Recent developments
Leadership and finance
Messer announced a leadership transition: Messer's Helmut Kaschenz will depart as CFO in 2026 after overseeing the integration of Messer Industries, the buyout of CVC’s stake, and refinancing with GIC. Reported 2024 sales exceeded €4.5 billion with ~€1.4 billion EBITDA; 2025 results due in April.
European hydrogen infrastructure
The Rotterdam hydrogen pipeline was filled with 32 tonnes of green hydrogen, linking the port to industrial users and integrating with the national network. The AquaDuctus hydrogen pipeline progresses as an IPCEI backbone for an offshore network connecting North Sea states; Worley provides EPC-management while StreamTec leads permitting.
Nordic–Poland supply chains
Cross-border supply chains expanded as ORLEN and VolagHy partnered on Kuopio eSAF production (~50 kt/yr in the early 2030s) and Nordic replication to 2040. ORLEN signed with Finnish developers, including InnoEnergy, to develop an eSAF facility in Kuopio with a €150 million tax incentive and logistics for fuels to Poland. Orlen and ABO Energy agreed on future Finnish green hydrogen supply to Poland, targeting up to 100,000 t/yr by 2035.
Mobility and applications
Downstream demand advanced as ORLEN opened a fifth hydrogen refuelling station in Piła, sized for buses and cars, with EU-backed expansion planned. In aerospace, Air Products secured $140 million NASA contracts to deliver liquid hydrogen to multiple U.S. facilities and support storage.
Technology and standards
On technology pathways, Hycamite's methane-splitting technology produces ~2 kt/y hydrogen and battery-grade graphite without mining, recognized under the EU Critical Raw Minerals Act. In China, Sinopec will lead hydrogen energy standardization committees covering production, storage, transport, and applications to accelerate commercialization and international alignment.