Recent developments
Refinery decarbonization steps
In Romania, OMV Petrom will build a photovoltaic park at the Petrobrazi refinery (~7 MW, RON 45.4 million, including RON 8.4 million from the Modernisation Fund) for on-site power, with completion targeted this year. The project integrates with the refinery grid and supports a new sustainable fuels unit featuring two hydrogen units intended to produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity.
Certified hydrogen supply
Lhyfe signed a multi-year contract to supply over 200 tonnes of RFNBO-certified hydrogen to Hyliko in the Paris region from November 1, 2025, and will supply a second station from 2027. Eligibility under France’s TIRUERT scheme would allow Hyliko to issue certificates, potentially lowering retail hydrogen prices by about €4–6/kg. The second site in Tremblay-en-France targets logistics flows near Roissy and the A1 corridor.
Ammonia value chains
Covestro, Fertiglobe, and TA’ZIZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore ammonia and nitric acid value chains, including near-term ammonia supply to Covestro sites in China and the United States, and assessment of long-term low-carbon and green ammonia for Europe, China, and the US. Enabling storage and transport options will be evaluated. In parallel, ADNOC and Germany strengthened their energy partnership, including LNG offtake and an MoU covering cooperation in ammonia and sustainable materials.
Industrial headwinds in Europe
INEOS warned that Europe’s chemical industry is at risk without immediate action, citing 101 site closures, 25 million tonnes of lost capacity, and over 75,000 jobs since February 2024, with an estimated €70 billion replacement cost. Drivers include energy prices roughly four times those in the US, rising carbon taxes, and weak trade defense. Proposed remedies include cutting anti-dumping timelines to six months, suspending carbon taxes for five years, and improving energy price competitiveness.
Low-carbon marine fuels
Japan conducted its first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering in Yokohama, transferring domestically produced biomethanol from Eika Maru to the dual-fuel Kohzan Maru VII. Participants included MGC, Yokohama City, Kokuka Sangyo, Idemitsu Kosan, and MOL. MLIT standards developed in 2024–2025 underpinned the operation. Methanol’s compatibility with existing infrastructure and lower emissions profile positions it as a transition fuel for shipping alongside future green and bio-derived pathways.