Air Liquide Accelerates Its Large Scale Renewable Hydrogen Production Flagship Project in France

Rhea-AI Summary

Air Liquide has acquired a 100% stake in H2V Normandy, now named Air Liquide Normand’Hy, increasing from a previous 40% interest. The company plans to develop a 200 MW electrolyzer in France for renewable hydrogen production, expected to be operational by 2025. This project aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 250,000 tonnes annually and is pivotal for establishing a low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem in Normandy. Air Liquide is committed to expanding its electrolysis capacity to 3 GW by 2030, investing €8 billion in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by 2035.

Positive

• Acquisition of 100% stake in H2V Normandy enhances Air Liquide's position in renewable hydrogen production.
• Development of a 200 MW electrolyzer will significantly reduce CO2 emissions by over 250,000 tonnes annually.
• Strategic project aligns with EU initiatives and funding opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen.

Negative

• None.

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI) increased to 100% its total stake in H2V Normandy, of which it previously held 40%. Renamed Air Liquide Normand’Hy, this company aims to build a large-scale electrolyzer of at least 200 MW for the production of renewable hydrogen in France. This strategic investment will support the development of a low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem in the Normandy industrial basin.

Located in the industrial zone of Port-Jérôme, the large-scale Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer project of Air Liquide Normand’Hy would supply renewable hydrogen for industrial and heavy mobility applications. This project, which is planned to be commissioned in 2025, will allow to avoid the emission of more than 250,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Air Liquide will connect the electrolyzer to its hydrogen pipeline network in Normandy, which would contribute to the development of the world’s first low-carbon hydrogen network. The Air Liquide Normand’Hy project is a cornerstone of the decarbonization ecosystem which is being set up by Air Liquide with other major industrial players on the Seine Valley axis in Normandy.

Air Liquide Normand’Hy’s public inquiry for the environmental permit has just been completed. The project was also qualified for the second round of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Innovation Fund 2020 call and has been pre-notified to the EU by French authorities under the IPCEI H2 (Important Project of Common European Interest) call for projects. These fundings from European, French and regional programs are key to the implementation of the project.

François Jackow, Executive Vice President and a member of the Air Liquide Group’s Executive Committee supervising Europe Industries activities, said: “This acquisition is a key milestone in producing renewable hydrogen on a large scale to supply industry and mobility markets. By 2030, Air Liquide is committed to bringing its total electrolysis capacity to 3 GW. Drawing on the Group's expertise, the Air Liquide Normand’Hy project will be a key asset to decarbonize the Normandy industrial basin, one of the largest in Europe. It will contribute to the development of a low-carbon society with hydrogen as one of its key levers.”

Air Liquide’s commitment to hydrogen energy

In full support of the 2015 Paris agreement, Air Liquide’s commitments address the urgency of climate change and energy transition, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. As a pioneer in hydrogen, the Group is convinced that hydrogen is a cornerstone of the energy transition. In the past 50 years, the Group has developed unique expertise enabling it to master the entire supply chain, from production and storage to distribution, contributing to the widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier for a wide range of applications such as industrial usages and clean mobility.

Air Liquide is committed to reaching several goals, investing approximately 8 billion Euro in the low-carbon hydrogen full value chain by 2035, and a total of 3 GW electrolysis capacity by 2030.

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902.

Air Liquide’s ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability - with a strong commitment to climate change and energy transition at the heart of its strategy. The company’s customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable, regular and responsible growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.

Air Liquide’s revenue amounted to more than 20 billion euros in 2020. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.

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Source: Air Liquide

FAQ

What is Air Liquide's recent investment in renewable hydrogen?

Air Liquide has acquired a 100% stake in H2V Normandy, now Air Liquide Normand’Hy, to develop a 200 MW electrolyzer for renewable hydrogen production in France.

How much CO2 reduction is expected from the Air Liquide Normand’Hy project?

The project is expected to avoid the emission of more than 250,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

What commitments has Air Liquide made regarding hydrogen energy by 2030?

Air Liquide aims to bring its total electrolysis capacity to 3 GW by 2030 and invest approximately €8 billion in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by 2035.

When is the Air Liquide Normand’Hy project expected to be operational?

The electrolyzer project is planned to be commissioned in 2025.