Air Liquide Normand’Hy: an electrolyzer project in the heart of the Normandy industrial basin

In your opinion, how does the Air Liquide Normand'Hy electrolyzer project contribute to meeting the challenges of the energy transition, at the regional, national and even international levels?

The Air Liquide Normand'Hy electrolyzer is a perfect illustration of our vision: building a model region for the energy transition. At the regional level, it brings to life our ambition to create a responsible industrial ecosystem within the Port-Jérôme industrial area, where innovation and sustainability come together. Nationally, it addresses the urgent need to decarbonize industry by enabling large-scale production of low-carbon hydrogen, essential for reducing our dependence on hydrocarbons. Finally, at the international level, it positions Normandy as a model for energy innovation.

How does the Air Liquide Normand'Hy project reflect the region's priorities and values in terms of sustainable development and social responsibility?

In the Caux Seine urban area, reindustrialization involves energy transition and decarbonization. In fact, we didn't wait for the first warning signs to appear before embarking on this process. This project is part of an ecosystem in which players such as Futerro (bioplastic production) and Eastman (plastic recycling) have joined a circular and innovative ecosystem: heating networks, an industrial water plant in operation since 1972... By transforming waste into resources, we are building a sustainable and resilient industry that naturally integrates decarbonized hydrogen. With projects such as Air Liquide Normand'Hy, we are making our ambition to decarbonize industry a reality, while strengthening our regional economy.

Does Air Liquide's involvement in projects like this and the Group's efforts to support transformation strengthen its relationship with the region? How?

This collaboration shows how a large company can align with the vision of a local authority to create synergies that benefit everyone. As part of this project, we are working together to develop concrete solutions by structuring initiatives such as the H2 Academy*, which we support to train the talents of tomorrow who will breathe life into this sector at a national level.

If you had to sum up the impact of the Air Liquide Normand'Hy project on your region in one sentence, what would you say?

It's a major innovation lever for the decarbonization of the Port-Jérôme industrial site, and a pioneering experiment for the industry as a whole.

In your opinion, in which areas can Air Liquide have the greatest societal impact in the coming years?

Air Liquide has a central role to play in three major areas: industry and decarbonization, heavy-duty clean mobility, and training. Firstly, the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries using decarbonized hydrogen, which is essential to meet climate challenges and strengthen our energy independence. Secondly, the development of clean mobility, particularly through hydrogen for heavy-duty transport and recharging infrastructure. Finally, a strategic lever to maximize this impact is based on training the talents of tomorrow. The H2 Academy, a center of excellence in vocational training integrated into the H2 Carbon Neutrality project, embodies this ambition. Supported by a consortium of players of which we are a member, this regional project aims to develop the talents of tomorrow and to adapt training courses to the strategic skills required by new sectors and emerging professions.