Innovation lies at the heart of Air Liquide’s strategy. The Group relies on a broad portfolio of proprietary technologies to improve its own processes as well as those of its customers. Among its priorities, the Group develops decarbonization solutions and invests in artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation cycles and develop the technologies of tomorrow.
PROPRIETARY DECARBONIZATION TECHNOLOGIES
Industry is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Adding in indirect emissions related to electricity and heat production, and the sector accounts for approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions(1). Decarbonizing the industry requires innovation—using lower-emission energy solutions such as low-carbon electricity, hydrogen and other biofuels, as well as carbon capture and reuse. Air Liquide delivers concrete solutions to support industrial players along the path toward decarbonization.
Electrolysis: producing hydrogen at scale
Using electrolysis to split water molecules is one of the key technologies for producing renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers have enabled the large-scale deployment of this technology, especially because they can adapt to fluctuations in intermittent renewable energy generation. To accelerate the development of large-scale projects in this field, Air Liquide created a joint venture in 2023 with Siemens Energy to manufacture large-capacity electrolyzers. Already deployed and operational at our Trailblazer plant in Oberhausen (Germany), they are currently being installed at the Normand’Hy site in Port-Jérôme (France).
Ammonia cracking: moving toward industrialization
Ammonia cracking is another promising hydrogen production technology. Ammonia can be produced with a low carbon footprint, can be transported easily over long distances, and benefits from an already mature supply chain - while the cracking process itself is low carbon (see p.26).
Carbon capture: an essential decarbonization lever
Carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) is indispensable for decarbonizing the most hard-to-abate sectors, such as steel and cement, among others. Air Liquide’s proprietary Cryocap™ technology captures and purifies the CO₂ emitted by these industries, which can then be permanently stored or reused. Large-scale projects have already demonstrated its potential impact. In Port-Jérôme, Normandy (France), the Cryocap™ H₂ installation has been operating for more than 10 years, capturing a portion of the CO₂ emitted. Building on this experience, Air Liquide has integrated the Cryocap™ H₂ technology into its new hydrogen production unit at TotalEnergies’ Grandpuits biorefinery site to capture up to 110,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, which will then be reused in agri-food and industrial applications.