Electrolyzer projects to support European decarbonization with TotalEnergies: Émilie Mouren-Renouard explains

What do these renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production projects involve? 

The first, called the ELYgator project, represents a new milestone in the development of very large-capacity electrolyzers, following the Normand’Hy project in France. It is expected to significantly increase the Group's renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production capacity, this time for the Netherlands and neighboring countries. With its 200 MW capacity, it will supply TotalEnergies' industrial platform under a long-term contract, while also serving customers in the industrial and heavy mobility sectors in the region.

Added to this is the planned creation of a joint venture, owned equally by Air Liquide and TotalEnergies, to develop another 250 MW electrolyzer in the province of Zeeland, in the Netherlands, to supply the TotalEnergies refinery.

Once completed, these two projects would represent a combined investment of more than one billion euros! Located in key industrial basins, these new large-scale electrolyzers will make a very tangible contribution to the energy transition in Europe.

I must say that I am particularly proud of the work done by the teams – from all parts of Air Liquide – on these projects. Developing electrolyzers of this scale is a major technological challenge! And we are meeting it thanks to our more than 60 years of hydrogen expertise and our ability to secure a supply of renewable electricity.

How do these projects play a key role in Europe's decarbonization?

These two flagship projects would help avoid up to 500,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions per year, primarily in the Netherlands, but also in Belgium and beyond. This is a concrete step – a significant step – toward a low-carbon society, fully aligned with our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

With these initiatives, we are demonstrating that industrial decarbonization is indeed in motion, despite what some voices might claim today, and that serious projects continue to move forward. It is also a strong way to reaffirm our commitment to the energy transition and to reinforce our position as a technology leader in this field, with no fewer than seven low-carbon hydrogen projects in Europe alone.

Contributing to low-carbon growth is, for us, far more than just a target on paper: it’s an ambition we pursue with conviction and determination, drawing on our portfolio of technological solutions. It is also a collective journey, made possible through strategic collaborations, notably with TotalEnergies, a long-standing customer of the Group, and Siemens Energy, a key technology partner. For these two projects, Air Liquide will rely on proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer modules developed within its joint venture with Siemens Energy.

How do you view the collaboration between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies?

I am convinced that by joining forces, we will succeed in decarbonizing industry and heavy mobility. It is exactly in this spirit that Air Liquide and TotalEnergies are collaborating: TotalEnergies will provide part of the renewable energy needed for the electrolysis process, while Air Liquide ー which already operates electrolyzers in Canada (Bécancour) and Germany (Trailblazer) and is currently building one in France (Normand'Hy) ー will develop the two future production units. TotalEnergies will then integrate the renewable, low-carbon hydrogen produced into its industrial activities.

This partnership is a perfect example of how we can meet the challenge of the energy transition together! Air Liquide, through its ADVANCE strategic plan for sustainable growth, is committed to supporting its customers in the realization of their decarbonization projects.