Ceramic and glass business news of the week for September 16, 2024

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

€19.6M wave energy project receives European Union approval

The European Union approved the €19.6 million WEDUSEA project, which aims to be a stepping stone toward the production of large-scale wave energy. The project is a collaboration between 14 partners from the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, and Spain and is coordinated by renewable energy developer OceanEnergy.

3E expands into the US with new office in North Carolina

3E, an established provider of renewable energy technologies and services based in Belgium, announced its expansion into the United States market with the opening of a new office in Raleigh, N.C.

Corning Museum of Glass to inaugurate expanded studio on October 17

The Corning Museum of Glass will officially inaugurate its new, state-of-the-art studio on Oct. 17, 2024. The $55.3 million project expanded and enhanced the studio’s infrastructure, making it the only facility in North America that can accommodate large-scale works in cast glass.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Qemetica enters agreement to acquire silicas products business from PPG

Polish chemical company Qemetica signed an agreement with U.S. corporation PPG to purchase its silicas products business for nearly US$310 million. PPG’s silica products business manufactures and supplies precipitated silica products to major companies around the world as performance-enhancing additives.

Korea’s POSCO strengthens Australian ties with key rare earth and graphite deals

POSCO, the world’s largest steel maker, took advantage of a Republic of Korea trade visit to Australia to investigate potential investment in the nation’s growing rare earth element sector and to sign a major offtake agreement.

Purdue, Argonne sign MOU to collaborate on chips, quantum, and other key research areas

Purdue University and Argonne National Laboratory signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaborative research between the two entities. Areas of interest include microelectronics, quantum information science, materials science, nuclear science and engineering, computing, and energy storage materials and recycling.

Airtech and Ascent Aerospace partner on 3D-printed tooling for aerospace and defense

Airtech Advanced Materials Group and Ascent Aerospace entered into an exclusive supply agreement. Airtech will support Ascent’s 3D-printed tooling business by providing advanced technical and business development support. In return, Ascent will commit to the exclusive use of Airtech resin products for large-format additive manufacturing.

Cemex joins initiative to elevate standard of living across Latin America

Cemex joined the “100,000 Pisos Para Jugar” (“100,000 Floors to Play”) initiative alongside Habitat for Humanity and the Inter-American Cement Federation. The initiative aims to replace 100,000 dirt floors with concrete in homes across Latin America and the Caribbean by 2028.

OTHER STORIES

UN launches critical minerals ‘how-to’ guide for a just energy transition

The United Nations released a report that recommends how to set up a global framework to promote the traceability of minerals. For example, it suggests forming an initiative to empower artisanal and small-scale miners to become “agents of transformation.”

Australia builds sovereign capability to manufacture solid rockets

Australia is aiming to develop and produce solid rocket motors on shore and at scale to bolster sovereign aerospace and defense capabilities. For example, Lockheed Martin Australia and Thales Australia agreed to explore opportunities to develop and produce solid rocket motors. Also, Black Sky Industries re-launched as a sovereign developer and supplier of solid rocket propellant and motors to the Australian defense sector.

DOE expands project to increase access to solar energy in disadvantaged communities

The U.S. Department of Energy announced an expansion of the National Community Solar Partnership to not only support community solar projects but also include residential and distributed rooftop solar plus storage. It will also support commercial solar projects with an emphasis on expanding access in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

NEW PRODUCTS

ROSS offers FDA-50 fixed tank dual shaft mixer

The ROSS FDA-50 fixed tank dual shaft mixer is a custom-design agitated pressure reactor ideal for processes that require meticulous control over mixing, temperature, and pressure in a compact and portable module.