During the period from January 3rd to 9th, 2026, the following international news occurred:
1. INOX Air Products launches India’s first LNG-fuelled cryogenic trailer
India's INOX Air Products has launched the country's first LNG-fuelled cryogenic trailer approved by the Petroleum and Safety Organization. The vehicle uses a self-produced 450-liter Kryopower LNG storage tank and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and particulate matter by 95%. It is primarily intended for transporting industrial gases within Gujarat. This launch is made possible by amendments to the 2016 Static and Mobile Pressure Vessel Rules, which allow approved LNG-fuelled vehicles to operate in India.
2. Metlen receives first US LNG cargo in Greece for Bulgaria market
Greek industrial and energy trader Metlen has received the first shipment of US liquefied natural gas destined for the Bulgarian market at the Alexandroupolis FSRU. This delivery marks a significant step for Bulgaria in diversifying its natural gas supply and reducing its dependence on Russia. Metlen holds a significant share in the LNG markets of Greece and Bulgaria. This cooperation further strengthens its partnership with the Bulgarian Gas Company and contributes to regional energy security.
3. Baker Hughes secures liquefaction equipment contract for Commonwealth LNG
Baker Hughes has secured a contract to provide liquefaction equipment for the Commonwealth LNG export project in Louisiana, USA. Under the contract, Baker Hughes will supply six refrigerant turbo-compressor units driven by LM9000 gas turbines, covering commissioning, spare parts, and extended warranty services. With a planned annual capacity of 9.5 million tons, the project's construction and startup dates have been delayed to December 2031 due to regulatory approval delays, with the final investment decision still pending.
4. Beaumont facility produces first ammonia
The new Beaumont ammonia plant in Texas, USA, has commenced ammonia production. Constructed by OCI Global and Linde, the plant's first phase targets an annual production of 1.1 million metric tons of blue ammonia (utilizing carbon capture and storage technology), with blue ammonia production expected to begin in the second half of 2026. The product will be supplied to hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture, power generation, and marine fuel, mainly targeting customers in Europe and Asia. Woodside Energy acquired an interest in the project in August 2024 and plans to assume operational control in early 2026.
5. SWPC reaches financial close on US$686 million Ras Mohaisen Desalination Project
Saudi Water Partnership Company has announced the financial close for the Ras Mohaisen Independent Water Desalination Project, with a total investment of approximately 2.57 billion Saudi Riyals. Located in the Makkah region, the project follows a Build-Own-Operate model and is being developed by a consortium including ACWA Power. It will have a daily capacity of 300,000 cubic meters and is scheduled to begin initial water supply in 2028. The project includes a 30 MW renewable energy facility and has set phased localization participation targets to support Saudi Vision 2030.
6. ACWA Power signs $400m PPP deal for Azerbaijan's first large-scale desalination plant
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power has signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement worth $400 million with Azerbaijan's State Water Resources Agency to invest in and build the country's first large-scale seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant. Located on the Caspian Sea coast, the project covers design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance under a BOO model with a contract term of 27.5 years. This move aligns with ACWA Power's global expansion strategy in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen.
7. DEWA awards major GRE pipeline contract to safeguard Dubai's water network
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has awarded a contract worth over 100 million Dirhams to install Glass Reinforced Epoxy water pipes at 20 strategic locations across Dubai to protect and relocate existing pipelines. The 24-month project utilizes corrosion-resistant, high-strength GRE materials, aiming to enhance the resilience and reliability of the water supply network, support Dubai's urban development plan, and ensure the sustainable supply of water and electricity.
8. Kuwait awards $253 million contract for Shuwaikh Water Distribution upgrade
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy has awarded a contract valued at 77.7 million Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately $253 million) to local contractor Khalid Ali Al Kharafi & Brothers for the upgrade of the existing Shuwaikh Water Distribution Complex. The project involves the construction, maintenance, and development of the complex, aiming to improve the efficiency, reliability, and capacity of the national water distribution system to meet growing demand. This initiative is part of Kuwait's comprehensive plan for modernizing its water infrastructure.
9. WABAG awarded EPC contract for 50 MLD brackish water desalination plant in Saudi Arabia
VA Tech Wabag has secured an EPC contract from the Saudi Water Authority to build a 50 Million Liters per Day brackish water reverse osmosis desalination plant in Saudi Arabia's Al-Jouf region. With a project timeline of 14 months, it will employ advanced processes including ceramic membrane pretreatment. This is a significant repeat order for WABAG in Saudi Arabia, aimed at enhancing water security and supply reliability in the region through advanced technology deployment.
10. São Paulo faces water crisis as drought drains reservoirs
São Paulo, Brazil, is facing a severe water crisis, with below-average rainfall for three consecutive years causing its main reservoir system's capacity to drop below 18%, leaving only trickles and cracked earth. The system supplies water to 9 million people. Continuously falling water levels have forced authorities to implement stricter rationing measures since October, including reduced-pressure supply for up to 16 hours during the day. Although Brazil holds 12% of the world's freshwater, unequal distribution, pollution, and aging infrastructure exacerbate urban water supply pressures.
11. IsDB approves US$1.365 billion financing package with strong focus on water security
The Islamic Development Bank has approved a new financing package totaling approximately $1.365 billion, with multiple projects directly focusing on water security and agricultural development in member countries. The funds will support projects such as a water stress mitigation project and inland aquaculture value chain development in Morocco, water supply, sanitation, and aquatic environment rehabilitation in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and sustainable irrigation and agricultural value chain development in Cameroon, aiming to address water stress and enhance climate resilience.