https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/ The Chemical Engineer News Feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:15:20 GMT en https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/cutting-edge-lithium-extraction-plant-gets-the-green-light-in-cornwall/ ]]> A NEW lithium extraction facility in Cornwall has been approved by the UK government with the promise of generating more than 100 jobs. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:14:05 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48407 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/the-chemical-engineer-podcast-ep-01/ ]]> In the first episode of The Chemical Engineer Podcast, we speak to Aida Rafat, the CEO and co-founder of DyeRecycle, about textile waste and how we can make the textile supply chain more circular Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:05:23 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48254 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-matters-septemberoctober-1023/ ]]> In this issue, President Ollie Folayan recounts his first full month in post, and head of policy at IChemE Mitchell Clark talks about the challenges in chemical regulation Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48304 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/young-engineers-take-centre-stage-mag/ ]]> The IChemE Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability (YEAIS) 2026 again showed the extraordinary breadth of talent emerging across chemical, biochemical and process engineering. Here are the people and projects Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48307 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/making-change-happen-mag/ ]]> Building awareness of the role chemical engineers play in technological advances and the energy transition is a core goal for new IChemE president Ollie Folayan, as he explained in Birmingham. Aniqah Majid reports Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48316 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/from-ambition-to-action-mag/ ]]> The 2026 Hydrogen Innovation and Technology conference takes place in what organisers say is a “defining year” for the sector. Here, Hydrogen Energy Association chair Emma Guthrie, one of the event’s six plenary speakers, considers the current situation Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48319 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/embed-volunteering-into-your-career-mag/ ]]> For many starting their chemical engineering journey, the focus is on developing technical knowledge and expertise – yet some of the most valuable professional development happens outside formal education Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48322 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/stand-up-for-what-is-right-dame-judith-hackitt-urges-engineers/ ]]> DAME JUDITH Hackitt used a lecture this week to urge engineers to use ethical judgment to “do what is right” to make their designs and procedures safe, even if it means exceeding legal requirements. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:52:30 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48365 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/quebec-lng-proposals-criticised-as-developers-seek-investment/ ]]> PROPOSALS for a major new liquified natural gas (LNG) plant and pipeline in Quebec, Canada, have been met with opposition from environmentalists and an indigenous leader amid early-stage discussions with potential investors and customers. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:28:25 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48360 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-water-regulator-approves-34bn-funding-package-for-pfas-and-data-centre-infrastructure/ ]]> OFWAT has provisionally approved a £3.4bn investment package for several projects led by water companies to improve and safeguard the UK’s infrastructure. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48344 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/humberside-engineers-distressed-as-ineos-suspends-uk-acetyl-production-over-high-gas-prices/ ]]> INEOS has suspended production at two major acetic acid facilities in Humberside, UK, and will idle a third in the coming days over “ridiculously” high gas prices, the company said – despite a £30m upgrade last year. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:55:08 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48278 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/spanish-energy-firm-breaks-ground-on-europe-s-largest-green-hydrogen-plant/ ]]> EUROPE’s largest planned green hydrogen plant is on the move, with Spanish energy firm Moeve recently breaking ground on its Onuba project in Huelva, Andalusia. Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:16:31 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48277 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/icheme-opens-nominations-for-refreshed-medals-and-prizes-programme/ ]]> NOMINATIONS are now open for IChemE’s 2027 medals and prizes, with a refreshed portfolio designed to recognise excellence across a broader and more diverse cross-section of the chemical engineering community. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:11:15 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48274 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/renewable-fuel-used-for-first-time-in-classic-car-race-through-swiss-alps/ ]]> CLASSIC car drivers fuelled their vehicles with renewable synthetic gasoline for the Bernina Gran Turismo (BGT) races through the Swiss alps last week for the first time in the event’s history. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:14:18 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48273 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/heathrow-expansion-not-compatible-with-uk-climate-targets-government-warned/ ]]> PLANS to expand London Heathrow Airport are “not compatible” with climate targets, an official panel has warned the government, unless the aviation industry pays for greater uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technology. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:10:49 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48269 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/a-new-future-for-non-invasive-temperature-measurement-sponsored/ ]]> Historically dismissed as inaccurate, surface-mounted temperature measurement has evolved. Now it can offer the same accuracy and response times as invasive temperature measurement – without process interruption. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:45:38 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48268 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-nuclear-jobs-at-record-high-as-figures-show-over-100-000-in-sector/ ]]> THE NUMBER of people working in the UK’s civil nuclear industry has reached a record high, rising above 100,000 for the first time ever, figures reveal. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48263 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/us-coal-biggest-contributor-by-far-to-rise-in-global-emissions/ ]]> A DRAMATIC increase in US coal consumption was “by far the biggest contributor” to the overall increase in global CO2 emissions last year, a report has revealed. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:32:46 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48262 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/exxonmobil-fined-after-woeful-maintenance-of-scottish-ethylene-plant-led-to-multiple-leaks/ ]]> EXXONMOBIL has been ordered to pay £267,000 ($361,000) over multiple hydrocarbon leaks at its ethylene plant in Mossmorran, Scotland. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:38:03 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48258 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-ministers-in-talks-to-raise-water-bills-for-industry/ ]]> The UK Environment Agency (EA) says that talks are under way with ministers to raise water bills for businesses and industrial users to tackle supply shortages. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:33:02 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48257 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/regulator-to-recommend-market-authorisation-for-cbd-products-in-england-and-wales/ ]]> MARKET authorisation for cannabidiol (CBD) products in England and Wales moved a step closer last week after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed it would recommend the government approves its plans for the cannabis-derived supplements. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:35:51 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48256 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/europe-s-biggest-carbon-capture-facility-launched-at-dutch-ammonia-plant/ ]]> EMISSIONS from an ammonia plant in the Netherlands are now being captured, following the inauguration of Europe’s single biggest commercial-scale carbon capture facility this week. Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:36:25 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48251 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/natural-gas-production-begins-in-australia-s-beetaloo-basin/ ]]> AFTER decades of development and planning, natural gas production has begun in Australia’s Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory (NT), one of the country’s largest onshore gas reserves. Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:03:36 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48250 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/ai-identifies-800-plant-proteins-to-replace-synthetic-emulsifiers/ ]]> AN AI model was able to identify nearly 800 plant proteins that could be used to replace synthetic emulsifiers in food and pharmaceuticals, according to a study from the University of Leeds. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:49:11 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48248 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/kenyan-president-orders-tata-chemicals-out-of-the-country/ ]]> TATA CHEMICALS, the chemical manufacturing subsidiary of Tata Group, has failed to benefit Kenya after more than two decades of operating in the country, according to the President William Ruto. Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:58:50 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48246 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/canada-plugs-major-source-of-methane-emissions-from-oil-and-gas-field-leak/ ]]> A “MAJOR SOURCE” of methane emissions leaking from an oil and gas field in Alberta, Canada has been plugged according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:52:35 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48245 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/mit-spinout-to-expand-pathogen-fighting-microbe-solution-for-crops/ ]]> ROBIGO, a biotech spanout from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has secured more than a quarter-of-a-million dollars to ramp up the trials for its microbe solution for the agriculture industry. Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:26:03 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48244 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/bp-appoints-new-chair-in-continued-restructure/ ]]> Energy giant BP has found a new chair in ex Balfour Beatty boss Ian Tyler following the dismissal of Albert Manifold in May. Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:33:22 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48236 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/lotus-plant-inspires-development-of-ice-and-water-repellent-coatings/ ]]> A coating material for airplanes, wind turbines and powerlines has been developed using the same mechanics observed in the humble lotus plant. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:47:10 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48234 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/new-whitepaper-the-fascinating-world-of-powder-dispersion-sponsored/ ]]> The world of powder dispersion is far more complex than many users realise. Different methods have very specific strengths depending on the process requirements. Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:53:08 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48233 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-sourced-plasma-approved-for-medicine-manufacture-27-years-after-bse-crisis-prompted-ban/ ]]> PLASMA sourced from UK blood donations has been approved for use in manufacture of five medicines, 27 years after the “mad cow disease” outbreak prompted its ban. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:09:31 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48230 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/student-researchers-create-tasty-cookies-from-plastic-waste/ ]]> COOKIES could be made tastier using flavourings derived from plastic waste and biomass, a group of young scientists has said following a research project in Illinois, US. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:31:54 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48228 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/biomaterial-that-could-replace-pfas-coatings-wins-rsc-award/ ]]> A LONDON-BASED company developing biobased alternatives to harmful PFAS chemicals has won in the environment category of the Emerging Technology competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:02:26 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48227 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/eni-to-bring-its-fusion-power-to-europe-by-2040s/ ]]> INTERNATIONAL energy firm Eni says it plans to open a commercial fusion plant in Europe by the 2040s as part of its long-time partnership with US private fusion company Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS). Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:52:42 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48224 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/hitachi-uses-ai-to-develop-optimal-battery-coating-process/ ]]> ELECTRONICS manufacturing firm Hitachi High-Tech, a subsidiary of Hitachi Global, has developed an AI-driven process to coat all-solid-state batteries, which are crucial components for smartphones and computers. Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:35:44 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48222 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/exclusive-shell-advised-to-change-unsuitable-north-sea-platform-design-over-six-years-before-hydrocarbon-release/ ]]> SHELL was warned about a design flaw in its new Penguins oil platform in the UK North Sea several years before a hydrocarbon release last year, TCE can reveal. Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48220 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/scottish-government-to-award-10-000-in-funding-to-scale-up-biomanufacturing-projects-at-300-l-fermenter/ ]]> THE SCOTTISH government has allocated funding that could award biobased manufacturing startups £10,000 to scale their technology at a 300 L fermenter in Edinburgh. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:54:55 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48218 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-suspension-lifted-for-organ-transplant-fluids-three-years-after-contamination-reports/ ]]> TWO MEDICAL transplant devices have returned to UK clinics following more than three years of suspension prompted by reports of contamination in fluids used to preserve organs. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:39:28 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48217 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/microplastics-found-to-increase-uptake-of-pfas-in-vegetables/ ]]> THE level of PFAS (Polyfluorinated alkyl substances) adsorption in vegetables could be impacted by another contaminant permeating through our soil and farmland, according to a recent study from researchers in China. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:03:34 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48215 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/piper-bravo-oil-spill-could-have-been-catastrophic-regulator-says/ ]]> AN OIL spill at the Piper Bravo platform in the UK North Sea in February could have been “catastrophic”, according to the latest data provided by the UK safety regulator. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:35:15 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48214 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/bhp-reports-record-copper-sales-while-best-years-still-to-come-for-coking-coal/ ]]> AUSTRALIAN mining behemoth BHP saw record sales in its copper business last year, according to annual results published this week. Meanwhile, the company’s new CEO believes “the best years” for coking coal “are potentially still ahead”. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:23:39 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48213 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/chinese-tio2-manufacturer-restarts-production-at-uk-plant-amid-dumping-investigation/ ]]> TITANIUM DIOXIDE (TiO2) production has restarted at a plant in Teesside following a Chinese company’s acquisition of the site last year, while the UK government continues its investigation into TiO2 dumping from China. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:01:32 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48212 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/russian-scientists-make-new-critical-mineral-discovery/ ]]> A RARE-EARTH rich mineral has been discovered by a team of Russian scientists in Kola Peninsula in Russia, emboldening the country’s critical mineral growth efforts. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:42:23 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48206 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/romania-starts-shutting-down-sole-nuclear-power-station-over-drought/ ]]> EXTREME WEATHER has sent the European energy sector into uncertainty, with Romania beginning to shut down its only nuclear power station due to drought. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:05:51 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48205 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/london-based-startup-looks-to-recover-valuable-chemicals-from-wastewater/ ]]> METAL MORPH, an innovative startup based in London, is looking to make the utilities industry more circular through the recovery of aluminium and valuable chemicals from wastestreams. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:39 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48204 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/drones-identify-methane-emissions-in-uk-landfills/ ]]> THE UK’s Environment Agency has trialled drones in detecting and identifying methane emissions in landfills, a practice currently undertaken by humans. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:58:08 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48202 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/north-sea-operators-not-moving-fast-enough-with-well-decommissioning/ ]]> DESPITE a record number of well decommissions in the North Sea in 2025, “activity needs to increase,” according to the industry regulator. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:23:51 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48198 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/chocolate-bar-created-with-100-british-ingredients/ ]]> BERKSHIRE-GROWN cocoa beans have been used at the University of Reading to make a 100% British chocolate bar, a product not seen since 1932. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:14:50 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48197 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/trump-spends-us-4bn-on-offshore-wind-buybacks/ ]]> The US government has paid out US$1.2bn to German energy company RWE to give up its wind power projects in the country, taking the adminstration’s total offshore wind buyouts to nearly US$4bn. It is part of the administration’s continued efforts to divest from offshore wind. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:51:58 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48192 https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/bath-researchers-develop-energy-efficient-membrane-for-solvent-purification/ ]]> A TEAM of researchers from the University of Bath and an international research group KU Leuven, have developed a membrane to drive out water for the development of industrial solvents. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:45:49 GMT https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/48191