Recent developments
Electrolysis and chlor-alkali
Amid rising hydrogen and chlor-alkali demand, Asahi Kasei is expanding its Kawasaki Works for electrolysis components, backed by Japan’s GX program and a site shift to Energy & Infrastructure. INEOS appointed Tarek Hrizi to boost sales of BICHLOR membrane electrolyser technology in MEA. In Germany, Nobian’s chlor-alkali electrolysis now runs flexibly with Next Kraftwerke to match power availability.
European cost pressures
INEOS will close two production units in Rheinberg, including an electrochemical facility for chlorine, citing high energy and carbon costs and weak tariff protection; Germany’s chemical output has fallen 18% since 2019. At the Hull Acetyls plant, INEOS plans 60 job cuts due to energy costs and low-priced Chinese imports, despite hydrogen-switch investments.
Circular carbon routes
A feasibility study will assess a waste-to-methanol plant at Norway’s Mongstad refinery using NX Circular technology to convert waste to syngas for low-carbon methanol aligned with FuelEU rules. Separately, Evonik Oxeno and partners reported a bimetallic catalyst using CO2 and green hydrogen to carbonylate olefins to esters, potentially replacing toxic CO.
Resources and stewardship
The Netherlands approved salt extraction in Zuidwending until 2035, sustaining high‑purity salt supply for chlorine and caustic producers in Delfzijl and Rotterdam. At its soda ash and sodium bicarbonate site in Dombasle, Solvay is piloting the IUCN RHINO approach with STAR metrics alongside energy-transition projects to assess and mitigate biodiversity impacts.