There are no miracle solutions in the fight against climate change. Hydrogen is an essential part of the low-carbon transition.
Pierre-Étienne Franc, Air Liquide Vice President Hydrogen Energy
In over 50 years, Air Liquide has developed unique know-how across the entire hydrogen chain (from production to storage and distribution). Through its expertise, the Group contributes to the wider use of hydrogen as a source of clean energy. A long-term commitment in the hydrogen energy markets and a strong ambition: becoming a major player in the supply of low-carbon hydrogen.
Hydrogen energy is one solution to the clean mobility challenge, to power cars, buses, trucks, trains, boats and even planes. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are electric vehicles equipped with a fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electricity. The result: zero CO2 emitted, zero particulate and zero noise; these vehicles only emit water.
Hydrogen is also an important ally for renewable energies in the energy transition challenge. It addresses the issue of intermittent electricity production (day/night alternation for solar power, irregular winds for wind power) by storing the electricity generated in the form of hydrogen. Adapting to real time needs, this hydrogen could then be reused to produce electricity, and thus facilitate the integration of renewable energies into existing energy networks.
Hydrogen energy can also be used to heat our homes, fuel certain sectors such as heavy industry using clean energy sources, and meet the increasing energy needs of digital technologies, such as data centers. A framework for human activity which is much less dependent on fossil fuels is gradually being built, paving the way for a “hydrogen society”.
In 2019, Air Liquide announced the construction in Canada of the largest PEM (Proton-Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer in the world for the production of low‑carbon hydrogen. With a 20 megawatts capacity, this facility will be commissioned in autumn 2020. It will help prevent the emission of 27,000 tons of CO2 each year, equivalent to the annual emissions of 10,000 sedan cars.
Air Liquide therefore meets the growing demand for low-carbon hydrogen for both industrial use and transportation.
This is the estimated decrease in the cost of producing low-carbon hydrogen by 2030(a).
(a) Hydrogen Council, McKinsey report - Path to Hydrogen competitiveness, a cost perspective - 2020.
