https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/ The Chemical Engineer News Feed Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:11:12 GMT en https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/tata-steel-to-transfer-port-talbot-cold-mill-staff-to-llanwern-after-fire/ ]]> TATA Steel is to transfer staff from Port Talbot to a site around 64 km away in Llanwern after fire damaged part of the Port Talbot steelworks’ cold mill earlier this month. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:48:50 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48005 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/valaris-receives-tenth-uk-safety-warning-in-five-years-and-fined-over-worker-s-death/ ]]> OFFSHORE drilling rig contractor Valaris has received its tenth UK safety warning in less than five years, while one of its subsidiaries has been fined following the death of a worker on a North Sea rig in 2023. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:15:31 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48004 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/i-was-regarded-as-someone-who-would-never-amount-to-much-says-icheme-fellow-awarded-mbe/ ]]> IChemE Fellow Peter Robertson has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours this week for “services to research and innovation” following a 40-year career in academia across Northern Ireland and Scotland. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:24:56 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48003 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/solar-overtakes-coal-in-us-electricity-mix-for-first-time/ ]]> SOLAR power generated more electricity than coal in the US for the first time in May, marking another milestone in the country's shift away from fossil fuels despite efforts by President Trump to revive the coal industry. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:12:06 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48001 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/declining-stem-graduate-numbers-could-cost-major-economies-trillions-report-warns/ ]]> MAJOR economies including China, the US, India and the UK risk losing trillions of dollars in economic output over the next decade as STEM graduate numbers fail to keep pace with growing industry demand, according to a new report. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:43:04 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48000 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-matters-june-2026/ ]]> In this issues IChemE Matters, President Raffaella Ocone writes her last blog and reflects on her time in post, and head of policy Mitchell Clark provides some tips on how to engage with policymakers Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47909 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-ceo-yvonne-baker-chemical-engineers-crucial-to-uk-energy-success-mag/ ]]> IChemE is set to work even more closely with policymakers following the announcement of a new Energy Independence Bill in the King’s Speech. With the UK government shifting focus toward domestic energy security to counter global volatility, the Institution is keen to ensure technical expertise drives the transition. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47910 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/university-of-surrey-award-icheme-president-honorary-doctorate-mag/ ]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47912 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/connect-with-international-colleagues-at-chemengconnect-mag/ ]]> IChemE will host a two-week virtual conference in June, featuring over 30 opportunities to engage with a diverse programme of activity across international time zones. The event is free to attend and will bring together chemical engineers from around the world to discuss some of the profession’s most pressing technical and workforce challenges. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47913 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/residue-1020/ ]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47990 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/fire-causes-substantial-damage-to-cold-mill-at-tata-s-port-talbot-steelworks/ ]]> A FIRE at the Port Talbot steelworks in Wales caused “substantial damage” to a section of the site’s cold mill. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:51:52 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47897 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/all-pieces-in-place-for-commercial-sewage-based-saf/ ]]> A COMPANY planning to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from sewage says it has “all the pieces now in place” to commercialise the technology after selecting a provider for a critical hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:46:20 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47896 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/methane-leaks-from-boilers-could-be-100-times-greater-than-estimated-research-finds/ ]]> EMISSIONS of unburnt methane from domestic boilers could be more than 100 times greater than previous estimates, according to UK government research. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:37:58 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47895 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-delays-tougher-hfc-phasedown-targets-as-businesses-struggle-to-find-alternatives/ ]]> THE UK government has delayed its planned phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants following a public consultation, while businesses say they are struggling to find alternatives to the highly potent greenhouse gases. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:51:21 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47878 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/australia-must-reduce-gas-demand-and-relentlessly-pursue-renewables-report/ ]]> DEMAND reduction should be the focus of Australian gas policy, while renewable electricity should be pursued “relentlessly”, according to an independent think tank. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:13:54 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47877 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/norwegian-offshore-workers-threaten-strike-over-pay/ ]]> Almost 8% of Norway’s offshore oil and gas workers could take strike action after pay talks between unions and energy companies broke down last week. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:37:02 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47876 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/mushroom-and-ai-focused-startups-secure-58m-for-water-innovation/ ]]> UK STARTUPS specialising in water and wastewater treatment have secured a massive £58m (US$78m) in investment from Ofwat’s Water Innovation Fund. Fri, 29 May 2026 11:55:58 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47873 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/surgical-manifolds-recalled-from-uk-hospitals-due-to-microplastic-contamination/ ]]> MEDICAL devices used to control fluids in some surgical procedures have been urgently recalled after plastic particulates were found inside fluid pathways. Fri, 29 May 2026 11:23:29 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47872 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/gkn-under-fire-as-catastrophe-averted-in-california/ ]]> BRITISH aerospace firm GKN has been criticised for its management of a chemical tank at a facility in California, following a near-explosion that prompted the evacuation of 50,000 residents. Fri, 29 May 2026 10:42:36 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47871 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/chinese-authorities-accuse-coal-mine-owner-of-serious-violations-of-law-after-explosion-kills-82/ ]]> CHINESE authorities have accused the owner of a coal mine in the Shanxi Province of having committed "serious violations of laws" for a gas explosion that killed at least 82 people. Thu, 28 May 2026 18:50:51 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47869 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/synthetic-diamonds-used-to-kill-off-bacteria-in-food-and-drink/ ]]> KILLING OFF bacteria in food is a chemical and energy intensive process in the food and drink industry - but two companies have designed a system to reduce both demands. Thu, 28 May 2026 11:32:38 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47868 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/leadership-turmoil-at-bp-as-chairman-ousted-less-than-a-year-into-post/ ]]> BP HAS removed chairman Albert Manifold after less than a year in post following “serious concerns” over conduct. Tue, 26 May 2026 15:28:09 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47866 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/fujifilm-to-close-derbyshire-electronic-materials-site-by-december/ ]]> JAPANESE conglomerate Fujifilm is set to close its electronic materials manufacturing plant in Alfreton, Derbyshire by the end of the year, putting its entire workforce at risk of redundancy. Thu, 21 May 2026 17:19:46 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47859 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-chemicals-industry-praises-government-progress-but-warns-of-scary-agendas-amid-leadership-turmoil/ ]]> GOVERNMENT progress in supporting the UK’s declining chemicals sector has been praised by industry figures, although one senior representative has warned of “scary” messaging from some camps expected to challenge the prime minister’s leadership. Thu, 21 May 2026 17:08:55 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47858 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-to-prioritise-alignment-with-eu-on-chemicals-regulation/ ]]> THE UK will align its chemicals regulation with EU rules unless “very exceptional circumstances” require otherwise, government officials have said. Thu, 21 May 2026 16:51:58 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47856 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/equinor-signs-five-year-deal-to-supply-gas-to-germany/ ]]> Equinor has struck a deal with Dutch-owned Eneco to supply natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf to the German grid. Thu, 21 May 2026 11:36:40 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47850 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/spain-allocates-hydrogen-grid-capacity-as-blending-rollout-begins/ ]]> HYDROGEN will make up 2% of Spain’s gas supply after grid operator Enagás awarded network capacity to 35 renewable hydrogen projects. Tue, 19 May 2026 13:46:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47849 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-to-get-first-graphite-recycling-plant-for-battery-materials/ ]]> NORTH AMERICAN materials company Orbia is set to open a first-of-its-kind graphite recycling pilot plant in the UK, tapping into the “billion-dollar” recycled graphite market. Tue, 19 May 2026 09:17:03 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47848 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/hyosung-scales-up-renewable-sugarcane-based-feedstock-production/ ]]> SOUTH KOREAN industrial giant Hyosung is ramping up production of the sugarcane-based 1,4-Butanediol (Bio-BDO) at its new facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mon, 18 May 2026 09:19:12 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47846 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/south-east-water-chair-and-ceo-resign-following-engineering-failures/ ]]> SOUTH EAST WATER chair Chris Train and CEO David Hinton have resigned following intense criticism over the company’s handling of a string of engineering failures that caused major supply outages affecting more than 300,000 customers since 2020. Tue, 12 May 2026 10:30:02 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47844 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-matters-may-1019/ ]]> In this month's IChemE Matters, Raffaella Ocone recounts the historical importance of nuclear policy in the world, and we get some excellent feedback around ethics for our feature on Xinjiang from TCE 1,016 Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47756 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/joan-cordiner-set-to-serve-as-icheme-president-in-202728-mag/ ]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47758 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/gaining-maximum-value-from-your-icheme-membership/ ]]> IChemE Member Engagement Committee member Leonardo Brandao Bernardo e Souza offers a practical guide to making the most of your membership at every stage of your career Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47760 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-connects-with-students-at-study-melbourne-careers-fair-mag/ ]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47761 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/world-first-plant-converting-plastic-waste-to-saf-opens-in-uk/ ]]> A PILOT plant converting waste plastic into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has opened in Kent, UK, and is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world. Tue, 05 May 2026 14:34:22 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47730 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/lab-grown-chocolate-could-be-supermarket-ready-by-2027/ ]]> CHOCOLATE could soon be produced using lab-grown ingredients, including cocoa butter, according to a Mondelez-backed foodtech company. