Urea is the most used and traded fertilizer in the world; its demand is heavily driven by the fertilizer and food production industries as urea is used in many parts of the world as the primary source of nitrogen for crop nutrition. This techno-economic report reviews the chemistry, properties, technology, and development trends of urea. The report provides urea economics for several different global locations (USGC, China, Western Europe, and Middle East) under a consistent first quarter 2024 price scenario.

Advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) are growing in importance with declining costs and increased integration with intermittent renewable power sources (e.g., solar PV and wind). Advanced BESS units plus renewable power are becoming a greater part of overall power generation mix while reducing carbon footprint, achieving decarbonization targets, and enhancing sustainability. Advanced BESS units also play an important role in many commercial and industrial applications as well as production of green ammonia, green methanol, and renewable and specialty chemicals’ industries. Current BESS units’ supply chains incorporate various commercially proven battery chemistries and technologies along with efficient subsystems, equipment, and components.

The report provides an extensive analysis of packaging design for recyclability, examining the mechanics and economics of blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, bi-axially oriented film extrusion, and thermoforming across three key regions: the United States Gulf Coast (USGC), Western Europe, and China, referencing Q2 2023 pricing data. The report delves into the carbon intensity of these processes measured in tons of CO2 equivalent per ton of produced material. The report covers the fundamentals of the recycling value chain for both mechanical and chemical recycling, analyzing recyclable contents beyond plastic as well, and offering insights into recycling practices for aluminum, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, and glass. The report examines the factors affecting the recyclability of plastic packaging, the obstacles to achieving effective recyclable packaging, touching on technological limitations, regulatory factors, and material availability, and discusses the dynamics of global harmonization and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. The report also analyses various polymer types and their suitability for recycling, building on the earlier discussions of material requirements and recycling challenges.

Traditionally hydrogen is generated from fossil feedstock and processes that emit significant amounts of CO2. In comparison, renewable or green hydrogen production results in materially lower emissions. Green hydrogen holds significant potential and interest for decarbonization of sectors that have previously been difficult to decarbonize. This includes both existing applications (e.g., refining, feedstock for chemicals) as well as emerging applications (e.g., e-methanol, e-ammonia, e-SAF), as well as potential in direct use for carbon emission free combustion. Growing interest in low carbon intensity hydrogen has stemmed from mounting net zero pledges and decarbonization goals, and an increasing focus on the energy transition. Production options explored several global regions and technologies covering thermochemical (biomass gasification), bio-methane reforming, electrolysis, and other advanced pathways from a technical, economic (cost of production model), and capacity level. A discussion of implications for the conventional technologies is also included.