Latest news with #Udaipur
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Macsen Labs Achieves Breakthrough in Sodium-Ion Battery Chemistry, Files Provisional Patent, and Advances Toward Pilot-Scale Manufacturing
Video Link: UDAIPUR, India, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ -- Macsen Labs, a manufacturer of APIs, dyes, and specialty chemicals since 1952, has announced a major breakthrough in Sodium-Ion battery technology through the successful R&D-scale synthesis of its high-performance Prussian White, a next-generation cathode material for Sodium-Ion batteries. The company has filed a provisional patent for its proprietary synthesis process. The material has already undergone optimization for battery use at the company's electrochemistry and battery R&D facility and has shown promising results, driving the next phase toward pilot-scale manufacturing. "It's an interesting story, how a pharmaceutical company like ours entered the energy storage space," said Mr. Achal Agrawal, CEO of Macsen Labs and the lead researcher behind the project. "While working on Prussian Blue as a drug for radioactive poisoning, we discovered its derivative — Prussian White, which was emerging as a leading candidate for Sodium-Ion battery cathodes. That moment of curiosity led us down this path." Exactly one year ago, with zero experience in electrochemistry, Macsen's team fabricated a basic pouch cell inside a regular chemistry R&D lab, without specialized equipment. "We had no glovebox, no coater, no calendering machine, just our lab experience and synthesized material," recalled Agrawal. "When that small cell lit up an LED bulb, we knew we had something worth pursuing. That spark led us to establish a full-fledged electrochemistry lab." Today, Macsen's battery R&D facility includes an argon-filled glovebox for inert atmosphere handling, coin and pouch cell fabrication stations, electrode coaters, crimpers, vacuum dryers, and electrochemical testing systems, such as cyclers and potentiostats. With this setup, Macsen can rapidly prototype and test battery cells using its own synthesized materials, significantly reducing development time. The company already operates a pilot-scale chemical synthesis facility, which is now being used to produce Prussian White at a kilogram scale. Through numerous experiments conducted over the last year, the team has gained proficiency in Prussian White chemistry and has achieved what is likely to be one of the finest quality variants produced to date. Through its proprietary process, Macsen has achieved an energy density exceeding 150 mAh/g with Prussian White, which is comparable to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). The material also shows excellent stability, fast sodium-ion mobility due to its open crystalline structure, and compatibility with existing Li-ion cell manufacturing infrastructure. "Performance-wise, it's at par with LFP, but made from abundant, low-cost materials like sodium and iron," said Agrawal. "And these elements are easily available, affordable, and free from geopolitical constraints." This project, originally incubated within Macsen Labs, is now being advanced under a dedicated entity currently under formation — 'Macsen Energy', which will focus exclusively on energy storage innovation and scale-up. "The real potential of sodium-ion batteries lies not just in electric vehicles," said Agrawal. "It lies in stationary energy storage systems that store and manage renewable energy from solar and wind. This is where India's energy transition will happen at scale." Macsen's current Sodium-Ion battery technology, using its Prussian White as cathode paired with a hard carbon anode, is well suited for applications such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) for grid and solar, household backup and inverter systems, short-range EVs, auto-rickshaws, two-wheelers, city buses, rural microgrids, and energy access solutions. The company is now focusing not only on improving cycle life, energy density, charge-discharge rates, and optimizing electrolyte-additive systems, but also on reducing the cost contribution of other components of the battery cell. Macsen aims to develop economical form factors by innovatively combining low-cost battery materials, components, and manufacturing processes, especially for large-scale stationary energy storage. One inherent cost advantage of sodium-ion technology is its use of aluminium in place of copper as the cathode current collector, which would further reduce raw material costs. To demonstrate the performance of Prussian White in commercial large-format cells, Macsen is setting up a pilot-scale cell fabrication line. The company is already sourcing equipment for this and aims to have the pilot-scale production facility operational by early 2026. "We are trying to make a new energy future for India," concluded Agrawal. "Sodium-ion batteries are India's opportunity to build a truly indigenous, scalable, and affordable energy storage ecosystem." Contactcorporate@ Video: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Macsen Labs Group View original content to download multimedia: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Macsen Labs Achieves Breakthrough in Sodium-Ion Battery Chemistry, Files Provisional Patent, and Advances Toward Pilot-Scale Manufacturing
