Recent developments
Hydrogen pathways
Industrial hydrogen options diversified. The Hydraeon alkaline water electrolyser highlighted progress on large, modular electrolysis. In parallel, BASF and ExxonMobil advanced methane pyrolysis technology toward a Baytown demonstration for low-emission H2 and solid carbon. Offtake signals grew as Lhyfe contracted RFNBO-certified renewable hydrogen for heavy mobility. Downstream logistics tested deployment with Air Liquide introducing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for deliveries around Rotterdam.
CCUS infrastructure builds
CO2 transport capacity scaled. Technip Energies will deliver fully electric loading arms for the Northern Lights CO2 transport and storage project Phase 2, exceeding 5 Mtpa by 2028. In the Netherlands, the Aramis project initiated a tender for 200 km of offshore linepipe (22 mtpa) toward a 2030 start. Sector-wide commitments were summarized in the OGDC 2025 Status Report, noting increased investments in CCUS and related low‑carbon solutions.
Circular feedstocks and materials
Bio- and waste-based inputs expanded. BASF added ISCC EU to its biomass-balanced methanol, aligning with RED III criteria. Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem will assess the integration of e-Naphtha into the plastics value chain via CCU/PtL. In cement, Heidelberg deepened use of slag cement through a US acquisition. Upstream circularity advanced as the Repsol Foundation invested in Coleo's recycling division to expand textile recovery capacity.
Efficiency and electrification
Producers targeted lower energy intensity and flexible operations. INEOS will modernize its cracker at Lavera for reliability, efficiency, and CO2 reduction. Veolia’s Lapouyade Industrial Ecology Hub entered grid secondary reserve via rapid digital load modulation. Siemens acquired key technology from Setmetrics to accelerate energy modeling across buildings. In China, multiple Sinopec sites were recognized as key product energy efficiency leaders and water efficiency benchmarks.
Process innovations in chemicals
Catalysis and process routes showed decarbonization potential. Clariant’s HySat catalyst platform removes Cr VI from hydrogenations, while EDHOX Technology targets sub‑400°C ethane-to-ethylene with lower Scope 1 emissions. In Kazakhstan, the Tengiz Gas Separation Complex will recover ≥98% ethane for downstream PE. In fertilizers, thyssenkrupp Uhde’s UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology adds energy‑efficient scrubbing and ACT integration. China’s 2025 Annual Green Technology Innovation Cases featured bio-jet fuel, catalysts, and water reuse.
Power, assets, and policy
Power integration and asset restructuring continued. TotalEnergies entered a JV around EPH’s flexible power generation platform to balance renewables, while ENGIE signed renewable Power Purchase Agreements with Apple and Meta. Nuclear-aligned supply grew with the Georges Besse 2 enrichment plant expansion. Offshore wind advanced via the Baltic East offshore wind project approvals. Conversely, the Fife Ethylene Plant closure removed major EU/UK ethylene capacity, underscoring competitiveness and upgrade hurdles.