Chemical news · Three minutes a day
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Lead Story
AEP to Sell Power to Google From $4 Billion Fuel Cell ProjectAmerican Electric Power agreed to sell electricity to Google using Bloom Energy fuel cells in a $4 billion Wyoming project completing by 2028. The deal highlights growing demand for rapid energy solutions for artificial intelligence systems.
EDF agreed to sell its clean hydrogen unit Hynamics to Hy24 pending regulatory approval next year. The divestment allows EDF to focus on nuclear investments while Hy24 accelerates hydrogen project development in France and the UK.
Mercuria Energy Group secured a $250 million advance payment deal for three years of copper supply from Shanghai Jayson in the DRC. The deal underscores rising trader demand for secure copper access amid soaring prices and involves CATL-linked ownership.
Ursula Gather of the Krupp Foundation sees a favorable window to spin off Thyssenkrupp's steel division amidst restructuring deals and EU tariff protections. CEO Miguel Lopez plans to transform the conglomerate into a financial holding company after recent divestments.
Swiss skincare conglomerate Galderma agreed to acquire medical-grade skincare firm ZO Skin Health for approximately $1.5 billion, expanding its US market presence alongside key brands like Cetaphil and Dysport.
Russian LNG producer Novatek has acquired at least two Arc4 ice-class carriers to expand its Arctic fleet amidst Western sanctions. The vessels, previously operated by MOL, were reflagged to Panama to facilitate shipments along the Northern Sea Route.
Five EU countries requested European Commission measures to curb PET imports, citing harm to domestic producers from a shipment surge. The Commission has 30 days to decide on potential safeguard measures or tariffs.
Labor disputes over the Ilva steelworks triggered protests blocking Eni's Taranto refinery, causing fuel shortages across southern Italy and disrupting airport supplies. Eni warned of potential controlled shutdowns if disruptions persist, while the government extends furlough measures.
Chinese state buyers purchased 8-10 Panamax cargoes of US soybeans, marking the first deals since the September Trump-Xi summit. Shipments are scheduled for December, signaling renewed demand despite prior tariff uncertainties.
Siemens invested over $100 million in Estonia’s Skeleton Technologies, valuing it over $1 billion and securing exclusive rights to sell its energy-storage technology for AI data centers. The deal supports Siemens' infrastructure expansion and Skeleton's US IPO next year.
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