Video Link: UDAIPUR, India, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Macsen Labs, a manufacturer of APIs, dyes, and specialty chemicals since 1952, has announced a major breakthrough in Sodium-Ion battery technology through the successful R&D-scale synthesis of its high-performance Prussian White, a next-generation cathode material for Sodium-Ion batteries. The company has filed a provisional patent for its proprietary synthesis process. The material has already undergone optimization for battery use at the company's electrochemistry and battery R&D facility and has shown promising results, driving the next phase toward pilot-scale manufacturing. 'It's an interesting story, how a pharmaceutical company like ours entered the energy storage space,' said Mr. Achal Agrawal, CEO of Macsen Labs and the lead researcher behind the project. 'While working on Prussian Blue as a drug for radioactive poisoning, we discovered its derivative — Prussian White, which was emerging as a leading candidate for Sodium-Ion battery cathodes. That moment of curiosity led us down this path.' Exactly one year ago, with zero experience in electrochemistry, Macsen's team fabricated a basic pouch cell inside a regular chemistry R&D lab, without specialized equipment. 'We had no glovebox, no coater, no calendering machine, just our lab experience and synthesized material,' recalled Agrawal. 'When that small cell lit up an LED bulb, we knew we had something worth pursuing. That spark led us to establish a full-fledged electrochemistry lab.' Today, Macsen's battery R&D facility includes an argon-filled glovebox for inert atmosphere handling, coin and pouch cell fabrication stations, electrode coaters, crimpers, vacuum dryers, and electrochemical testing systems, such as cyclers and potentiostats. With this setup, Macsen can rapidly prototype and test battery cells using its own synthesized materials, significantly reducing development time. The company already operates a pilot-scale chemical synthesis facility, which is now being used to produce Prussian White at a kilogram scale. Through numerous experiments conducted over the last year, the team has gained proficiency in Prussian White chemistry and has achieved what is likely to be one of the finest quality variants produced to date. Through its proprietary process, Macsen has achieved an energy density exceeding 150 mAh/g with Prussian White, which is comparable to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). The material also shows excellent stability, fast sodium-ion mobility due to its open crystalline structure, and compatibility with existing Li-ion cell manufacturing infrastructure. 'Performance-wise, it's at par with LFP, but made from abundant, low-cost materials like sodium and iron,' said Agrawal. 'And these elements are easily available, affordable, and free from geopolitical constraints.' This project, originally incubated within Macsen Labs, is now being advanced under a dedicated entity currently under formation — 'Macsen Energy', which will focus exclusively on energy storage innovation and scale-up. 'The real potential of sodium-ion batteries lies not just in electric vehicles,' said Agrawal. 'It lies in stationary energy storage systems that store and manage renewable energy from solar and wind. This is where India's energy transition will happen at scale.' Macsen's current Sodium-Ion battery technology, using its Prussian White as cathode paired with a hard carbon anode, is well suited for applications such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) for grid and solar, household backup and inverter systems, short-range EVs, auto-rickshaws, two-wheelers, city buses, rural microgrids, and energy access solutions. The company is now focusing not only on improving cycle life, energy density, charge-discharge rates, and optimizing electrolyte-additive systems, but also on reducing the cost contribution of other components of the battery cell. Macsen aims to develop economical form factors by innovatively combining low-cost battery materials, components, and manufacturing processes, especially for large-scale stationary energy storage. One inherent cost advantage of sodium-ion technology is its use of aluminium in place of copper as the cathode current collector, which would further reduce raw material costs. To demonstrate the performance of Prussian White in commercial large-format cells, Macsen is setting up a pilot-scale cell fabrication line. The company is already sourcing equipment for this and aims to have the pilot-scale production facility operational by early 2026. 'We are trying to make a new energy future for India,' concluded Agrawal. 'Sodium-ion batteries are India's opportunity to build a truly indigenous, scalable, and affordable energy storage ecosystem.' Contact [email protected] Video: Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Macsen Labs Group
