Recent developments
Hydrogen build-out in Europe
Europe advanced hydrogen use: France’s first motorway hydrogen station for HGVs began RFNBO-certified supply, with 1 t/day at 350/700 bar. The 2024 Innovation Fund Auction for renewable hydrogen awarded €270.6M to 381.25 MWe of electrolysers in Spain, Finland, and Norway, targeting ~500 kt RFNBO H2 and 3.4 Mt CO2 abatement over 10 years, including maritime offtake support.
Technology and supply chain
Technology pathways expanded via thyssenkrupp’s Decarbon Technologies (electrolysis, clean fuels, carbon capture) and Kemira and Hazer’s methane pyrolysis assessing solid‑carbon co‑product use in water treatment. Supply chain capabilities broadened with Sinopec Capital’s investment in Faurecia Hydrogen Energy for Type I/III/IV storage systems and Nanjing Engineering’s acquisition of the East China Pipeline Design Institute to strengthen hydrogen and aviation fuel pipeline engineering.
Gas supply context
Gas availability dynamics shifted as the expansion of the Leviathan natural gas reservoir targeted ~21 bcm/y for Eastern Mediterranean markets, while EemsGas’ €30 million DEI+ investment subsidy backed 18 million m³/y green gas via demolition‑wood gasification with TNO, indicating complementary low‑carbon molecule routes alongside renewable hydrogen.
Operations and ESG
Operational risk management surfaced with the continued minimal operation of DOMO Chemicals’ Leuna facilities during insolvency to preserve safety and environmental control. ESG benchmarking continued as Nobian’s fourth EcoVadis Platinum rating reflected improvements across Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement, anchored by 100% renewable electricity and science‑based targets.