September 16, 2023 [Air Liquid]- On the occasion of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to supply the TotalEnergies refinery in Gonfreville, Normandy, France, with renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, Air Liquide announces an investment of over 400 million euros for the construction of its Normand’Hy electrolyzer, with a capacity of 200 MW. The cooperation between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies is part of the development of a renewable and low-carbon hydrogen sector on the Axe Seine, to contribute to decarbonizing industry in the Normandy region.
As part of this agreement, the Air Liquide Normand’Hy electrolyzer will deliver to TotalEnergies’ refinery in Gonfreville, over the long term, from the second half of 2026, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen equivalent to an electrolysis capacity of 100 MW. The remaining 100 MW will be dedicated to customers in the Normandy industrial basin, as well as for the development of low-carbon mobility.
To supply Air Liquide Normand’Hy, TotalEnergies will generate up to 100 MW renewable electricity to power the electrolyzer, volume corresponding to the hydrogen delivered to its refinery. For the remainder of the electrolyzer’s electricity needs, Air Liquide plans to sign long-term renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), completed with low-carbon energy from the French power grid.
Air Liquide Normand’Hy is the largest PEM electrolyzer ever built. Based on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology, it will integrate equipment produced in the framework of the joint venture between Air Liquide and Siemens Energy. Avoiding up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, it will be located in the Port-Jérôme industrial zone in Normandy, France, and will be part of Air Liquide’s local hydrogen network.
Air Liquide Normand’Hy will represent an investment of over 400 million euros for the Group. Within the framework of the Important Project of Common European Interest (PIIEC) approved by the European Commission, the project has received the support of the French government for an amount of 190 million euros, as part of the “Plan de Relance”.
Pascal Vinet, Executive Vice President and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, supervising notably Europe Industries activities, stated:
This Memorandum of Understanding with TotalEnergies illustrates our ability to offer concrete decarbonization solutions to our customers. Air Liquide Normand’Hy will contribute to the decarbonization trajectory of our assets; it is also in line with our commitment to accompany the industry and mobility sectors in their path to reducing their carbon footprint. Our collaboration with TotalEnergies also strengthens hydrogen development in Normandy. Supported by the French State and the European Union, the Air Liquide Normand’Hy project confirms our commitment to develop renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production by electrolysis technology at industrial scale.
Bernard Pinatel, President, Refining & Chemicals, TotalEnergies, added:
This partnership with Air Liquide marks a new stage in TotalEnergies’ ambition to decarbonize the hydrogen consumed by its refineries in Europe by 2030. By powering the electrolyzer with renewable electricity from solar and wind projects, TotalEnergies is leveraging its position as an integrated electricity player.
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