Recent developments
China cracker ramp-up
Fluor achieved mechanical completion of BASF's Zhanjiang Verbund site, delivering core utilities, treatment systems, and site-wide infrastructure for integrated operations. BASF has commissioned the steam cracker at its Zhanjiang Verbund site, powered by 100% renewable electricity, to supply about 1 Mt/y of ethylene and propylene to multiple downstream plants.
Chlor-alkali efficiency
INEOS Electrochemical Solutions installed a new BICHLOR electrolyser at Chemfab Alkalis in India, replacing a ~30-year-old unit to improve electricity efficiency, uptime, and operating reliability in chlor-alkali production.
Supply and portfolios
After ending its agreement with Tetra Chemicals Europe, Nobian will directly supply calcium chloride from its Frankfurt site, shortening supply chains and reintegrating the product into its portfolio. In the U.S., the Beaumont New Ammonia facility started production, with handover to Woodside Energy targeted for early 2026.
EU industry coordination
The EU Critical Chemicals Alliance held its first General Assembly at Chemelot, addressing plant closures, trade distortions, and investment needs, and initiating work to identify essential production sites and critical molecules for monitoring and potential safeguards.
Low-carbon gasification
In the Netherlands, EemsGas secured a €30 million DEI+ subsidy toward a demolition-wood gasification plant, in partnership with TNO, designed to produce about 18 million m3 of green gas annually and serve as a scalable blueprint aligned with the Wennink Report.