Chemical news · Three minutes a day
Friday, October 9, 2026
Lead Story
Italy's Energy Dome in Advanced Talks for Major Funding, Keeps IPO Option OpenItalian startup Energy Dome is advancing talks to raise hundreds of millions of euros for its CO2-based energy storage technology, backed by investors including Eni Next and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. The firm plans to expand manufacturing capacity in Italy while maintaining an IPO option contingent on market conditions.
NESR and Saudi Aramco have agreed to execute a lithium demonstration project producing 2,000 tons per annum of battery-grade lithium carbonate starting in late 2027. The initiative combines Aramco's subsurface expertise with NESR's LiThara direct lithium extraction technology.
Devon Energy agreed to sell its Eagle Ford assets to Crescent Energy for $4.2 billion to streamline operations after merging with Coterra. The deal improves capital efficiency and strengthens the balance sheet, closing around year-end 2026.
Indian shares are set to open lower after the Reserve Bank of India raised rates amid inflation concerns and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions. Corporate updates include TCS starting earnings season and Sun Pharmaceuticals considering a significant debt raise.
Shell partially restarted its Pearl gas-to-liquids plant in Qatar to test facilities and build inventory after March damage, with full repairs expected by Q1 next year pending regional security conditions.
The Royal Swedish Academy awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Kagan and Soai for breakthroughs in asymmetric synthesis. Their work enables precise control of molecular chirality, crucial for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials manufacturing.
An arbitration tribunal ruled Venture Global breached its long-term LNG supply agreement with Galp by delaying operations, potentially diverting cargoes to the spot market. Damages will be determined by 2028, subject to a $170 million liability cap.
Devon Energy agreed to sell its Eagle Ford shale assets to Crescent Energy for $4.2 billion to reduce debt and fund buybacks. The deal marks a strategic divestment as Devon faces pressure from activist investors to streamline its portfolio.
Vitol leads a $225 million Series D investment in Voltus Inc., which offers grid flexibility services to help data centers connect to power grids efficiently amidst rising energy demand.
AkzoNobel has agreed to sell its decorative paint operations in seven Asian countries to Nippon Paint for approximately $1.35 billion. The transaction aims to streamline operations ahead of AkzoNobel's merger with Axalta.
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