Europe Syngas Market Trends and Insights
Abundant Refinery and Steel-Mill Off-Gases Enable Low-Cost Syngas Blending
In 2025, integrated clusters generated millions of Nm³/h of CO- and H₂-rich streams, primarily sourced from refinery purge hydrogen and blast-furnace top gas. However, only a fraction of this output was integrated into Europe's syngas grids. ArcelorMittal's Gent route diverted coke-oven gas to a nearby methanol unit, achieving notable feedstock savings. With the EU ETS price increasing in 2026, this practice gained broader adoption. Steelmakers, grappling with idle blast furnaces, are leveraging stranded gases through tolling agreements. They are utilizing the existing Ruhr and Dunkirk pipelines, which require only minor upgrades. Although the driver reached its peak within two years due to available pipeline capacity, full adoption depends on clarity regarding RFNBO for fossil-derived off-gases.CO₂-Tax-Driven Switch to Blue and Green Hydrogen via Syngas Routes
Due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism imposing charges on imported ammonia and methanol, unabated gray hydrogen has experienced a loss of its competitive edge. Yara's blue-ammonia facility in Sluiskil, Netherlands, captures carbon annually, ensuring a low carbon intensity in ammonia production, supported by Dutch SDE++ initiatives. With the ongoing expansion of CCUS and decreasing costs of electrolysis, a notable transition has been underway. Furthermore, green hydrogen is projected to achieve grid parity in Northern Europe within the forecast period of 2026-2031.High-Pressure Oxygen Supply Cost for Entrained-Flow Gasifiers
High-purity oxygen is essential for entrained-flow units, which demand it at a specific rate for each unit of syngas. The introduction of cryogenic ASUs has driven up the cost of syngas - a challenge exacerbated by rising industrial power prices. In 2026, PKN Orlen of Poland scrapped its plans for a petcoke gasifier, pointing to concerns over oxygen-related costs. Of the eleven gasifiers proposed across Europe, only three received a final investment decision (FID) during the forecast period of 2026-2031.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Bio-SNG Projects Securing EU Carbon-Negative Credits
- Growth of E-Methanol and E-SAF Mandates Under FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation
- Regulatory Sunset for Fossil-CO₂ Feed After 2040 in EU RFNBO Rules
Segment Analysis
In 2025, Europe’s syngas market saw natural gas dominate with a 69.93% share. Projections indicate a vigorous growth trajectory, eyeing a 16.62% CAGR through the forecast period of 2026-2031. This surge is attributed to operators pivoting from steam reforming to autothermal reforming, enhancing capture efficiency. A notable instance is the 750 MW Teesside complex. Meanwhile, coal and petcoke, once major players, are witnessing a decline. This downturn is primarily driven by Germany's coal-exit law, accelerating closures. However, retrofitting capture on the remaining units has prolonged their operational lifespan, at least until 2030. Europe's syngas market is capitalizing on the fuel-efficiency advantages of ATR over conventional methods. However, profit margins tighten when TTF hub prices exceed EUR 60 MWh⁻1 during peak winter months.Other feedstocks, such as biomass, municipal solid waste (MSW), and refinery residues, currently command a modest market share. However, they are poised for significant growth, buoyed by initiatives like a plastics-gasification line. This cutting-edge project processes refuse, effectively replacing gray hydrogen. Furthermore, biomass volumes are on the rise as torrefaction hubs in Poland and Finland expand their collection radius to 300 km, all while staying compliant with RED III sustainability standards.
Complete Report Scope:
- By Feedstock
- Petcoke
- Coal
- Natural Gas
- Other Feedstock Types
- By Technology
- Steam Methane Reforming
- Gasification
- By Application
- Methanol
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen
- Liquid Fuels (FT, DME, SAF)
- Direct Reduced Iron
- Synthetic Natural Gas
- Electricity
- Other Applications
- By Geography
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Air Liquide
- Air Products & Chemicals Inc.
- BASF SE
- BP p.l.c.
- General Electric
- Haldor Topsoe A/S
- Johnson Matthey plc
- KBR Inc.
- Linde plc
- Maire Tecnimont SpA
- OXEA GmbH
- Sasol Ltd.
- Shell plc
- Siemens Energy AG
- Technip Energies NV
- Thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Air Liquide
- Air Products & Chemicals Inc.
- BASF SE
- BP p.l.c.
- General Electric
- Haldor Topsoe A/S
- Johnson Matthey plc
- KBR Inc.
- Linde plc
- Maire Tecnimont SpA
- OXEA GmbH
- Sasol Ltd.
- Shell plc
- Siemens Energy AG
- Technip Energies NV
- Thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH