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Fairmont grows in India with Udaipur Palace opening
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor, has announced the opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a palace located on the ancient Aravali Hills in Udaipur. The 18-acre estate is designed for modern royalty, offering 327 rooms and suites, seven distinct event venues, eight dining concepts, a transformative wellness sanctuary, and layered experiences built on Rajasthan's poetic legacy of timeless art, craft, and hospitality. Rooted in Mewar's great fortresses, Fairmont Udaipur Palace rises above rock and marble, chattris and courtyards, stepwells, and terraces to celebrate design, culture, and the natural flora and fauna of the destination. Guests enter through the grand Raj Dwar, a dramatic fortress gateway flanked by cannons. The palace unfurls like a story etched in time, with intricately layered pavilions, gardens, colonnades, and terraces that reflect the property's design ethos that blends the region's traditional craftmanship with contemporary style. It honors the primal forces through its three interconnected wings: Surya Mahal, the Sun Palace, Chandra Mahal, the Moon Palace, and Agni Mahal, the Fire Palace. Every space is steeped in comfort, beauty, and contemplative charm, a living tribute to nature, memory, and timeless design. At the heart of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is the majestic leopard, symbolising resilience, grace, and quiet ambition. The vibrant world of Rajasthani arts and crafts comes alive through the skilled hands of local artisans from villages supported by Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Guests can choose from Fairmont Rooms, Signature Rooms with plunge pools, Luxury Rooms with garden or courtyard views, and an array of suites including the Fairmont Suite, Maharani Suite, and Maharana Suite. The palace also features a collection of specialty suites, including the Rajputana Suite, the Regal Mewar Suite, and the Jewel of Udaipur Suite with pool and terrace. The Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers a range of culinary destinations, each designed to complement its architectural and cultural soul. Bahaar, an all-day dining venue, serves globally focused, locally sourced soul food, while Dahaad, an opulent palace bar, echoes Rajasthan's wild symphony with a thikri sculpture of a leopard. Dastaan, a lounge celebrating storytelling, offers thoughtful conversations surrounded by curated coffee table books, artful sculptures, and candles. Sitara, a sunset-facing space above the palace gardens, offers cosmic cocktails and skygazing rituals. Zaika pays homage to bold Indian culinary traditions through a deeply layered menu of comfort classics and regional specialties. The property's signature restaurants, Celeste, an avant-garde Asian bistro, and The Alchemist, will open in the coming months, adding new dimensions to the palace's evolving culinary journey. With over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor celebration spaces, the palace is built for occasions that are worthy of being etched in the memory. The Imperial Ballroom, Mehfil, Ivory Pool and Garden, Jashn Bagh and Noor Bagh, Chand Baori, Dialogue Rooms, and Terraces offer elevated, panoramic settings ideal for private dinners, cocktail hours, and quiet reflection. The Fairmont Spa & Salon and Fairmont Fit Gym provide wellness treatments that enliven the skin, restore tired muscles, and soothe the spirit. Signature massage rituals, rooted in energy meridians, aromatherapy, and natural movement, are designed not only for recovery but also revelation, integrating the use of bespoke oils under the brand. For recreation beyond the palace, guests can explore Rendezvous, a vibrant activity zone featuring mini golf, pickleball, paddle ball, ziplining, and a dedicated kids' play area. The palace also offers a private helipad for seamless access and a spectacular arrival that sets the tone for an unforgettable stay. 'The opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace marks a defining moment in Fairmont's journey in India—a tribute to the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Udaipur, one of India's most iconic and romantic destinations. Known as the City of Lakes, this destination has long captured the imagination of travelers with its regal heritage, architectural splendor and serene landscape. This new palace reflects Fairmont's commitment to honoring the spirit of each location we enter, blending global luxury with deep local resonance. We are proud to bring the Fairmont experience to Udaipur and to be part of the city's enduring legacy as a jewel in India's cultural crown.'—Omer Acar, Chief Executive Officer, Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 'Our endeavour was never just to build a hotel—it was to craft a world. Udaipur has always been a jewel of India, and with Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we wanted to create a destination within a destination—where every guest feels like a modern Maharaja or Maharani. This palace isn't just built in stone and marble, but in stories, craftsmanship, and soul. From the hand-carved jharokhas to the grandeur of our architecture, every detail is a tribute to India's royal heritage and Rajasthan's timeless artistry. But beyond aesthetics, this project holds deeper meaning. Tourism has always been close to my heart, and Fairmont Udaipur Palace is my way of giving back—to the city, to the state, and to the spirit of Indian hospitality. We wanted to give Udaipur that global edge—a world-class hotel where people from around the world come not just to stay, but to celebrate, to unwind, and to feel the true soul of Rajasthan. It's our homage to heritage, our tribute to tradition, and our promise to India's future in luxury tourism.' — Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of ROCKWOOD Hotels & Keystone 'At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, our vision was to create more than a hotel — a living palace that stirs emotion, celebrates culture and offers experiences that linger in memory. Every element has been crafted with intention and care. As we open our doors, our focus is on shaping a destination where luxury is not just seen or felt, but deeply remembered.'— Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
15-07-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Fairmont grows in India with Udaipur Palace opening
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor, has announced the opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a palace located on the ancient Aravali Hills in Udaipur. The 18-acre estate is designed for modern royalty, offering 327 rooms and suites, seven distinct event venues, eight dining concepts, a transformative wellness sanctuary, and layered experiences built on Rajasthan's poetic legacy of timeless art, craft, and hospitality. Rooted in Mewar's great fortresses, Fairmont Udaipur Palace rises above rock and marble, chattris and courtyards, stepwells, and terraces to celebrate design, culture, and the natural flora and fauna of the destination. Guests enter through the grand Raj Dwar, a dramatic fortress gateway flanked by cannons. The palace unfurls like a story etched in time, with intricately layered pavilions, gardens, colonnades, and terraces that reflect the property's design ethos that blends the region's traditional craftmanship with contemporary style. It honors the primal forces through its three interconnected wings: Surya Mahal, the Sun Palace, Chandra Mahal, the Moon Palace, and Agni Mahal, the Fire Palace. Every space is steeped in comfort, beauty, and contemplative charm, a living tribute to nature, memory, and timeless design. At the heart of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is the majestic leopard, symbolising resilience, grace, and quiet ambition. The vibrant world of Rajasthani arts and crafts comes alive through the skilled hands of local artisans from villages supported by Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Guests can choose from Fairmont Rooms, Signature Rooms with plunge pools, Luxury Rooms with garden or courtyard views, and an array of suites including the Fairmont Suite, Maharani Suite, and Maharana Suite. The palace also features a collection of specialty suites, including the Rajputana Suite, the Regal Mewar Suite, and the Jewel of Udaipur Suite with pool and terrace. The Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers a range of culinary destinations, each designed to complement its architectural and cultural soul. Bahaar, an all-day dining venue, serves globally focused, locally sourced soul food, while Dahaad, an opulent palace bar, echoes Rajasthan's wild symphony with a thikri sculpture of a leopard. Dastaan, a lounge celebrating storytelling, offers thoughtful conversations surrounded by curated coffee table books, artful sculptures, and candles. Sitara, a sunset-facing space above the palace gardens, offers cosmic cocktails and skygazing rituals. Zaika pays homage to bold Indian culinary traditions through a deeply layered menu of comfort classics and regional specialties. The property's signature restaurants, Celeste, an avant-garde Asian bistro, and The Alchemist, will open in the coming months, adding new dimensions to the palace's evolving culinary journey. With over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor celebration spaces, the palace is built for occasions that are worthy of being etched in the memory. The Imperial Ballroom, Mehfil, Ivory Pool and Garden, Jashn Bagh and Noor Bagh, Chand Baori, Dialogue Rooms, and Terraces offer elevated, panoramic settings ideal for private dinners, cocktail hours, and quiet reflection. The Fairmont Spa & Salon and Fairmont Fit Gym provide wellness treatments that enliven the skin, restore tired muscles, and soothe the spirit. Signature massage rituals, rooted in energy meridians, aromatherapy, and natural movement, are designed not only for recovery but also revelation, integrating the use of bespoke oils under the brand. For recreation beyond the palace, guests can explore Rendezvous, a vibrant activity zone featuring mini golf, pickleball, paddle ball, ziplining, and a dedicated kids' play area. The palace also offers a private helipad for seamless access and a spectacular arrival that sets the tone for an unforgettable stay. 