In this article, we highlight the most noteworthy new technologies and services announced in the the chemical industry during the second half of 2025. We hope this can serve as inspiration for companies seeking to accelerate their business by adopting cutting-edge global innovations.
Company Showcase
Sinopec: Pioneering Hydrogen Infrastructure and Clean Energy Transition in China
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec, HKG: 0386) is one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies, with core businesses spanning oil and gas exploration, refining, petrochemicals, and fuel retail. In recent years, Sinopec has accelerated its transition toward low-carbon energy, positioning itself as China’s leading hydrogen enterprise.
In September 2025, Sinopec announced a major milestone in hydrogen mobility with the launch of its pioneering Hydrogen Corridor along the Yangtze River. Three hydrogen-powered logistics vehicles successfully completed a 1,500-kilometer journey across five provinces and municipalities, refueling at six Sinopec hydrogen stations along the route. This achievement builds on earlier cross-regional pilot corridors such as Beijing–Shanghai and the Western Land-Sea route, and integrates intercity corridors like Shanghai–Jiaxing–Ningbo and Wuhan–Yichang. With 146 hydrogen refueling stations and 11 supply centers in operation, Sinopec is now the world’s largest operator of hydrogen fueling stations.
Beyond infrastructure, Sinopec is strengthening its production capacity with an annual hydrogen output of 4.45 million tons. The company has completed China’s first seawater-based hydrogen production project at its Qingdao refinery and is piloting a 100 kW Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) system at Zhongyuan oilfield. Large-scale renewable projects, such as the Ordos wind-solar-hydrogen complex (30,000 tons/year) and the Ulanqab project (100,000 tons/year), are advancing clean hydrogen for industrial decarbonization and long-distance transport.
Sinopec has also launched a RMB 5 billion (USD 690 million) hydrogen-focused venture capital fund to foster innovation across the hydrogen value chain. Through its “Hydrogen Highway” initiative and collaboration with SASAC, the company aims to activate a nationwide hydrogen economy, build sustainable business models, and lead high-quality growth in the sector.
As the chemical industry enters the second half of 2025, Sinopec stands out as a global leader driving hydrogen mobility, renewable integration, and a cleaner industrial future.
Website : http://www.sinopecgroup.com/group/en/index.shtml
Messer: Expanding Global Helium Supply through Strategic Partnership with QatarEnergy
Messer, the world’s largest privately held industrial gases company, continues to strengthen its global leadership in helium and specialty gases through a landmark partnership with QatarEnergy. In September 2025, Messer signed its first direct long-term sales and purchase agreement with QatarEnergy for the supply of 100 million cubic feet of high-purity helium annually. Sourced from QatarEnergy’s advanced Ras Laffan facilities, the helium will support Messer’s customers worldwide, ensuring reliability and security of supply in an increasingly critical sector.
Helium is indispensable for modern technologies and industries, including MRI and other medical imaging applications, semiconductors, quantum computing, fiber optics, and aerospace exploration. By diversifying its sourcing portfolio, Messer is not only safeguarding access to this rare gas but also reinforcing its role as a key enabler of high-tech innovation. The agreement follows Messer’s earlier acquisition of the former Federal Helium System in the United States, which firmly established the company as a major player in the global helium market.
At the signing ceremony, QatarEnergy President and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi highlighted Messer’s reputation and global reach, emphasizing the importance of reliable partnerships in delivering helium to customers worldwide. Bernd Eulitz, Global CEO of Messer SE & Co. KGaA, underscored the benefits for customers, noting that the deal provides greater confidence in consistent, high-quality supply to support long-term growth and innovation.
Founded more than 125 years ago, Messer operates across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, offering a broad portfolio of industrial, medical, specialty, and electronics gases. Messer Americas alone accounts for approximately 52% of the company’s $4.8 billion annual sales. With health, safety, sustainability, and environmental protection at the core of its operations, Messer is committed to building a diversified and dependable helium supply chain that will power global industries today and in the decades ahead.
Website : https://www.messeramericas.com/