BASF plans to implement two pilot energy efficiency projects in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The financial details of the projects were not provided. For the first project, BASF plans to introduce energy efficiency technologies in a residential building. The second project involves insulating part of the city's heat supply system.

BASF SE is realigning its business for the fuel cell market. In the future, competencies for the production of high-temperature membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) will be concentrated in Somerset, New Jersey. Operational activities at the BASF Fuel Cell GmbH site in Frankfurt, Germany, will be discontinued effective December 31, 2009. BASF plans to close the Frankfurt site in the course of 2010. At the Somerset site, BASF Fuel Cell produces both high-temperature MEAs and important pre-products such as electrodes. Thus, Somerset is the only site that covers the entire production process for MEAs. The restructuring will result in the loss of 43 positions in Frankfurt. In addition to the activities in Frankfurt and Somerset, BASF has operated a laboratory in Yokkaichi, Japan, since May 2008. This laboratory is responsible for the application-specific support of local customers.

BASF SE will close its 115,000 tonne/year maleic anhydride (MA) facility at Feluy, Belgium, by the end of the year and withdraw all activities from the site. Some 133 jobs will be affected and negotiations with union officials will begin as soon as possible. BASF's MA business is suffering from unsatisfactory profitability due to overcapacity and resulting low margins together with the effects of the current economic crisis.