Refocus on Core Plastic-to-Hydrogen and GCC Growth

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.  Upon the publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.    

13 October 2025 

Hydrogen Utopia International PLC

(the "Company" or "HUI")

 Refocus on Core Plastic-to-Hydrogen and GCC Growth

Ohrid Organics Update

Hydrogen Utopia International PLC ("HUI" or the "Company"), a company pioneering technology to convert non-recyclable waste plastics into hydrogen and other clean energy, is delighted to advise shareholders that it is receiving significant interest in the TRL9 InEnTec plasma gasification technology, for which HUI holds a binding exclusive right to negotiate licence contracts across the MENA ( Middle East and Africa) region, with a primary focus on the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries.

The Company is in substantive engagement with multiple government entities and leading corporations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and has also received a formal Request for Investment Proposition from a Qatari company for a plasma destruction system. These discussions include potential joint ventures and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) with co-investment opportunities, positioning HUI to become a key player in the expanding hydrogen and waste-to-energy markets across the GCC, with clear potential to access wider regional and international markets.

The expansion into the GCC targets not only the hydrogen economy but also opens doors to other regional and international markets, driven by the massive growth of the steel and cement industries, which outgrow the European market, and strong growth across the GCC, reflecting increased industrial activity and investment in clean technologies. Additionally, HUI, through InEnTec's TRL9 Technology, is evaluating the integration of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) applications and hydrogen for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) into its portfolio, further enhancing its position in industrial decarbonisation and energy solutions.

Following a period of strategic diversification, brought about by a severe downturn in the European hydrogen market and the underperformance of the EU-led initiative, the Company is returning to its roots, refocusing on its core mission of converting plastic waste into hydrogen in a new, high-potential territory, in anticipation and hope that Europe will catch up on its strong hydrogen ambitions. This renewed direction comes at a time when the hydrogen economy is regaining global momentum, where governments are prioritising clean technologies and circular economy solutions once again.

Mindful that the proposed acquisition of a significant holding in Ohrid Organics Ltd could present a direct conflict with potential business in jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis is illegal, the HUI Board and Ohrid Organics Ltd have mutually agreed not to proceed with the previously announced transaction. The Board believes that the strategic upside in the GCC significantly outweighs the Ohrid Organics option.

This decision allows HUI to focus its resources and leadership on capitalising on the expanding hydrogen opportunity in the MENA region, accelerating commercialisation of the InEnTec technology, and building strong government and industrial partnerships across the Middle East, with the broader aim of accessing regional and international markets, supported by robust GDP growth in the GCC.

Aleksandra Binkowska, Chief Executive Officer of HUI, commented: "The hydrogen market has faced challenges and fluctuations, and the adoption of heavy-duty hydrogen-powered vehicles has been slower than anticipated, as major automobile companies are still weighing their options. In contrast, large-scale decarbonisation of industries such as steel and cement presents a tangible opportunity, as the building sector is robust and nearly impossible to halt, with substantial hydrogen demand driven by the rapid industrial growth in the GCC countries. We can see a major opportunity in taking this step."

For further information, please contact: 

Hydrogen Utopia International PLC

Aleksandra Binkowska

+44 20 3811 8770

Alfred Henry Corporate Finance Limited (LSE Corporate Adviser)

Nick Michaels/Maya Klein Wassink

+44 20 8064 4056

Novum Securities Limited (Broker)

Jon Belliss/Colin Rowbury

+44 20 7399 9400

About Hydrogen Utopia International PLC 

HUI aims to become one of the leading new European companies specialising in converting non-recyclable mixed waste plastic into hydrogen and other carbon-free fuels, new materials or distributed renewable heat.  

A HUI facility uses non-recyclable mixed waste plastic as feedstock and turns it into syngas from which new products and energy can be produced. HUI anticipates that its revenues will be derived from a variety of sources, dependent upon location and configuration of the HUI facilities, including the sale of syngas, hydrogen and other gases, electricity and heat sales, and the payment to it of fees for a given quantity of non-recyclable mixed waste plastic received at a HUI facility. 

HUI will target areas where there is significant private sector interest or potential, financial backing is accessible and or where substantial EU and/or government funded sources of grants and loans are or may be available. The global increase in fossil fuel-based energy prices reinforces the need for alternative, price competitive energy sources, which HUI's business model can provide.