During the period from September 12th to 18th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Mauritania driving global hub ammonia status with Hynfra deal
Poland’s Hynfra has signed an agreement with Mauritanian company MGA and the government to invest $1.5 billion in a green ammonia plant with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons, scheduled for operation by 2030. Leveraging local high-quality solar and wind resources, the project will include PV, wind power, electrolyzers, and desalination facilities. The green ammonia produced will meet local demand and be exported to Europe, supporting Mauritania’s goal of becoming a global green ammonia hub.
2. Partners to design new large-scale LNG bunkering vessel
Lloyd’s Register has signed an agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to collaborate on the design of a 22,000-cubic-meter large-scale LNG bunkering vessel to meet growing demand for LNG-fueled ships. The new vessel design aims to improve refueling efficiency and reduce operational costs. The global LNG-powered fleet now numbers 1,329 vessels, with new orders showing significantly larger average capacities, highlighting the need for large-scale bunkering infrastructure.
3. India launches first port-based green hydrogen project
India’s V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu has launched the country’s first port-based green hydrogen project, with an investment of approximately $52.3 million. The project will produce 10 standard cubic meters of green hydrogen per hour for use in port streetlights and electric vehicle charging stations. It is part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, aimed at decarbonizing ports and building green shipping corridors, supporting the goal of producing 5 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
4. St1 Biokraft opens ‘flagship’ Sweden biogas plant
Nordic biogas company St1 Biokraft has opened a flagship biogas plant in Mönsterås, Sweden, costing SEK 900 million (approximately €82.4 million). At full capacity, the plant will produce liquefied biogas equivalent to 13 million liters of diesel annually. Initial deliveries began in August, with full production expected by year-end. Using local manure as feedstock, it also produces bio-fertilizers, supporting emissions reduction and the circular economy, and advancing St1 Biokraft’s goal of producing 3 TWh of biogas by 2030.
5. Shell to supply bioLNG to shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd
Energy giant Shell has signed a multi-year agreement to supply bioLNG to shipping and logistics company Hapag-Lloyd, supporting decarbonization in the shipping industry. This collaboration builds on a 2023 agreement to advance alternative marine fuels. The fuel, derived from biomass such as agricultural waste, reduces emissions by 80% compared to marine diesel. Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s mandatory transition to biofuels.
6. Ethiopia launches the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam amid regional tensions
Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), according to Reuters. Africa’s largest hydropower plant, located on a tributary of the Nile, has a planned capacity of 5,150 MW, with two turbines currently generating 750 MW to supply domestic power and export to neighboring countries. Egypt, which relies on the Nile for 90% of its freshwater, strongly opposes the dam, citing threats to water security. Ethiopia asserts its sovereign right to proceed and has adopted phased filling to mitigate downstream impacts. The project is 91% funded by the central bank, with 9% from citizen donations and bonds.
7. Tedagua leads efforts to boost water supply in Ibiza with a new containerized desalination plant
A joint venture between Tedagua and Global Omnium has won a contract for a containerized reverse osmosis desalination plant in Ibiza. The SW10 unit will produce 1,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, using advanced technology to improve energy efficiency and enable rapid deployment to combat drought, ensure supply, and reduce aquifer stress. The project aligns with the Balearic Islands’ drought response plan, enhancing water supply capacity during peak demand periods.
8. Marafiq, SATORP, and partners launch $500 million wastewater reuse project
Saudi Arabia’s Marafiq and SATORP have signed a $500 million, 30-year agreement for an industrial wastewater treatment project in Jubail Industrial City, as reported by Zawya. The project will build advanced wastewater treatment facilities to support recycling and reuse of industrial wastewater for the Amiral petrochemical complex. Developed through a tripartite joint venture, it aims to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency, aligning with Saudi sustainability goals.
9. Xylem and Amazon to save 1.3 billion liters annually with smart water upgrades in Mexico
Water technology company Xylem, in partnership with Amazon, will deploy the smart water management platform Xylem Vue in Mexico City and Monterrey. Through real-time leak detection and pressure control, the project is expected to save over 1.3 billion liters of water annually. It will enhance water resilience for 9 million residents, particularly benefiting low-income communities, and help address water stress caused by urbanization and drought.