Latest news with #SPVs
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
States repurpose Smart City SPVs post-mission
New Delhi: After the Centre concluded its 10-year-old Smart Cities Mission in March, state governments are working to maintain the relevance of the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that were established for the flagship programme. With no funding from the Centre, the SPVs are now functioning as consultancy platforms for municipal corporations in the states and implementing big-ticket urban development projects . However, the biggest task before the state governments is to make the SPVs self-sustainable in the long run. "With the Smart City Mission wrapped up, our top priority is to make SPV s" Surat's municipal commissioner, Shalini Agarwal, told ET. "The projects being implemented by the SPV were transferred to the different departments and all had an in-built operation and maintenance (O&M) clause in tender." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sàn cao su chất lượng sắp được tặng ở Minh Ngoc Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay Surat was one of the first smart cities to complete all projects under the mission. However, the municipal corporation decided against diluting the SPV. "The integrated command and control centre (ICCC), which is the nerve centre of Surat's urban governance, is being run by the SPV," said Agarwal, adding that the penalties the state imposes-such as those for stray cattle, traffic challans, throwing garbage on the road-all go to the SPV. Live Events "Since capacity and expertise has been built over the years in the SPV, it is now providing consultancy services to other corporations. The consultancy fee collected also goes towards sustaining SPV operations," she said. The Agartala Smart City SPV is now implementing large infrastructure projects and providing consultancy services to keep itself afloat. "Our SPV is self-sustaining, as for the last two years we have been implementing big infrastructure projects," said SK Yadav, CEO of Agartala Smart City. "We levy a 3% consultancy charge for all projects and this sustains our SPV." Yadav said because of the Smart City Mission, the SPV has become proficient in handling big projects. "SPV has a number of consultants in its fold who provide multi-disciplinary expertise. We have retained our staff," said Yadav. The Agartala SPV is implementing ADB- and AFD-funded projects. Chennai and Agra Smart Cities are also following a similar pattern. Senior officials told ET that the SPVs were always lean in terms of administrative structure and have maintained this.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Powering India's energy future: Why it's time to bet big on sodium-ion batteries
Known for its high energy density and long cycle life, lithium-ion has emerged as the preferred choice of battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are also distinguished by their adaptability and scalability, rendering itself to be an ideal candidate for applications in electric vehicles (EV) and utility-scale energy storage. The convergence of the technical benefits coupled with swift expansion of global manufacturing capacities for LIBs has resulted in a substantial reduction in production costs. India is actively promoting battery manufacturing and supply chain development, but its access to battery critical minerals, especially lithium, essential for cathode and electrolyte, remains severely limited. To overcome this, the Indian government has initiated efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through partnerships such as the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and SPVs like KABIL. However, supply vulnerabilities remain. China is the dominant player across the value chain including supply of minerals such as lithium and graphite. In 2023, China restricted graphite exports, disrupting supply chains for countries like the US and South Korea. Although India is scaling up its graphite and anode capacity, lithium supply remains heavily exposed to geopolitical risks because of heavy backward integration of five to seven top Chinese lithium processing companies into mining in Australia and Chile. In addition, China is planning to restrict export of advanced technologies, particularly those related to lithium refining and cathode preparation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Given the restrictions and challenges surrounding critical minerals and battery technology, Indian stakeholders, including the government and industry, need to realign their strategies to secure a resilient position in the global battery supply chain. In this context, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), though still in the development stage, present a promising alternative among the available battery chemistries. Comparison: LIBs and SIBs Cathode Active Material (CAM): SIBs often utilise cathode materials designed to accommodate the larger sodium-ions, such as Layered Oxides, Polyanionic compounds, or Prussian Blue analogues. LIBs typically use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or other lithium containing compounds. Anode Active Material (AAM): While graphite is the common anode material for LIBs, it is not as effective for SIBs because sodium ions do not intercalate as readily into graphite. Alternative materials for SIBs, include hard carbon and soft carbon. Electrolyte salts: The electrolyte in SIBs contains sodium salts, such as sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6), whereas LIBs use lithium salts like lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6). The solvents and additives may also differ to optimise performance. Other cell components such as separators, aluminium foil, and casings are essentially common across LIBs and SIBs. Techno-commercial suitability of SIBs The biggest advantage of SIBs lies in the abundance of sodium, one of Earth's most plentiful elements. While LIBs are currently cheaper, SIBs when produced at scale can potentially be ~20per cent to 30per cent more economical. Live Events Although SIBs have a lower energy density, they offer superior safety and temperature tolerance, making them a good fit for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Prioritising early adoption of SIBs in BESS can drive down costs, paving the way for their eventual expansion into mobility applications. India's advanced chemical industry is well-positioned to supply essential SIB