During the period from December 20th to 26th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. QatarEnergy signs 15-year helium supply deal with Buzwair
QatarEnergy has signed a 15-year helium supply agreement with the domestic industrial gases supplier Buzwair, under which it will supply 20 million cubic feet of helium annually. Supply has commenced from the Ras Laffan facilities. This marks QatarEnergy's first direct partnership with a local industrial gases company, further consolidating its position as one of the world's largest helium producers.
2. Solarig to invest over $400m in Polish biomethane platform
Spain's Solarig, through its biomass gas division Biorig, plans to invest over PLN 1.5 billion (approximately USD 416 million) in building a biomethane platform in Poland. The platform targets an annual production capacity of about 1 TWh, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 400,000 households. It plans to develop and operate over 20 biomethane plants within the next five years. This initiative aims to leverage Poland's agricultural resource potential to diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil natural gas.
3. Alfa Laval introduces cryogenic LNG fuel module
Swedish manufacturer Alfa Laval has introduced a new liquefied natural gas fuel conditioning module, incorporating the cryogenic technology of French company Fives Energy, which it acquired. Designed for marine diesel engines, the module can operate under extreme low temperatures and support high-pressure gas injection. This aims to strengthen Alfa Laval's product portfolio in the LNG market. The first module is scheduled for testing in 2026, with delivery planned for 2027.
4. MidOcean completes LNG Canada stake acquisition
US LNG company MidOcean Energy has completed the acquisition of a 20% stake in Malaysia's Petronas' 25% interest in the LNG Canada project. The transaction also includes a 20% interest in related upstream joint ventures. Through this acquisition, MidOcean secures approximately 700,000 tonnes per annum of LNG supply and the potential for additional volumes from future expansion phases. The first phase of LNG Canada shipped its inaugural cargo in June 2025.
5. BPC Instruments and SixRing partner on biomethane evaluation
Global technology company BPC Instruments has partnered with Canada's SixRing to support biomethane producers in the EU and UK. BPC will conduct third-party performance evaluation and independent auditing of SixRing's feed additive, Stimulose, to help producers optimize processes and increase output. This collaboration aligns with SixRing's product commercialization in the European market, providing data support for its long-term customer agreements.
6. SUEZ expands water and waste management partnerships in Eastern China
SUEZ is expanding its water partnerships in Eastern China. In the Lianyungang Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jiangsu Province, it will invest CNY 440 million to build an industrial water treatment plant with a daily capacity of 50,000 cubic meters of industrial water and 20,000 cubic meters of demineralized water. In Shandong Province, SUEZ signed a strategic cooperation MoU with Shandong Public Water Group, upgrading project-specific cooperation to a comprehensive partnership covering water and waste management to promote resource recovery and the circular economy.
7. Taiwan,China breaks ground on innovative nature-based water facility
Hsinchu City, Taiwan, has broken ground on an innovative nature-based water treatment facility. The project, funded by Google with a USD 3 million grant, utilizes a gravel contact oxidation process to treat over 450 million gallons of wastewater annually, aiming to improve water quality in the Touqian River watershed. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, followed by a 10-year operational monitoring period. This is the first water infrastructure project in Hsinchu City to receive direct corporate funding from a global company.
8. Nama Water Services sets out $28.8B long-term plan to expand water and wastewater infrastructure
Oman's Nama Water Services has announced a long-term investment plan with total investments projected to reach OMR 1.11 billion (approximately USD 2.88 billion) by 2050. The plan aims to meet population growth by expanding water supply and wastewater infrastructure. Near-term capital expenditure (2025-2027) is OMR 66.6 million, covering over 225 projects, with targets to increase water coverage to 96% and wastewater treatment coverage to 75% by 2040.
9. Aqualia awarded 30-year Toyohashi water treatment contract in Japan
A consortium led by Spanish water company Aqualia and Japan's Infroneer has been awarded a project for the renovation and 30-year operation of the Toyohashi water plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This contract marks the first use of a PPP model combining "Construction-Transfer" and concession in Japan's water sector. The project will modernize facilities over 50 years old to improve efficiency and seismic resilience. This is Aqualia's first entry into the Japanese market.
10. PUB and Keppel extend SingSpring Desalination partnership
Singapore's Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Keppel Infrastructure Trust have extended their contract for the first large-scale desalination plant, SingSpring Desalination Plant, by three years to 2028. Operating since 2005, the plant has a daily capacity of 30 million gallons (approximately 136,000 cubic meters). Keppel Infrastructure will continue to be responsible for the plant's operation and maintenance. This extension aims to ensure the water security and reliability of this "National Tap."
11. SFD commits over $160 million to water and energy projects in Mauritania
The Saudi Fund for Development has committed over USD 160 million to support water and energy projects in Mauritania. Of this, USD 100 million will be used for the Kiffa Drinking Water Supply Project, drawing water from the Senegal River to improve water security in five towns; USD 60 million is allocated for the Mauritania-Mali Electricity Interconnection and Solar Development Project, involving a 1,373 km transmission line to enhance regional grid connectivity.
12. ACWA Power and AfDB seal $5 billion Africa energy and water cooperation
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a cooperation framework, planning to jointly invest up to USD 5 billion between 2025 and 2030 for developing renewable energy, desalination, and grid-connected power projects in Africa. The cooperation aims to accelerate energy access and water security in Africa, with a particular focus on the Sub-Saharan region to support its sustainable growth.
13. EIB backs Milan's water infrastructure with €100 million financing
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a EUR 100 million loan to Milan's water utility, Metropolitana Milanese (MM), to support its 2025-2029 investment plan. The plan aims to enhance the water supply system's reliability and resilience to extreme weather, improve energy efficiency, and promote circular economy projects in wastewater collection and treatment. The loan, offered at a favorable interest rate, will help MM accelerate infrastructure upgrades and further reduce its already low water leakage rate, which is among the lowest in Europe.
14. Fort Worth, Texas to receive more than $351 million from EPA for water & recycling infrastructure
The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced over USD 351 million in funding for Fort Worth, Texas. This includes a USD 347 million WIFIA loan for upgrading wastewater treatment facilities (including the Mary Creek Water Reuse Facility) and promoting industrial and irrigation water reuse; and over USD 481,700 in SWIFR grants to initiate reuse and recycling enhancement projects, adapting to the city's development needs.
15. Florida budget includes $1.4B boost for Everglades restoration and water quality projects
Florida's 2026-2027 fiscal year budget proposal includes a USD 1.4 billion allocation for Everglades restoration and water quality improvement projects. This includes USD 681 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and USD 408 million for water quality enhancements in key water bodies, covering specific programs for wastewater treatment, septic-to-sewer conversions, and nutrient reduction. This continues the state's long-term environmental protection investments, aiming to address environmental challenges and support ecosystem restoration.
16. ACCIONA is awarded sanitation & water supply networks in 151 municipalities of northeastern Brazil
A consortium led by Spain's ACCIONA and local Brazilian firm BRK has won a 35-year water and sanitation services concession project covering 151 municipalities in Pernambuco state, Brazil, with a total investment of BRL 15.4 billion. The project aims to upgrade water infrastructure, providing water supply and wastewater treatment services to approximately 7 million residents in the state, supporting its 2033 universal water access and sanitation coverage goals. This marks ACCIONA's third water project win in Brazil this year.