Air Liquide launches a pioneering project for hydrogen from ammonia with support from the EU.
Air Liquide, world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and health, announced the launch ofENHANCEan innovative project supported by a grant of 110 million euros of the European Innovation Fund. This ambitious project, located in the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, aims to establish the first large-scale facility for the production, liquefaction and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen derived from ammonia.
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ENHANCE, a strong commitment to green hydrogen
ENHANCE marks a significant milestone in sustainable hydrogen production. Air Liquide plans to convert one of its hydrogen production units using renewable ammonia instead of natural gas. This change will not only support the development of a low-carbon hydrogen supply chain in Europe but also contribute to the decarbonization of CO2-intensive sectors such as refineries, chemicals, and heavy road, maritime and air transport. .
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Reduction of CO₂ emissions
Thanks to this project, Air Liquide believes it can reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 300,000 tonnes per year. This reduction is crucial in a context where the European Union is striving to reduce its emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Expertise et Innovation
The project will benefit from the expertise already acquired by Air Liquide with its ammonia cracking pilot plant also located in the port of Antwerp. This previous experience will ensure efficient and optimized implementation of the ENHANCE project. Armelle Levieux, member of the Air Liquide Executive Committee, underlines the importance of this project in the group's overall strategy, particularly in alignment with the ADVANCE strategic plan, which aims to promote hydrogen as a key solution for the decarbonization of energy. industry and mobility.
European support and future prospects
Support from the European Fund for innovation is crucial, not only for financing but also for the legitimacy and visibility of the project. This financing will help Air Liquide make a final investment decision and begin project execution, thereby laying the foundations for a viable infrastructure for the supply of renewable, low-carbon hydrogen across Europe.
Where is the production of green hydrogen in Europe?
Green hydrogen production in Europe is progressing rapidly, with ambitious targets of 10 million tonnes per year by 2030 thanks to plan REPowerEU. Major projects are emerging, such as that of Spain aiming for a capacity of 4 GW of electrolysis by 2030. A problem, however, stands on Europe's “virtuous” path, production costs. Estimated between 4 and 7 euros/kg, they remain very high compared to those in the Middle East or Australia, where they fall between 1 and 2 euros/kg thanks to favorable conditions, such as optimal sunshine. China, already responsible for 20% of the hydrogen produced in the world (mainly gray), is investing massively in green hydrogen with a capacity of 1 GW installed in 2023. This global competition is forcing Europe to strengthen its efficiency and its competitiveness to achieve its industrial and climate objectives, which explains the 110 million euros in subsidy for the Air Liquide project.
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This article returns to the ENHANCE project, where Air Liquide is preparing to launch a major first in Europe with a large-scale installation for the production, liquefaction and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen derived from ammonia. The EU has decided to subsidize the project to the tune of 110 million euros, marking the hopes placed on this factory.
Source: Air Liquide
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