components, strengthening the domestic supply chain. SIBs are also compatible with existing LIB infrastructure (cell manufacturing), enabling a smooth transition with minimal investment. However, to realise the potential of SIBs, India needs a strategic and multi-faceted approach. Key stakeholders should take decisive steps to advance both the technological maturity and commercialisation of SIBs. Technology maturity: The government can prioritise higher funding for academic and industrial research focused on improving energy density, cycle life, and material characteristics. In addition to existing pilot infrastructure, building accessible pilot lines can help bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale manufacturing. Cultivating partnership between pilot lines and established organisations, such as Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and third-party facilities, can further expediate prototype testing and validation of SIB technology. Creating incubators and innovation hubs can catalyse technological breakthroughs and provide resources, mentorship, and support for startups and researchers in the battery domain. In addition, leveraging IP rights to create strategic partnerships and licensing agreements can further encourage a continuous cycle of innovation and investments in SIB. Commercialisation roadmap: The government can prioritise the allocation of the remaining 10 GWh under the ACC PLI scheme to players opting for alternative chemistries like SIBs to expediate commercialisation. The rollout of incentives such as tax breaks for raw materials, streamlined approvals to establish manufacturing facilities, and support for OEMs to conduct PoC projects can be critical in bridging between R&D and commercial deployment. The industry can also leverage international partnerships with global battery players based in Japan or Korea. Gaining access to advanced technologies and creating a collaborative effort among the Indian chemical industry, Tier-1 manufacturers, and academic institutions will help forge a robust supply chain for SIBs. Furthermore, building targeted training modules on cell technology, the usage of equipment when scaling a gigafactory, and quality control will be key to cultivating a specialised proficient workforce in battery technology within India. Adopting a dual strategy The majority of SIB players are at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 to 6, which is far from the commercial deployment levels of 8 to 9. In the interim, it is prudent for India to actively participate in the energy transition by utilising LIBs while simultaneously preparing to embrace a forward-thinking strategy through the integration of SIBs. This dual-track approach will enable India not only to participate in the global energy transition but to lead it, especially as SIBs reach commercial maturity and offer a viable alternative to the current LIB paradigm.
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- General
- Economic Times
Our smart cities are dumbing down
It's easy to launch a flashy new project. Way harder to keep it going. Despite grand makeovers and dutifully media-covered inaugurations, most cities have, to put it euphemistically, 'maintenance issues'. And as each monsoon reminds us, even so-called 'smart cities'. This week, Bengaluru and Pune, both ostensibly 'smart', were waterlogged after just a round of pre-monsoon showers, proof that smartness lies not in tech but in the dull discipline of upkeep. In 2014, GoI announced 100 smart cities envisioned to use technology as the backbone to pre-empt and solve everyday challenges - from traffic snarls to urban flooding. But somewhere along the way, the goal shifted. Smart Cities Mission (SCM) became confined to renovating and retrofitting existing cities and providing basic facilities, such as housing, clean water, power and transport. Over the past decade, roughly 8,000 projects worth ₹1.64 lakh cr were sanctioned under SCM. The mission ended on March 31, but without clear answers about the future of SPVs, including integrated command and control centres (ICCCs), the nerve centre of these smart cities. These were set up in all 100 smart cities to enable real-time, data-driven decision-making. To ensure continued maintenance of smart city assets, the parliamentary standing committee on housing and urban affairs rightly recommended that the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) frame guidelines for SPVs to keep operating beyond the mission's end. But there has been no movement on this. Public money doesn't just need to be spent, it needs to work. Without a culture of upkeep and performance tracking, we'll keep rebuilding the same cities and assets every decade. This is as unsmart as it can get.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GPs Rethink Operational Tactics Amid Rising SPV Complexity
Nearly three quarters of GPs cite growing regulatory burdens as a top risk LP demand accelerates shift to co-investment, sector-specific, and evergreen structures 63% of GPs scale outsourcing to enhance efficiency and drive growth WILMINGTON, Del., May 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faced with rising regulatory demands and operational pressures, general partners (GPs) are increasingly turning to outsourcing and technology to manage special purpose vehicles (SPVs) more efficiently. This trend is highlighted in a new report from CSC, the leading provider of global business administration and compliance solutions. CSC surveyed 400 GPs across the Americas, Europe (including the U.K.), and Asia Pacific to uncover how today's market shifts and operational pressures are reshaping SPV management strategies.1 The full findings are detailed in the report SPV Global Outlook 2025: How GPs are Shaping Strategies for Long-Term Success. Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation are firmly at the top of GPs' agendas, with nearly three-quarters identifying the growing regulatory burden and the associated reputational and financial risks as key concerns. Navigating regulatory changes was cited as the single greatest challenge when setting up and running SPVs, followed closely by managing operational differences across multiple geographies. These challenges come at a pivotal time as markets grow increasingly competitive, complex, and cross border. Despite inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, GPs remain focused on deploying dry powder and capitalizing on LP appetite for differentiated, long-term value. Amid these shifts, GPs anticipate growing demand for more direct, customized, and flexible investment structures. Co-investment funds are expected to see the highest demand over the next three years, followed by sector-specific and evergreen funds. "Traditional funds are still very active, but LP demands are rising and will continue to grow," notes Thijs van Ingen, global head of Corporate Solutions, CSC. "LPs want access to special deals like club structures and separately managed accounts, pushing GPs to innovate with co-investments, evergreen funds, or special joint venture vehicles. While these structures aren't new, they're growing in volume and adding significant complexity to reporting and underlying operations." In response, 63% of GPs report they have already significantly increased outsourcing to external providers. Their operational priorities for the next phase of growth include centralized SPV portals (63%), improved cash management (58%), and enhanced entity management systems (45%). "The question for GPs is no longer how to manage change, but how to lead through it," said Ram Chandrasekar, global head of Fund Solutions, CSC. "What GPs need today is a connected ecosystem that provides a centralized view across their entire corporate portfolio. SPVs, funds, investments—each represents a distinct set of data points, and managers must connect these seamlessly to operate effectively. By investing in operational enhancements and building strategic partnerships, GPs are ensuring smoother SPV management, greater scalability, and stronger resilience." To receive a copy of CSC's SPV Global Outlook 2025: How GPs are Shaping Strategies for Long-Term Success report, contact us at cscteam@ 1CSC, in partnership with Pure Profile, surveyed 400 GPs across the Americas, Europe (including the U.K.), and Asia Pacific. 200 were active in private capital (defined as private equity and private credit) and 200 in real assets (defined as real estate and infrastructure). About CSC CSC is the world's leading provider of business administration and compliance solutions, offering industry-leading expertise and unmatched global reach to alternative fund managers and capital markets participants. Leveraging deep institutional experience and a tailored approach, CSC delivers a comprehensive suite of fund administration, trust, agency, and compliance services to support a wide range of private and public market transactions, complex fund strategies, and scalable operations. As the trusted partner of choice for more than 70% of the PEI 300 and 90% of the Fortune 500®, CSC helps clients navigate operational and transactional complexities across more than 140 jurisdictions and various asset classes. With extensive worldwide capabilities, our expert teams provide solutions tailored to each client's needs. Privately held and professionally managed since 1899, we combine global reach, local expertise, and innovative solutions to help our clients succeed. We are the business behind business®. Learn more at View source version on Contacts For more information: Citigate Dewe Rogerson Thomas Daltoncscteam@ CSCLaura CrozierPR CSC News Room Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
SPV.co Integrates with Legal Docs, E-Signature Tools, and Stripe to Streamline SPV Formation
New integrations make SPV creation faster, more secure, and fully compliant—cutting setup time from weeks to minutes. Bentonville, Arkansas, United States, May 6, 2025 -- the modern software platform for special purpose vehicle (SPV) creation and management, today announced a suite of powerful integrations designed to streamline the SPV formation process from start to finish. The new features include automated access to jurisdiction-specific legal documentation, built-in digital signature functionality, and seamless capital contributions via Stripe—all within the dashboard. These integrations eliminate the need for GPs, syndicate leads, and fund managers to coordinate between lawyers, banks, and e-signature tools, enabling faster and more compliant deal execution. 'These integrations represent a major leap forward for private capital formation,' said Jason Powell, CEO of 'We're eliminating the fragmented, manual process that's long defined SPVs—bringing everything into one streamlined, digital experience.' A Unified Platform for SPV Setup new integrations are designed to solve the time-consuming inefficiencies historically associated with launching SPVs. Users can now complete the full entity formation process—legal docs, investor signatures, and capital collection—in a single platform. Key features include: 'We've engineered the platform so every integration works seamlessly—legal, banking, and compliance tools all speak the same language,' said Corey Engel, CTO of 'That means fewer errors, faster launches, and a better experience for GPs and LPs alike.' Better Infrastructure for Every Fund Size With capital allocators increasingly focused on speed, transparency, and efficiency, new capabilities position it as the go-to platform for private investment vehicles—whether you're running your first $250K syndicate or managing multiple $10M+ SPVs per quarter. 'This changes the game for our users,' said Ryan Schwab, Chief Revenue Officer at 'Whether you're running a $500K syndicate or a $10M fund, you now have institutional-grade infrastructure without the institutional overhead.' About is a modern software platform for creating and managing special purpose vehicles (SPVs). Built for fund managers, syndicates, and investors, streamlines entity formation, investor onboarding, capital calls, compliance, and reporting—all from a single, intuitive dashboard. With launching and managing private investment vehicles is faster, simpler, and fully compliant for accredited investors. Based on Bentonville, Arkansas and partnered with for local real estate syndicated deals, plans to revolutionize SPVs for real estate and private equity. About the company: is a modern platform for forming and managing special purpose vehicles (SPVs) with speed, simplicity, and compliance. Designed for fund managers, syndicate leads, and private investors, streamlines the entire lifecycle of an SPV—from entity creation and investor onboarding to capital collection, document execution, and reporting. Contact Info: Name: Ryan Schwab Email: Send Email Organization: SPV dot Co, Inc. Website: Release ID: 89159313 In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us.
