Air Liquide has unveiled two large-scale electrolyser projects aimed at producing renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in Europe, marking a significant step towards decarbonising industrial and mobility sectors. The first project, ELYgator, a 200MW electrolyser, will be located in Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, and will supply TotalEnergies’ industrial platform as well as other European industrial and heavy-duty mobility needs. This project will be powered by renewable electricity secured from two offshore wind farms. Additionally, Air Liquide and TotalEnergies have announced the formation of a joint venture to develop a 250 MW electrolyser to supply the Zeeland refinery site.
Together, these projects represent a combined investment exceeding 1 billion euros and are expected to prevent up to 500,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually, reinforcing Air Liquide’s position as a leader in the decarbonisation of European industry and mobility.
ELYgator: A 200MW Renewable Hydrogen Project
Air Liquide plans to build, own, and operate the ELYgator electrolyser in Rotterdam, with an estimated annual production capacity of up to 23,000 tonnes of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. The hydrogen will be supplied to TotalEnergies’ industrial platform through a long-term contract, while Air Liquide’s hydrogen pipeline network will enable distribution to additional customers in the Netherlands and Belgium, including those in industrial and heavy-duty transport sectors. The project will draw renewable electricity from TotalEnergies’ share of the OranjeWind wind farm and Power Purchase Agreements with Vattenfall from the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm.
ELYgator has already received support from the EU’s Innovation Fund and the Dutch IPCEI program. Subject to regulatory approvals and subsidies, the project is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
Air Liquide and TotalEnergies Joint Venture for 250 MW Electrolyser
Air Liquide and TotalEnergies have also announced the creation of a 50/50 joint venture to develop a 250 MW electrolyser in the Zeeland province of the Netherlands. This project will be powered by renewable electricity from TotalEnergies’ share of OranjeWind and is expected to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen annually. Pending final approvals and investment decisions, the project is targeted for completion in 2029.
Both projects will utilise advanced electrolyser technology developed through Air Liquide’s joint venture with Siemens Energy.
Commitment to European Decarbonization
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing European operations, emphasised the significance of these initiatives, stating:
“Flagship projects like the ones announced today play a crucial role in reducing emissions, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and heavy mobility. We are proud to lead the way in European renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production while supporting TotalEnergies in decarbonising its industrial assets. These projects, alongside the five Air Liquide low-carbon units already in operation or under construction in Europe, demonstrate our capacity to provide concrete solutions for customers and advance our ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Vincent Stoquart, president of refining & chemicals at TotalEnergies, highlighted the partnership’s importance in achieving decarbonisation goals:
“Following previous collaborations with Air Liquide in Normandy, Grandpuits, and La Mède, this new partnership marks a significant step in our ambition to decarbonise hydrogen consumption across our European refineries by 2030. By utilising renewable electricity from our offshore wind projects, we are further reinforcing TotalEnergies’ position as an integrated electricity company.”
European Support for Hydrogen Innovation
The ELYgator project has received funding from the EU’s Innovation Fund, which is financed by the EU Emissions Trading System. Additionally, it is supported by the Dutch IPCEI Hydrogen subsidy program, managed by the Dutch Enterprise Agency on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate.
These initiatives underline Air Liquide’s ongoing efforts to develop a low-carbon hydrogen economy in Europe, contributing to a more sustainable future for industry and mobility.
For more information visit www.airliquide.com
