Air Liquide has announced plans to develop a renewable hydrogen production unit at La Mède in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. This initiative, part of a long-term contract with TotalEnergies, will supply the energy company’s biorefinery with renewable hydrogen, contributing to the growth of a renewable hydrogen ecosystem in Fos-sur-Mer, one of Air Liquide’s key industrial hubs in France.
Under the agreement, Air Liquide will build, own, and operate the hydrogen production facility, which will have an annual capacity of 25,000 tonnes. The unit will produce renewable hydrogen by utilising recycled biogenic by-products from TotalEnergies’ biorefinery as feedstock, replacing traditional fossil hydrocarbons. The renewable hydrogen will primarily support the biorefinery’s production of biofuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
With an investment exceeding 80 million euros, the production unit will become the largest facility of its kind on the La Mède industrial platform. Expected to be operational by 2028, it is projected to reduce the biorefinery’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 130,000 tonnes per year. This aligns with TotalEnergies’ broader strategy to decarbonise its operations.
This development marks a significant milestone in the decarbonisation of Air Liquide’s hydrogen production sources, particularly within its network in Fos-sur-Mer. By leveraging renewable hydrogen, Air Liquide strengthens its capabilities to meet the increasing demand for decarbonised hydrogen in the industrial basin. The company, which has been present in the region for over 50 years, already operates a comprehensive infrastructure, including air separation units, a hydrogen production facility, and a hydrogen network. Notably, Fos-sur-Mer hosts Europe’s first high-pressure hydrogen station for long-haul trucks, further highlighting Air Liquide’s commitment to clean energy initiatives.
The project underscores Air Liquide’s ongoing collaboration with TotalEnergies to advance decarbonisation. This includes past efforts such as the circular economy project at Grandpuits and the supply of renewable hydrogen from the Normand’Hy electrolyser for TotalEnergies’ Gonfreville refinery.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing operations in Europe, commented:
“We are proud to support TotalEnergies in its project to decarbonise the La Mède biorefinery, thanks to our strategic positioning in the Fos-sur-Mer basin. Two years after the announcement of the circular economy project in Grandpuits, and following on from our memorandum of understanding to supply TotalEnergies’ Gonfreville refinery with renewable hydrogen from the Air Liquide Normand’Hy electrolyser, we are continuing our partnership with TotalEnergies to serve the energy transition through the implementation of our decarbonisation solutions.”
This project aligns with Air Liquide’s broader strategy of providing diverse decarbonisation solutions, including carbon dioxide capture and low-carbon hydrogen production. The company’s technological expertise and unique positioning in the hydrogen sector establish it as a key player in decarbonising industries and fostering low-carbon mobility.
By combining innovation with strategic partnerships, Air Liquide continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the challenges of the global climate emergency.
For more information visit www.airliquide.com
