Petrochemicals
Thermo Fisher Scientific launches new raman analyzer for hazardous locations
Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Thermo Scientific™ MarqMetrix™ All-In-One X Process Raman Analyzer, engineered specifically for safe, real-time, in-line chemical analysis in hazardous environments, particularly in the oil and gas, chemical, polymer, and pharmaceutical industries.
OCOchem commissions first pilot plant using multiple industrial-scale cells to directly convert CO₂ and water into organic molecules
In a landmark achievement for carbon utilization and sustainable chemical production, OCOchem has announced the successful startup and commissioning of the world’s first pilot plant to produce hydrogen formate and potassium formate at industrial scale using only carbon dioxide (CO2) and water as feedstocks.
Lummus Technology completes acquisition of NAPCON from Neste, expanding digital and AI capabilities
Lummus Technology announced the successful closing of its acquisition of the NAPCON portfolio, the digital technology business of Neste. Initially announced in April 2025, the transaction includes the transfer of Neste's NAPCON intellectual property, select assets and key personnel.
Trump administration (U.S.) axes $3.7-B in green energy projects
The U.S. has axed awards to 24 green energy projects issued during U.S. President Joe Biden's administration that totaled more than $3.7 billion, the Energy Department said. These include projects from ExxonMobil, Heidelberg Materials and Eastman Chemical
European chemical industry pessimistic for 2025, recovery not until 2026 says new report
After a sobering business year in 2024 ("lost year"), the leading European chemical companies are still not forecasting any significant recovery for 2025. A cautiously positive development is only expected in the second half of the year - provided that a global trade war or a lack of economic recovery do not thwart the forecast.
Lotte Chemical Titan signs contract to buy naphtha from Aramco Trading Singapore
Malaysia's Lotte Chemical Titan has signed a three-year contract to buy naphtha from Aramco Trading Singapore starting in July 2025 and running to June 2028, the company said.
U.S. ethane exports to China hit new roadblock with license requirement
Chinese purchases of U.S. ethane, a key petrochemical feedstock, face fresh uncertainty after the U.S. Commerce Department told exporters to seek licenses to export to China
Hitachi Energy provides solution for Chinese green hydrogen-ammonia-methanol integrated project
Hitachi Energy has delivered rectifier transformers for electrolytic hydrogen to a hydrogen industry park built by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) in Songyuan, a city in northeast China.
BASF intends to take over shares in Alsachimie JV from DOMO Chemicals
BASF and DOMO Chemicals have signed an agreement giving BASF the right to take over DOMO Chemicals’ 49% share of the Alsachimie joint venture, in which BASF currently holds 51%.
ExxonMobil to sell French subsidiary Esso to Canadian energy group
ExxonMobil France Holding has entered into exclusive negotiations with North Atlantic France SAS for both the proposed sale of its 82.89% majority shareholder interest in Esso Société Anonyme Française SA as well as the proposed sale of ExxonMobil Chemical France SAS.

- Britain will not bail out bioethanol industry hit by Trump trade deal 8/15
- Russian energy facilities targeted recently in drone attacks 8/15
- Shell: Norco, Louisiana (U.S.) refinery gasoline unit work to start on Friday 8/15
- Sanctions-hit Indian refiner Nayara in talks with govt to sustain operations 8/15
- The API challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits 8/15
- IAG selects record 29 startups for accelerator program 8/15