French industrial gases company Air Liquide and French oil major TotalEnergies have partnered to invest in the development of two large-scale hydrogen production facilities in the Netherlands.
These plants will utilise low-carbon technologies, aligning with both companies’ commitment to sustainability and the broader global push for cleaner energy sources.
Strategic partnership for green hydrogen
The partnership between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies combines the strengths of both companies – Air Liquide’s deep understanding and capabilities in industrial gases and TotalEnergies’ extensive experience in the energy sector.
This collaboration has a clear objective: to speed up the adoption of hydrogen as a practical and sustainable replacement for fossil fuels.
The focus of their efforts lies particularly in industrial applications and the heavy transportation sector, where hydrogen’s potential to decarbonise operations is significant.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, notably in charge of Europe operations, said in a statement:
Flagship projects such as the ones we are announcing today, will play a key role in reducing emissions, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and heavy mobility.
Air Liquide has announced two major investment projects, totaling more than 1 billion euros (equivalent to $1.05 billion), as detailed in their official press release.
These projects likely signify a substantial commitment by Air Liquide towards expanding its operations, potentially in new markets or with innovative technologies.
The significant investment suggested that these projects could be pivotal for Air Liquide’s future growth and strategic direction.
Major investments in electrolyser technology
The company’s first project is a 200 MW electrolyser located in Rotterdam.
The electrolyser will be powered by renewable energy sourced from TotalEnergies’ offshore wind farms situated off the Dutch coast.
This strategic project signifies a significant step towards the company’s commitment to green hydrogen production and is expected to commence operations by the end of 2027.
The press release also noted that Air Liquide will be able to supply additional industrial and heavy-duty mobility customers in the Netherlands and Belgium, using its existing hydrogen pipeline network.
Each partner will invest roughly 600 million euros as part of this global initiative. Both partners have submitted applications for funding through European and national subsidy programs.
Additionally, a 250 MW electrolyser project will be built in the Zeeland province. The project will be undertaken by a joint venture formed by the two companies, with each company holding an equal share.
Air Liquide said:
Powered by renewable power from TotalEnergies’ share of Oranjewind, this project aims to produce up to 30,000 tons of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen annually with an ambition to be completed in 2029 pending final authorizations and investment decision.
TotalEnergies also announced that its projects will reduce CO2 emissions from its refineries in Belgium and the Netherlands by up to 450,000 metric tons annually.
The post Air Liquide and TotalEnergies to spend over 1 billion euros on green hydrogen projects in Netherlands appeared first on Invezz
