarcane daily.
“This installation represents a significant milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable agricultural processing,” said Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director, Spray Engineering Devices Limited. “By replacing traditional fuel-intensive methods, Hans Heritage is not only minimizing environmental impact but also demonstrating how technology can improve resource utilization and bolster the rural economy.“
The environmental benefits are substantial, with an estimated reduction of over 3,100 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Economically, the system enhances the value chain by reducing the moisture content in the leftover bagasse to just 42%. This drier bagasse becomes a valuable raw material suitable for manufacturing higher-value products like plywood, ethanol, and compressed biogas (CBG).
This technological advancement directly benefits the farming community. “Farmers supplying sugarcane to our facility now receive higher prices for their produce, empowering them economically while contributing to environmental protection,” stated Mr. K. P. Singh, Founder & CEO, Hans Heritage Jaggery & Farm Produce. “As consumer demand for organic, unrefined sweeteners grows, our sustainable production model positions us strongly at the forefront of the industry.“
The initiative aligns perfectly with India’s agricultural transformation goals and the burgeoning agri-tech market, projected to reach $25 billion by 2025. SED’s technology is already proven, deployed in over 600 sugar factories across more than 40 countries, and was recognized with the National Energy Efficiency Innovation Award in 2021.
Industry experts suggest that the wider adoption of such boiler-free, emission-reducing technologies holds the potential to revolutionize India’s jaggery sector, improving sustainability and livelihoods for the millions involved in this critical part of the agricultural economy.
Aerem Raises INR 100 Crore in Series A to Revolutionize India’s Solar Energy
Mumbai, April 5, 2025 — Aerem, India’s leading end-to-end solar platform dedicated to simplifying solar adoption for businesses and households, today announced that it has secured ₹100 crore in Series A round led by UTEC (University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners), the Japan-based $700 million venture firm. This investment will further Aerem’s mission to unlock India’s vast distributed solar potential and accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy. The funds will drive the company’s expansion across India and enhance its solar financing and marketplace solutions.
Other prominent investors included British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor; SE Ventures, the $1 billion+ climate and industrial tech fund backed by Schneider Electric; and Riverwalk Holdings, an early-stage venture fund focused on innovative fintech firms. Existing investors Blume Ventures and Avaana Capital also participated in this round. The strategic equity investment of ₹100 crore is in addition to debt capital from leading financial institutions such as IDFC, AU Small Finance, Axis Bank, Northern Arc, MAS Financials, and Vivriti Capital.
The Series A funding will drive the company’s distribution growth across India and solidify its presence in existing markets. It will also fuel the expansion of its end-to-end platform, scaling its marketplace business and broadening its lending portfolio to meet increasing demand. By accelerating the adoption of its tech platform among stakeholders, the company aims to enhance accessibility, transparency and quality across the solar ecosystem.
Additionally, the investment will advance the company’s technology roadmap and enable the development of innovative financing solutions, furthering its mission to make solar energy more accessible. This strategic boost positions Aerem to significantly amplify its impact on India’s renewable energy landscape while continuing to deliver exceptional value to its customers.
“Aerem is at the forefront of India’s rooftop solar revolution, with a founding team that has played a pivotal role in the country’s solar ecosystem evolution, from utility-scale solar adoption in 2010 to a decentralized rooftop solar boom in 2020. As a global deep-tech fund, we were impressed by Aerem’s seamless integration of operational excellence in credit and marketplace dynamics, paired with a cutting-edge solar tech platform leveraging digital twins.” said Kiran Mysore, Principal, UTEC.
Aerem was founded to unlock India’s untapped distributed solar potential, which currently represents only 17% of total solar capacity compared to the global average of over 50%. The company addresses this significant market gap by providing an end-to-end solar solution.
Anand Jain, Founder and CEO, Aerem, said “Getting a solar installation is complex for an Indian MSME or homeowner. From finding the right installer to the right price, right quality, and right financing, there exists a massive trust deficit throughout the fragmented ecosystem. Conventional approaches treat financing, technical complexity, and supply chain barriers as separate challenges. We recognize these as interlocking parts of one ecosystem failure. Our end-to-end solution addresses the entire value chain, eliminating barriers to solar adoption.”
“Our installation partners are the backbone of our ecosystem. These solar entrepreneurs understand local markets, maintain customer relationships, and provide on-ground implementation. Through our platform, we empower them with access to financing, quality equipment, and digital tools they would not otherwise have—creating a win-win model that scales solar adoption while supporting local businesses. Our vision goes beyond just providing solar solutions—we are building a true institution as ‘Aapka Solar Saathi’ which partners with businesses throughout their energy independence journey.” said Vikesh Agarwal, Co-Founder and COO, Aerem.
“What sets Aerem apart for us at SE Ventures is its full stack platform that addresses the core friction points for solar installers, driven by an exceptional team across finance, tech, and business model innovation,” said Siddharth Mehta, Partner, APAC at SE Ventures.”We recognize Aerem’s category leadership in distributed solar and look forward to fuelling the company’s expansion by helping to establish go-to-market partnerships with our LP, Schneider Electric, and Schneider company Luminous.” said Siddharth Mehta, Partner, APAC, SE Ventures.
“We are delighted to back pioneering solutions like Aerem’s with catalytic capital, accelerating solar adoption and fostering inclusive economic development. This will increase the provision of affordable and clean energy to small businesses and communities across India which will help them to thrive. We eagerly anticipate Aerem’s expansion, unlocking greater financial access for widespread solar installations and contributing to India’s energy transition,” said Abhinav Sinha, Managing Director and Head of Technology and Telecoms, BII.
By building a nationwide ecosystem of 2,000+ installation partners, Aerem has unlocked scalable distribution while minimizing acquisition costs. In just three years, it has emerged as a leader in India’s distributed solar sector, with a presence across 65 cities and a robust partner network. The company has enabled over 800 MW of solar capacity and successfully financed more than 800 projects. These initiatives have prevented nearly 22 million tons of lifetime CO₂ emissions, equivalent to planting 53 million trees. Additionally, these installations are projected to save ₹14,000 crore in energy costs for MSMEs over their lifetime. With consistent month-on-month growth, Aerem continues to empower installation partners to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solar solutions to MSMEs and homeowners across India.
Tata Tea Gold Care: Your Go-To Tea for Stress-Free Moments
Taking a mindful tea break can be a simple yet effective way to unwind and rejuvenate, contributing to a stress-free life. Nourishing both the body and mind with a well-chosen tea can help create moments of calm in a busy day. Tata Tea Gold Care, infused with the goodness of natural herbs, offers a perfect blend to support relaxation and well-being. A mindful pause with a comforting cup of Tata Tea Gold Care allows you to embrace balance in everyday life.
Tata Tea Gold Care packs the goodness of five native ingredients (Ginger, Cardamom, Tulsi, Mulethi & Brahmi) in one wholesome cup of tea that not only makes for a perfect cup of flavorful tea but each ingredient also provides specific health benefits.
The native ingredients used in the blend are rooted in Indian tradition and are also known for their specific benefits.
Brahmi (Water Hyssop or Indian Pennywort)
Renowned for its memory-enhancing properties, Brahmi is one of the most commonly used herbs for cognitive health and mental clarity.
Mulethi (Liquorice)
Known for its soothing effects on sore throat, cough, and cold, Mulethi is a time-honored remedy for respiratory discomfort.
Cardamom
A staple in Indian cuisine and one of the world’s most prized spices, cardamom not only adds a burst of flavor but also aids digestion.
Tulsi (Indian Basil)
Tulsi, often called the “Queen of Herbs,” is celebrated for its ability to strengthen the immune system and promote overall wellness.
Ginger
This versatile root is packed with nutrients and is especially beneficial in easing symptoms of the common cold, cough, and digestive issues.
Beyond their natural benefits, herbal teas offer a sense of comfort and relaxation. Taking a mindful tea break with Tata Tea Gold Care allows you to pause, unwind, and recharge, helping to ease daily stress. The warmth of a soothing cup not only supports hydration but also encourages a moment of reflection and self-care, both essential for overall well-being.
NSDC and WRI India Collaborate for Sustainable Skilling Initiatives
Chandigarh, April 05, 2025: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and WRI India have inked partnership on Wednesday to map green skill gap, implement reskilling and upskilling programmes and strengthen the green skilling ecosystem in India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi in this regard with a vision to transform India into a green-skilled nation.
The agreement focuses on boosting green skills in manufacturing, service and agriculture sectors. It also aims to promote sustainable development by equipping individuals and businesses, including Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME), with market-relevant skills for green jobs.
The initiative combines skill training with research to help more people build careers in green industries. As the demand for green jobs grows worldwide, NSDC and WRI India will design training programmes that match global opportunities, creating new avenues for Indian workers in international markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, said, “India’s transition to a green economy presents a remarkable opportunity to empower its workforce with future-ready skills. This partnership with WRI India will play a pivotal role in equipping youth and MSMEs with specialized capabilities that not only meet domestic demand but also position India as a global hub for green talent. By integrating cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and training excellence, we are committed to driving sustainable livelihoods, economic resilience, and climate-conscious growth.”
Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India, emphasized, “As India transitions toward a green economy, equipping its workforce with the right skills is critical to unlocking sustainable growth and global opportunities. Our collaboration with NSDC marks a significant step in bridging the green skill gap by integrating research-driven insights with practical strategies and innovative skilling models. By fostering industry-aligned reskilling and upskilling initiatives, we aim to empower individuals and businesses — especially MSMEs — to thrive in a low-carbon future. This partnership will drive our shared vision of making India a leader in the green workforce revolution.
NSDC and WRI India will design industry-aligned curriculums to arm individuals with skills for green jobs and self-employment. The initiative will also support local economies by linking skill development with real-world opportunities.
“This effort connects skill development with local economic needs, creating new livelihood opportunities. Focused training and capacity building will prepare more people for jobs in the green economy,” Mr. Tiwari said.
By expanding access to green skills, the effort will help India build a workforce ready for emerging opportunities in sustainable industries.