Recent developments
Carrier-to-hydrogen conversion
Air Liquide commissioned the first industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot unit at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, converting 30 t/day of ammonia to hydrogen. The ammonia carrier pathway addresses long-distance hydrogen logistics and leverages improvements in process safety, materials, catalysis, combustion, and separations. Public funding via VLAIO supports industrial validation and import-readiness for European demand.
Refining-grade green hydrogen
OMV and Masdar formed a JV to develop a 140 MW green hydrogen electrolyzer plant in Bruck an der Leitha, with construction underway and start-up targeted for 2027. Output is intended to decarbonize OMV’s Schwechat refinery and enable synthetic fuels and chemicals options. Transaction closing is expected in early 2026, subject to approvals.
Maritime onboard hydrogen
Maritime applications progressed with onboard hydrogen from LNG. DNV issued AiP for Hycamite’s Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology, which converts methane to hydrogen and solid carbon for use in dual-fuel engines or fuel cells, minimizing CO2 handling and avoiding liquid hydrogen infrastructure. Use of biomethane could reduce lifecycle emissions further and enable carbon-negative operation.
Grid and CO2 infrastructure
Power and carbon infrastructure developments underpin future hydrogen supply chains. In Australia, Iberdrola’s VNI West project will add a 500 kV interconnector and up to 3.5 GW of transfer capacity to enable renewable build-out. In Europe, the Commission approved joint ventures for CO2 transport and storage projects in Europe and for port shore-power services, supporting industrial decarbonization.
Energy majors’ strategies
Oil and gas producers updated strategies with measured hydrogen participation. Chevron prioritized returns while advancing renewable fuels, hydrogen, CCUS, and lithium businesses; it also flagged chemicals capacity coming online in 2027 and power projects for data centers that may influence industrial power reliability and pricing.