​​A comprehensive Special Report on small modular nuclear reactors (nuclear SMRs) as a low carbon intensity source of energy for the chemical and fuel industries.  This report tackles the complex ownership, project management, regulatory and process challenges inherent in manufacturing applications of nuclear SMRs, covering seven newly commercializing developers in detail, with a focus on PWR, BWR, and HTGR technologies.  It features a critical approach to cost claims, analyzing recent poor cost performance of nuclear deployment and identifying sources of cost inflation and best practices, and provides levelized cost of energy estimates for each examined developer, as well as cash cost estimates for two hydrogen production processes optimized to use nuclear energy.  ​ 

The use of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) is an alternative to transporting hydrogen without the need for pipeline infrastructure or hydrogen liquefaction. Instead, organic materials are hydrogenated at the hydrogen production source, transported to their destination, and dehydrogenated to release the hydrogen for use. The bulk transportation of organic liquids is commonplace, relatively low cost, and well established, thus simplifying the movement of hydrogen via LOHC. With the growing demand for green hydrogen to support decarbonization efforts worldwide, LOHC is emerging as a practical means of transporting hydrogen from production sites to consumption sites. This report provides an overview of LOHC technologies. The report also includes a technology readiness level (TRL) summary of LOHC options, carbon intensity analysis, and discussion related to the cost of transporting hydrogen for various LOHC types. Comparisons with other hydrogen transportation options such as liquefied hydrogen and ammonia are also presented.

The report begins by defining polyolefins, followed by an overview of production technology pertinent to polyolefins. It then highlights recent business advancements for each polymer grade, along with providing a list of technology licensors and developers. The report will then delve into a comprehensive analysis of four pivotal recycling technologies — mechanical recycling, solvent-based purification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal treatment — that are either under development or being commercialized for the recycling and valorization of polyolefin waste. The report will discuss the distinct features and implications of each recycling process. A cost of production process economics analysis will be provided for mechanical recycling, solvent-based purification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal liquefaction. Profiles of key active companies within each respective technology will be profiled to shed light on current industry players and their contributions to polyolefin recycling. A Carbon Intensity analysis will be carried out for mechanical recycling, solvent-based purification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal treatment across the United States, Western Europe, and China.

This report provides a technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory analysis of rPET recycling in the United States Gulf Coast (USGC), Western Europe, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) boasts one of the highest recycling rates among plastics due to its widespread use, especially as bottles, and suitability for mechanical recycling. Its properties allow for repeated reshaping without significant quality loss, enhancing its value in textiles and packaging applications. However, by 2030, rPET demand is set to triple the expected supply. Despite environmental and regulatory pressures, just 27% of PET bottles are recycled, with most ending up in landfills. This report delves into the nuances of PET recycling pathways from mechanical recycling to chemical technologies like solvent-based purification, glycolysis, methanolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis. It offers detailed profiles of industry frontrunners, including technology licensors, owners, operators, and those in advanced robotic sorting, covering the intricacies of each of their operations. The analysis presents the delivered cost of production for each recycling route across the five regions, shedding light on market trends and the economic feasibility of recycling intermediates such as rPET flakes, Bis-Het, and DMT. Additionally, it benchmarks the final rPET pellets against the Q1 2023 virgin PET price for each region.