TotalEnergies and Air Liquide have joined forces to drive forward the production of green hydrogen in Europe, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions in crucial industries and heavy transport sectors. This partnership encompasses two significant projects that will provide clean hydrogen to refineries and other industrial users, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the utilization of renewable energy sources. Vincent Stoquart, President of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it signifies a pivotal advancement in TotalEnergies’ commitment to decarbonize the hydrogen utilized by its European refineries by 2030.
The Game-Changing Projects: ELYgator and Zeeland Electrolyzer
The first project, ELYgator, involves a 200MW electrolyzer constructed by Air Liquide in Maasvlakte, Rotterdam. This facility is set to produce 23,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, catering to TotalEnergies’ industrial sites and other clients. By sourcing electricity from offshore wind farms, the project anticipates avoiding up to 500,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. The Dutch government and the EU’s Innovation Fund have provided financial backing for this initiative, with operations slated to commence by the end of 2027.
The second project is a 250MW electrolyzer established through a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide. Located in Zeeland, Netherlands, this facility aims to generate 30,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually, primarily serving TotalEnergies’ Zeeland refinery to reduce carbon emissions in the refining process. By utilizing electricity from the OranjeWind offshore wind farm, in which TotalEnergies holds a 50% stake, the project is scheduled to be operational by 2029.
Why Green Hydrogen? The Climate Hero Europe Needs
Green hydrogen, produced from renewable electricity and water, is a carbon-neutral alternative to gray hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels and emits substantial CO2. Green hydrogen plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in industries such as refining, chemicals, and steelmaking, where direct electrification may not always be feasible. Its benefits include replacing fossil fuel-based hydrogen in industrial processes, supporting clean transport through fuel cell applications, storing excess renewable energy, and enhancing energy security by promoting local production and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
From Refineries to Roads: A Cleaner Future for Heavy Industry
The initiatives undertaken by TotalEnergies and Air Liquide will contribute to the decarbonization of TotalEnergies’ refineries in Belgium and the Netherlands, with an expected reduction of 450,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year through the adoption of green hydrogen. Air Liquide’s hydrogen pipeline network will facilitate the delivery of hydrogen to industrial customers and heavy-duty transport users in the Netherlands and Belgium, addressing the challenges of decarbonizing heavy industries and transportation sectors. By focusing on heavy-duty mobility solutions like hydrogen-powered trucks and buses, these projects will play a vital role in mitigating transport emissions, a significant contributor to pollution in Europe.
TotalEnergies’ Bold Push for Net-Zero by 2050
TotalEnergies is actively working towards reducing its CO2 emissions by 3 million tons annually by 2030, transitioning away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar, and green hydrogen. The company has secured agreements to produce 170,000 tons of green hydrogen yearly, supplying refineries in France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Additionally, TotalEnergies is investing $100 million in sustainable forestry projects spanning 300,000 hectares across ten U.S. states, in collaboration with Anew Climate and Aurora Sustainable Lands, to protect forests, reduce timber harvesting, and enhance carbon sequestration. The generated carbon credits will help offset Scope 1 and 2 emissions post-2030, aligning with the company’s broader net-zero objectives.
Climate 2024 Progress Report
The CO2 Fighters Squad, a key group within TotalEnergies, is instrumental in driving emissions reductions through monitoring, enhancing energy efficiency, and accelerating facility electrification. By integrating offshore wind power into hydrogen production and investing in nature-based solutions, TotalEnergies is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the clean energy sector, aligning with the European Union’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Air Liquide’s Role in Green Hydrogen Development
Air Liquide, a global leader in hydrogen production and distribution, has invested in low-carbon and renewable hydrogen solutions to support industrial clients. With five low-carbon hydrogen plants already operational in Europe, Air Liquide plans to expand its hydrogen network, leveraging its expertise in electrolyzer technology developed in partnership with Siemens Energy to ensure efficient and large-scale hydrogen production. The flagship projects like ELYgator and the Zeeland electrolyzer are expected to bolster the hydrogen economy and aid industries in reducing their carbon footprint.
A Major Step for the Future
The collaboration between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide represents a significant stride towards decarbonizing European industries through the production of green hydrogen sourced from offshore wind energy. These projects will not only contribute to emission reductions but also support clean transport and foster a sustainable energy landscape. As the demand for green hydrogen continues to rise, partnerships like this will play a pivotal role in expediting the transition towards cleaner industries and a low-carbon economy. With the ELYgator and Zeeland projects on track to commence operations in the near future, Europe is making substantial progress towards achieving its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
