Recent developments
Emissions and hydrogen
Abatement and green hydrogen advanced as thyssenkrupp Uhde’s EnviNOx technology at CSBP cut N2O at a nitric acid/ammonium nitrate unit. Spain’s Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley's first phase, Onuba will supply 45 kt/y H2 to decarbonize fertilizer and chemicals. Yara’s Q4 and annual results highlighted energy diversification and ammonia with Air Products. BASF’s “Winning Ways” strategy anticipates higher CO2 from Zhanjiang with mitigation plans.
African build-out
Project activity accelerated in Africa: NEXTCHEM secured a €485 million contract for hydrogen, ammonia, urea, and methanol complexes (pre‑FID engineering underway). Dangote and XCMG formed a strategic cooperation agreement to support equipment, services, and low‑carbon solutions across mining, petrochemicals, fertilizer, and agriculture.
Market and governance
Demand signals were mixed. Grupa Azoty temporarily suspended accepting new orders for nitrogen fertilizers for March while operating at full capacity. Governance shifted as the company appointed a new Management Board to stabilize finances and realign toward higher‑growth segments.
Products and regulation
Portfolio moves continued. Grupa Azoty introduced a new sulphur‑containing fertilizer. BASF’s Engenia herbicide approved by EPA enables over‑the‑top use on dicamba‑tolerant soybeans and cotton with stewardship training. BASF also showcased light stabilizers for plastic durability at Plastindia 2026 for mulch and greenhouse films.
Data and feedstocks
BASF launched Circalo: Low Carbon Intensity Crops to verify farm‑level CI for ethanol under Section 45Z. The Pragati sustainable castor program reported 10,000+ trained farmers, 140 kt certified seeds, higher yields, reduced water use, and expanded women’s participation.