Energy Transition, Renewables, Emissions, Carbon
September 16, 2026
ET Highlights: Global hydrogen capacity grows, Europe’s largest CO2 capture plant starts, BRICS weigh in on transition certification standards
Energy Transition Highlights: Our editors and analysts bring together the biggest stories in the industry this week, from renewables to storage to carbon prices.
Top story
Global hydrogen capacity boosts as energy security drives investment: Hydrogen Council
Global operational low-carbon hydrogen project capacity has grown 70% to about 1.7 million metric tons/year, and is projected to reach about 3.8 million mt/year in 2027 as projects under construction come online, the Hydrogen Council said in its Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 report, published Sept. 10.
Project capacity has increased to 6.9 million mt/year and committed investments amount to $130 billion, the Hydrogen Council said in the report, co-authored with McKinsey & Co.
Drivers of hydrogen uptake are shifting as energy security, resilience and industrial growth have gained importance alongside decarbonization.
"The conversation has shifted from sustainability targets to immediate industrial resilience – governments now see hydrogen as a strategic solution to protect their industrial base from external shocks," said Air Liquide CEO François Jackow, who is also co-chair of the Hydrogen Council.
Benchmark of the Week
€85.84/mt
Platts nearest December EU ETS carbon allowance prices on Sept. 10, the highest since July 22, as the European Parliament set out its negotiating position on ETS reform.
Editor's Picks: Free and premium content
EU carbon market reform battle lines drawn as parliament enters the fray
The European Parliament's lead negotiator on the EU Emissions Trading System revision is pushing for a smarter emissions reduction path, stricter investment conditions on free allowances and a more powerful role for ETS revenues in driving down electricity costs ahead of trilogue talks following the Commission's landmark July 17 proposal. Peter Liese, the German center-right MEP from the European People's Party steering the ETS file as rapporteur for the Environment Committee, presented a draft report Sept. 11, setting the parliament's negotiating position on a reform that will shape European carbon prices and industrial investment decisions for the next two decades.
Yara starts up Europe’s largest CO2 capture plant at Dutch ammonia site
Yara International has started carbon capture operations at its Sluiskil ammonia site in the Netherlands, it said in a statement Sept. 7, marking the start of the largest such plant in Europe. The facility is designed to capture and liquefy up to 800,000 metric tons/year of CO2 from ammonia production at the site, shielding those volumes from European carbon taxation under the EU Emissions Trading System.
Japan sees hydrogen, ammonia critical for energy security: minister
Japan sees hydrogen and ammonia playing a growing role in strengthening energy security as geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties expose vulnerabilities in traditional energy markets, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said. Akazawa said the fuels can support both decarbonization and diversification of energy and supply sources.
Over 80% of ‘quality’ biochar already committed in 2026: Supercritical report
Most of the “high-quality” biochar supply was accounted for by July, teeing up high spot transaction prices in the fourth quarter, according to a Sept. 8 report from the carbon credit marketplace Supercritical. The report shows that 81% of the “high-quality” biochar supply was committed by July 2026, much faster than in 2025, when the same threshold was reached in October.
BRICS backs common hydrogen standards, carbon markets partnership
BRICS leaders agreed to advance interoperable certification standards for low-carbon hydrogen and deepen cooperation on carbon markets at the New Delhi Summit. The bloc said the measures would support clean-energy deployment, trade and decarbonization while strengthening resilience across member economies.