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:42 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47725 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/un-satellite-programme-curbs-more-than-40-methane-super-emitters-since-2023/ ]]> A SATELLITE-BASED monitoring system run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has helped stop 41 methane “super-emitters” since launching in 2023. Tue, 05 May 2026 11:27:23 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47723 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/johnson-matthey-to-supply-biomethanol-technology-for-china-plant/ ]]> ENGINEERING firm Johnson Matthey has partnered with Chinese green energy developer Guangdong Liquid Sunshine to build a biomethanol plant in Tiandong County, Guangxi. Fri, 01 May 2026 16:06:06 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47722 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/shell-buys-canadian-shale-producer-for-us-164bn/ ]]> ENERGY giant Shell is expanding its oil and gas operations in Canada’s Montney shale basin with the US$16.4bn purchase of Canadian shale producer ARC Resources. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:03:41 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47721 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-president-raffaella-ocone-awarded-honorary-doctorate-by-surrey/ ]]> IChemE president Raffaella Ocone has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Surrey, in recognition of her contributions to chemical engineering and academia. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:27:46 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47718 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/europe-s-first-nylon-biorecycling-plant-to-open-in-uk/ ]]> A DEMONSTRATION plant capable of recycling “hundreds of tonnes” of post-consumer nylon is set to open in the UK. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:44:40 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47717 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/finnish-cleantech-launch-green-fertiliser-pilot/ ]]> A FINNISH cleantech company specialising in nutrient recovery from waste streams has launched a pilot plant at a biogas site in Saxony, Germany. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:32:18 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47715 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/piper-bravo-remains-in-shutdown-as-operator-receives-third-warning-over-emergency-valve-failures/ ]]> PRODUCTION remains suspended at the Piper Bravo platform in the North Sea due to an emergency valve failure in January, prompting operator Neo Next to receive its third warning in less than a year over the issue. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:53:15 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47714 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/german-drugmaker-launches-ai-research-centre-in-london/ ]]> GLOBAL pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim is establishing its flagship AI and machine learning research centre in London. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:28:54 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47713 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/solar-curbs-fossil-fuel-reliance-on-global-electricity-demand/ ]]> CLEAN POWER met all new global electricity demand in 2025, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, according to a report from Ember. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:03:56 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47710 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/evonik-expands-biotechnology-capabilities-in-slovakia/ ]]> GERMAN chemical giant Evonik is investing €80m (US$94m) to expand its biotechnology capabilities at its Fermas site in Slovakia. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:17:55 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47705 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/enquest-fined-record-165m-for-actively-delaying-north-sea-decommissioning/ ]]> UK OIL and gas operator EnQuest has been fined a record £16.5m (US$22.3m) by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) for “actively” failing to plug and abandon 33 disused wells. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:54:02 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47703 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-gas-field-to-be-used-to-mine-bitcoin/ ]]> THE UK’s largest onshore gas field could be used to mine bitcoin and power data centres in a move proponents say is “crucial” for the economy but critics argue undermines energy priorities. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:42:40 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47702 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/gsk-acquires-canadian-pulmonary-hypertension-drug-developer-for-nearly-us-1bn/ ]]> BRITISH pharmaceutical giant GSK has acquired Canada-based biotech firm 35Pharma, a developer of pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatments, in a deal worth up to US$950m. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:18:18 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47701 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/solar-powered-airship-reaches-new-heights/ ]]> AN AIRSHIP running solely on solar power flew over Brazil for more than 88 hours, marking a “defining step” for the technology Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:07:06 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/47700