What Air Liquide’s La Mède Hydrogen Plant Means for Industry and Sustainability

What Air Liquide’s La Mède Hydrogen Plant Means for Industry and Sustainability

November 26, 2024 0 By Erin Kilgore

Air Liquide Launches Renewable Hydrogen Project at La Mède

Air Liquide has unveiled a significant renewable hydrogen production initiative at TotalEnergies’ La Mède site in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. This project is set to enhance the region’s hydrogen ecosystem while supporting TotalEnergies’ biorefinery operations. The partnership aligns with Air Liquide’s goals to innovate decarbonization solutions for industries and contribute towards a sustainable energy transition.

The Hydrogen Plant Set to Shine by 2028

Under a long-term collaboration, Air Liquide will develop, own, and manage a cutting-edge hydrogen production plant at TotalEnergies’ biorefinery. Expected to operationalize by 2028, the facility will produce up to 25,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually. This hydrogen will be derived from recycled biogenic by-products from the refinery, eliminating the need for fossil hydrocarbons as a feedstock.

Key details of the project include:

  • Hydrogen Output: 25,000 tonnes per year for use in biofuels and Sustainable Air Fuels (SAF).
  • Investment: Over €80 million from Air Liquide.
  • Environmental Impact: Annual reduction of 130,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions at the La Mède biorefinery.

    air liquide hydrogen plant layout

    Air Liquide hydrogen plant layout – Image Credit Air Liquide

This production unit will not only decarbonize the biorefinery’s operations but also reinforce Air Liquide’s hydrogen network in the Fos-sur-Mer industrial basin. The area already benefits from a range of Air Liquide facilities, including hydrogen production plants and Europe’s first high-pressure hydrogen station for long-haul trucks.

Strengthening France’s Hydrogen Ecosystem

Air Liquide has maintained a strong foothold in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region for over 50 years. The new plant at La Mède will serve as a vital component in fostering collaboration among industries and building a viable hydrogen ecosystem. According to Emilie Mouren-Renouard, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, this initiative underscores the company’s commitment to decarbonization and marks another milestone in its partnership with TotalEnergies.

Previously, both companies cooperated on projects such as the Grandpuits circular economy venture and the Normand’Hy electrolyzer for producing renewable hydrogen. These prior collaborations provided a foundation for further innovation in hydrogen technologies.

Hydrogen Technology Advancements

TotalEnergies’ Milestones

TotalEnergies continues its transition towards decarbonized energy with advancements in renewable hydrogen use, aligning its facilities with modern sustainability goals.

  • Conversion of biogenic by-products into renewable fuel sources, replacing fossil hydrocarbons.
  • Increased focus on Sustainable Air Fuels (SAF) to decarbonize aviation.
  • Commitment to reducing 130,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually at La Mède.

Air Liquide’s Innovations

Air Liquide has established itself as a leader in decarbonization technologies, and its contributions extend from industrial solutions to mobility innovations.

  • Completion of Europe’s first high-pressure hydrogen station for freight trucks in Fos-sur-Mer.
  • Pioneering CO₂ capture systems and scalable hydrogen production networks.
  • Development of electrolyzers, like the Normand’Hy, to efficiently produce renewable hydrogen.
  • Integration of hydrogen networks to meet growing regional industrial demand.

French Hydrogen Projects Gaining Momentum

This La Mède venture is part of a broader movement in France to develop sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. The country’s dedication to advancing hydrogen energy is reflected in several key projects making progress in 2023.

  • H2V59, Dunkirk: A new large-scale electrolysis facility aims to produce green hydrogen to decarbonize the steel industry.
  • HyPort Project, Toulouse: A collaborative effort to establish a hydrogen-powered airport ecosystem including refueling stations and mobility solutions.
  • Normand’Hy Electrolyzer, Normandy: Led by Air Liquide, this project focuses on providing renewable hydrogen to decarbonize nearby refineries and industries.

These projects, along with La Mède, highlight France’s ambition to become a leader in green hydrogen, enabling low-carbon transportation and industrial sustainability.

Practical Applications and Looking Aheadhydrogen news ebook

The La Mède hydrogen production project illustrates the practical applications of hydrogen technology that we can harness today. Renewable hydrogen is already proving its value in cutting emissions for industrial processes like refinery operations and producing SAF for aviation. Additionally, hydrogen-powered trucking and public transportation systems are creating cleaner alternatives for mobility sectors.

The timeline for projects like La Mède (2028) underscores the need for long-term investments, yet parts of this transition can be applied immediately. For example, industries can start integrating hydrogen into production chains while governments support infrastructure development, such as refueling networks and incentives. Increased collaboration between private and public sectors will be crucial to speed up these efforts.

France’s growing portfolio of hydrogen initiatives shows a measurable push toward green energy adoption. From fueling industrial hubs to powering transportation, hydrogen solutions are becoming increasingly feasible and accessible. For hydrogen to reach its full potential, continued investment, policy support, and technological innovation must align. The La Mède project, along with others across France, represents a significant step in this direction—offering scalable, actionable solutions to tackle the climate crisis.

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