During the period from November 29th to December 5th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Neom’s Oxagon signs land lease with AHG for $160m industrial gases plant
Oxagon, the industrial city under Saudi Arabia's Neom project, has signed a land lease agreement with local industrial gas supplier AHG to invest USD 160 million in building an industrial gases plant. The project will commence construction in February 2026 and proceed in phases. It will produce green oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen to serve the region's manufacturing and transportation sectors, aligning with Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" goals for localized supply and helping Oxagon build a clean, efficient, and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
2. BASF and Sinopec to advance biomethane use at China chemical site
BASF and Sinopec have reached an agreement to expand the use of biomethane at their joint venture, the BASF-YPC Co., Ltd. integrated site in Nanjing. Sinopec's Natural Gas Division will supply ISCC PLUS-certified biomethane for producing chemical products related to daily chemicals and packaging, potentially reducing related carbon emissions by 70%-80%. This aligns with China's "14th Five-Year Plan" biomethane development goals and Sinopec's strategy for transitioning to cleaner feedstocks.
3. Poland waste firm secures $24m for biogas plant
Polish waste management company Eko Dolina has secured PLN 280 million (approximately USD 28 million) in funding from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management to build a biogas plant in Leźnice capable of processing 30,000 tonnes of biowaste annually. The total project investment exceeds PLN 380 million (approx. USD 38 million), with over PLN 270 million (approx. USD 27 million) provided by the EU Modernisation Fund. The produced biogas will be used for combined heat and power (CHP) generation, with surplus electricity fed into the grid. This aims to increase Poland's biogas capacity and support renewable energy targets in the transport sector.
4. Analysis: TotalEnergies withdrawal signals a shift in Europe’s gas landscape
TotalEnergies' announcement to terminate its floating LNG terminal project at the Port of Le Havre, France, reflects a stabilization of natural gas supply in Europe. Temporary regasification terminals rapidly deployed after the 2022 crisis now face oversupply as demand has receded, with some terminals in Germany and Greece also being adjusted or idled. Although Europe has drastically reduced pipeline gas imports from Russia, turning to US LNG, Russian LNG supplies continue, and a complete decoupling is now expected to be delayed until around 2027.
5. NextDecade starts regulatory process for Rio Grande LNG expansion
US LNG company NextDecade has submitted pre-filing documents for the expansion of its Rio Grande LNG export project, planning to add 48 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of capacity. Located near Brownsville, Texas, the project currently has its first three trains under construction, expected to start up in 2027. Trains 4 and 5 are already under development, with Trains 6-8 slated for full application submission in 2026. The total capacity will increase significantly post-expansion.
6. US biogas growth signals untapped source of renewable CO2
The US has over 300 operational biogas plants producing renewable energy from food waste, representing a 19% growth over the past five years. Among these, 118 plants specifically process food waste, handling over 10 million tonnes annually. These facilities represent a potential source for biogenic CO2. Currently, 474 renewable natural gas (RNG) plants are operational in North America, with an annual CO2 supply potential of approximately 2.25 million tonnes, indicating significant market growth space.
7. UGIES brings new Pennsylvania LNG facility online
UGI Energy Services (UGIES), a subsidiary of UGI Corporation, has commissioned a new LNG facility in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, featuring storage and regasification capabilities. The facility uses cryogenic technology to cool natural gas to approximately -162°C for storage, regasifying and injecting it into pipelines during peak winter demand periods. This serves as a peaking resource, ensuring supply reliability and easing pipeline pressure. The project upgraded local water supply infrastructure and commenced operations ahead of the heating season, supporting regional natural gas demand growth.
8. Viva Energy postpones LNG terminal call as buyers shun long-term deals
Australia's Viva Energy has postponed the Final Investment Decision (FID) for its proposed LNG import terminal in Victoria, as potential buyers are reluctant to sign long-term offtake agreements due to policy uncertainty and supply risks. The project could supply up to 160 petajoules annually, meeting about 88% of the state's gas demand. The company now expects to make an investment decision in 2026, while environmental groups advocate for a shift towards renewable energy investment.
9. Expander Energy secures feedstock and land for Canada biofuel project
Canada's Expander Energy has secured the necessary land and access to forestry waste feedstock for its biofuel project in British Columbia. The project will employ biomass-to-liquids technology to process 84,000 tonnes of wood waste annually, producing 30 million liters of renewable diesel, naphtha, and biowax, with annual emissions reductions reaching 90,000 tonnes. The project requires collaborative planning with local Indigenous communities and holds potential for future expansion into aviation fuel production.
10. ADB invests $145 million to improve water infrastructure in the Philippines
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is investing USD 145 million (comprising USD 100 million from its own funds and USD 45 million from the LEAP 2 fund) in Manila Water Company, Inc., serving as one of the major anchor investments for its IPO. The funds will be used to expand water treatment facilities, upgrade pipelines to extend water coverage, and improve wastewater systems. This aims to enhance water security and climate resilience for the Greater Manila area (serving 10.5 million people), aligning with the Philippines' goal of ensuring water access for all by 2030.
11. Launch of £25m Water Efficiency Lab to drive innovation and cut water use across England and Wales
The UK has launched a £25 million "Water Efficiency Lab" initiative, with an initial £5 million funding round for innovative projects. It aims to use technological tools to help users understand and reduce water consumption. The program responds to a projected daily water supply gap of 5 billion liters in England by 2055, encouraging the development of solutions like real-time monitoring, leak detection, and behavioral feedback tools. The application deadline is March 2026.
12. Welsh Water delivers £665 million investment in 2025/26 to drive performance and resilience
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is investing approximately £665 million in the 2025/26 financial year, as part of its capital program exceeding £4 billion until 2030. Investments are directed towards upgrading water supply infrastructure, including completing the UK's first constructed wetland for storm overflow treatment in Taf Fechan and launching consultations on the Cwm Taf Water Supply Strategy in South Wales. The company managed to avoid imposing water use restrictions during a dry period through detailed management, while also advancing pollution reduction and river improvement efforts.
13. Arizona advances four major desalination and water importation projects
The Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) is advancing four water importation projects to the study phase, including several major desalination proposals, under its Long-Term Water Augmentation Fund program. Proposed by two major consortia, the projects encompass desalination from the Sea of Cortez, water reuse, and other approaches. They will undergo multi-dimensional analysis including engineering feasibility, environmental assessments, and public feedback, aiming to help the state build a stable, long-term water supply system.
14. AUD 983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline advances Central Queensland’s water future
The AUD 983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline in Queensland, Australia, has completed all pipe laying. The 117-kilometer pipeline has an annual water transfer capacity of 30 gigaliters. The project aims to provide a second water source for Central Queensland communities and industries, reducing reliance on the Awoonga Dam, and is expected to be operational in 2026. Construction has created over 400 local jobs and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in local economic spending.