Todays Latest Updates: 18 August 2026

Biobased chemicals: France.  Michelin ResiCare and Axens announced they have entered exclusive discussions toward a strategic partnership around an innovative production technology for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a key molecule for green chemistry. 5-HMF serves as a building block for producing resins, polymers, and other more sustainable materials, progressively replacing certain petroleum-derived molecules. This platform molecule enables the development of resins and adhesives, as well as bio-based polymers. One example is polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a bio-based plastic now considered one of the most credible substitutes for PET. Link 18/08/2026.

Hydrogen: India. Haryana Government is set to introduce a Green Hydrogen Policy  to promote clean energy in the Indian state. India’s first mega Green Hydrogen project with a capacity of 10,000 tons per annum (TPA), which is being established at Panipat under a PPP model by Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The plant will supply green hydrogen to the IOCL Panipat Refinery and is targeted for commissioning by December 2026. Link 18/08/2026.

Hydrogen: South Korea.South Korea’s Saemangeum Development Authority (SDA) and Korea South-East Power (KOEN) plan to set up a 320MW electrolyser and 100MW hydrogen-fuelled power plant in the country’s coastal region. Planned for the Saemangeum tidal area, the project would see 1GW of solar generation, 320MW of green hydrogen production, and 100MW of hydrogen gas-fired power generation. Link 18/08/2026.

Policy: New Zealand. the New Zealand Government has confirmed it has set aside $17.6 million ($30 million NZD) in Regional Infrastructure Funding for projects that will help grow the hydrogen sector. Link 18/08/2026.