Hydrogen & refining: HPCL’s R&D chief argues green hydrogen is becoming the key molecule for decarbonising refineries, where hydrogen demand is huge but today’s supply is still mostly fossil-based. Plastic-to-chemicals recycling: BioBTX is building the world’s first commercial-scale plant to turn mixed plastic waste into aromatic chemical feedstocks in the Netherlands, aiming to cut landfill/incineration while feeding coatings and materials supply chains. Low-carbon steel inputs: Outokumpu opened a biocoke agglomeration plant in Tornio, Finland, using biochar to replace fossil coke in ferrochrome and targeting major annual CO₂ cuts. Grid reliability & cooling demand: China’s power system is highlighted as the backbone of “AC freedom,” with peak load records and a push toward a greener, interconnected grid. Shipping decarbonisation: Shanghai Port completed first dual-fuel, dual-vessel green bunkering at anchor—LNG and biomethanol—showing scale-up of cleaner marine fuels. Data centers & power costs: Ulanqab’s cheap electricity and cool climate are drawing major AI data center investment, with Alibaba Cloud citing big operating savings. Water stress hits power: Lake Powell fell to a record low, threatening hydropower and water supply across the Colorado River Basin. Policy & permitting pressure: Nepal faces delays in hydropower Power Purchase Agreements, while Ireland’s business group warns climate progress will stall without faster energy and water infrastructure delivery. Market oversight: Philippines regulators say they’re ready to review competition impacts after Ramon Ang’s stake purchase in Lopez-linked power holdings.