Recent developments
Hydrogen supply expansions
Hydrogen supply development in North America intensified. Air Liquide’s $50 million expansion of its U.S. Gulf Coast hydrogen network, including pipeline and compression upgrades, underpins new long-term refinery contracts. Connection to the cavern at Spindletop enables increased deliverability with limited greenfield work.
Electrolysis efficiency advances
Refining decarbonization progressed with the start-up of the world’s largest multi‑megawatt high‑temperature electrolyzer at Neste’s refinery in Rotterdam. The SOEC unit produces over 60 kg/h of hydrogen using process heat, lowering power needs versus conventional systems, and is funded by the EU’s Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
R&D and offshore pilots
In the Netherlands, the BaseLoad Power Hub arrived in Eemshaven with a 2.5 MW electrolyser, 1,200 kg hydrogen storage, and a 1 MW/5 MWh battery-conversion module. Operated as DOT’s Phynix platform, it will support research and training toward possible North Sea deployment within the Groningen Hydrogen Valley.
Market and trade headwinds
European cost and trade pressures intensified. INEOS is reducing its workforce at the Hull Acetyls plant by 20% (60 jobs), citing high energy costs and coal-based Chinese imports facing no UK/EU barriers. The site’s £30 million switch from natural gas to hydrogen (−75% emissions) proceeds amid calls for trade defense.
On-site production trends
Localized oxidant supply expanded in Latin America. A myH₂O₂ satellite hydrogen peroxide plant in Inocência will supply Arauco’s Sucuriú pulp project, providing 25,000 t/y with advanced automation and Solvay technology, reducing transport and emissions and targeting 2028 start-up alongside the 3.5 Mt/y kraft mill.