After a tumultuous recovery in 2021, the global chemical industry was expecting a strong rebound in 2022. Feedstock supply constraints, high energy prices, and slowing economic conditions, however, dampened the industry’s performance in 2022.  A number of these challenges will persist and likely intensify in 2023 and continue to challenge the industry.  Key trends with […]

The oil & gas midstream industry faced multiple challenges in 2022: an increase in demand for American LNG from Europe, growing emissions and ESG pressures, volatile margins and markets, and rising gas and oil production. In 2023, we expect similar challenges and dynamics that will test midstream markets again.  Some of these challenges and dynamics […]

Going into this past year, 2022 was meant to be the beginning of the end for petroleum refiners, but another spanner was thrown in the works. With most countries coming out of lockdown and entering post-COVID life, the expectations were that a lot of the trial and tribulations of the past two years would leave […]

The global mining sector had a wild ride in 2022, plagued by supply-chain and labor shortages and geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended markets, sending many commodities to record highs, only then to fall quickly. Several nations issued wide-ranging sanctions against Russia and further sanctions are still being debated as the conflict […]

The energy transition continued to move full steam ahead in 2022 with passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022 kicking it into full gear. This monumental legislation supplemented the previous Infrastructure, Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in 2021 and provided unprecedented funding to clean energy and climate initiatives. These incentives include […]

The global LNG market was influenced by some unprecedented factors in 2022. Europe significantly grew their LNG imports driving LNG prices to astounding highs. U.S. emerged as the top exporter in spite of an emergency shutdown at Freeport LNG. High shipping rates also plagued LNG markets along with limited supply and growing sustainability pressures. All […]

Upstream oil and gas fared well in 2022. Despite oil prices falling over 30% from their summer highs, oil and gas prices remain elevated, with WTI prices over $70 per barrel and natural gas at prices not seen since 2008.  Net income in 2022 is expected to double from 2021 for oil and gas producers, […]

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption in December 2022 advanced through infrastructure expansion, production capacity growth, and technology innovation. Airlines continued increasing SAF use, supported by new logistics developments such as NATO CEPS initiating SAF transport operations. Production and R&D progress remained strong, with LanzaTech and Velocys launching projects in the U.K. utilizing gases from steelmaking […]

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) momentum in December 2022 accelerated through supply deals, production expansion, and regulatory support. Airlines secured supply agreements with producers such as TotalEnergies, Shell, and Fidelis New Energy, while China’s Sinopec and U.S. operators advanced national SAF deployment. Government and industry initiatives across the U.K., Germany, Mexico, and Brazil focused on expanding […]

The global bioplastic market size was about $5.5 billion in 2021 with strong growth projected in the future. In fact, about 2.5 million tons of bioplastics were made last year with production forecasted to increase to about 7.5 million tons in 2026. With companies increasingly focused on ESG and growing acceptance of bioplastics among consumers, […]

Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) developments in November 2022 were defined by revised airline emissions targets, long-term SAF agreements, and growing regional initiatives. Airlines such as Airbus and Wizz Air expanded partnerships with producers like Shell and Gevo, while Asia Pacific advanced new SAF supply infrastructure in Japan and Thailand. Technological and policy progress continued […]

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) progress in November 2022 was marked by stronger decarbonization targets, new plant announcements, and expanded policy support. ICAO member states reaffirmed their net-zero by 2050 commitment, with airlines like Qatar Airways and Southwest Airlines advancing interim carbon-reduction goals. Technological and production momentum continued as alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) emerged as the leading pathway, […]