'The opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace marks a defining moment in Fairmont's journey in India—a tribute to the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Udaipur, one of India's most iconic and romantic destinations. Known as the City of Lakes, this destination has long captured the imagination of travelers with its regal heritage, architectural splendor and serene landscape. This new palace reflects Fairmont's commitment to honoring the spirit of each location we enter, blending global luxury with deep local resonance. We are proud to bring the Fairmont experience to Udaipur and to be part of the city's enduring legacy as a jewel in India's cultural crown.'—Omer Acar, Chief Executive Officer, Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 'Our endeavour was never just to build a hotel—it was to craft a world. Udaipur has always been a jewel of India, and with Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we wanted to create a destination within a destination—where every guest feels like a modern Maharaja or Maharani. This palace isn't just built in stone and marble, but in stories, craftsmanship, and soul. From the hand-carved jharokhas to the grandeur of our architecture, every detail is a tribute to India's royal heritage and Rajasthan's timeless artistry. But beyond aesthetics, this project holds deeper meaning. Tourism has always been close to my heart, and Fairmont Udaipur Palace is my way of giving back—to the city, to the state, and to the spirit of Indian hospitality. We wanted to give Udaipur that global edge—a world-class hotel where people from around the world come not just to stay, but to celebrate, to unwind, and to feel the true soul of Rajasthan. It's our homage to heritage, our tribute to tradition, and our promise to India's future in luxury tourism.' — Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of ROCKWOOD Hotels & Keystone 'At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, our vision was to create more than a hotel — a living palace that stirs emotion, celebrates culture and offers experiences that linger in memory. Every element has been crafted with intention and care. As we open our doors, our focus is on shaping a destination where luxury is not just seen or felt, but deeply remembered.'— Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace. -TradeArabia News Service
News18
09-07-2025
- Business
- News18
News18 Afternoon Digest: IAF's Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes Near Rajasthan's Churu & Other Top News
Last Updated: We are also covering: Ganguly Says Gill On 'Honeymoon Period' As Captain; UAE Govt Issues Clarification On Lifetime Golden Visa For Indians & 9 Dead As Bridge Collapses In Gujarat. In today's evening digest, News18 brings you latest updates on IAF's Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes Near Rajasthan's Churu; FATF Report Bolsters India's Stance On Terror Groups In Pakistan and Kanhaiya Lal's Son Backs Udaipur Files Release, among other stories. IAF's Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes Near Rajasthan's Churu; Eyewitness Reports Body At Site A Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan's Churu district on Tuesday, defence sources confirmed. The incident occurred in the Ratangarh region, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. According to witnesses, they saw one body at the crash site. READ MORE The Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) new report, which defines state-sponsored terrorism for the first time, could make things worse for Pakistan and bolster India's case on why Islamabad should be added to the grey list. READ MORE Yash Sahu, the son of Kanhaiya Lal, the tailor who was murdered in Rajasthan's Udaipur, has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision not to stop the release of the film 'Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder'. Over the past few days, a number of media reports and social media posts have claimed that the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new Golden Visa route offering lifetime residency in exchange for a one-time payment of Rs 23 lakh (approx. AED 100,000). Many of these claims specifically referenced Indian applicants, with consultancies advertising fast-track or guaranteed approvals under this supposed simplified process. READ MORE At least nine people died after a portion of Gambhira bridge in Gujarat collapsed on Wednesday morning. After receiving the information, local administration rushed to the spot. A rescue and search operation was launched soon after. READ MORE view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
