Recent developments
Grid-scale storage
In Germany, TotalEnergies and Allianz Global Investors agreed a 50% stake sale in 11 BESS (789 MW) developed by Kyon Energy, with Saft supplying next‑generation batteries and operations targeted by 2028. In Finland, Statkraft and OX2 signed a seven‑year PPA to optimize 110 MW/220 MWh and 125 MW/250 MWh systems co‑located with wind, using a revenue‑floor structure to support financing starting 2028. To absorb variable generation, renewable energy projects in Italy advanced to 235 MW under construction, including Agri‑PV sites designed for dual land use.
Biofuels and e‑methanol
Clariant and Vertimass will scale zeolite catalysts for the CADO process, converting biobased alcohols into drop‑in liquid fuels for road and aviation. The biomass‑to‑methanol project in Nova Scotia entered an integration study combining PRENFLO gasification and methanol synthesis to produce over 450 kt/y renewable methanol using woody biomass and more than 1 GW of renewables. Eni took FID to convert the Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi refinery into a biorefinery (550 kt/y feedstocks) alongside the Priolo 500 kt/y site, targeting HVO and SAF output growth through 2030.
Lower‑impact coatings and plastics
PPG installed a pilot line with IPG’s PhotoniCURE laser curing system to test faster, lower‑energy powder curing on Whirlpool appliance components. BASF launched biomass balance grades of Autofroth polyurethane systems for low‑pressure foaming in North America, with REDcert2 certification and 18–20% estimated product carbon‑footprint reductions. EU authorization for EU approval for rice bran wax additives in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC food‑contact articles offers a renewable substitute amid montan wax supply constraints.
Next‑gen EV materials
Ampere and Basquevolt advanced lithium‑metal polymer‑electrolyte batteries targeting higher energy density and ~30% lower capex per GWh and energy per kWh produced. UBE Corporation’s investment in CheomdanLab backs SRBSN technology that upcycles silicon waste into silicon nitride powders and ceramic balls for high‑speed EV and industrial bearings. Toraypearl PA12 spherical PBF powder improves packing, surface finish, and impact strength for demanding 3D‑printed parts. Brenntag’s distribution agreement with Nanum adds graphene‑based and metal‑oxide nanomaterials to Brazil’s CASE, polymer, energy, and water‑treatment markets.
Strategy and capital allocation
Technip Energies reported 2025 results and closed the Advanced Materials & Catalysts acquisition, while preparing for LNG mega‑projects and publishing a 2030 sustainability scorecard. Arkema’s 2025 performance included 16% sales growth in batteries, 3D printing, and fluorospecialties, plus on‑time DMDS, 1233zd, and Rilsan Clear capacity starts. Galp prioritized low‑carbon investments, including solar and storage capacity in Iberia and projects in Sines. CABB Group’s divestment of Jayhawk Fine Chemicals refocuses toward pharma and life‑science specialties; QEMETICA and the Łukasiewicz Research Network formed a platform to industrialize advanced, energy‑efficient processes.
Ecosystem and ESG
Recognition of sectoral ESG practices continued with S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 inclusion for WuXi Biologics. Upstream of therapeutics supply chains, Novo Nordisk and Vivtex initiated an R&D alliance on oral biologics using AI‑enabled GI screening and delivery technologies, with up to $2.1 billion in potential economics.