Recent developments
Hydrogen networks advance
The Netherlands commissioned the first 32‑km section of the national hydrogen network in Rotterdam, enabling flow from Maasvlakte production to industrial users and foreshadowing a 1,200‑km build‑out. Netherlands–Germany hydrogen corridor development was agreed by Gasunie, Open Grid Europe and Thyssengas via Zevenaar–Elten, linking Dutch production, storage and imports to Rhine‑Ruhr demand and, later, southern hubs.
Electrolysis project execution
Rely won EPC for the Djewels green hydrogen plant in Delfzijl, a 20 MW pressurized alkaline installation using John Cockerill technology, with ~3,000 tpa nameplate and ~2,000 t/y for regional users; first production is targeted for mid‑2028.
Integrated green molecules
At the Songyuan Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park, phase two targets 45 kt/y green hydrogen and 200 kt/y green ammonia/methanol on 100% renewable power, with corrosion‑control and hydrogen‑service coatings such as Interzinc 52E, Interbond 2340UPC and solar‑reflective topcoats for storage spheres.
Maritime fuels readiness
X‑Press Feeders completed Rotterdam’s first ethanol bunkering, enabling a 90% ISCC EU biomethanol/10% second‑generation ethanol blend delivered separately and blended onboard. A MAGPIE consortium exercise demonstrated safe ship‑to‑ship ammonia bunkering within a defined safety and regulatory framework, publishing validation sheets and guidance for port preparedness.
Refining decarbonisation pathways
Repsol’s 200,000 t/year renewable diesel plant in Puertollano converts waste oils to diesel and SAF and integrates renewable hydrogen from biogas to replace natural‑gas‑derived hydrogen; lifecycle emissions cuts are cited at up to 98% versus mineral diesel and around 700,000 t CO2 annually versus the fossil fuels displaced.
Materials and strategy
Hycamite plans a 200 kt/yr graphite plant in Finland adjacent to its hydrogen site, phased from a Kokkola demonstration to full scale and holding Strategic Project status under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, potentially supplying ~40% of current EU battery‑grade demand. At PRC Europe 2026 in Amsterdam, downstream leaders addressed delivery gaps for hydrogen integration, SAF, refinery–petrochemical synergies, efficiency and circular feedstocks while maintaining reliability and capital discipline.