Air Liquide and ENEOS Collaborated on Low-Carbon Hydrogen in Japan

In a significant stride towards advancing the adoption of low-carbon hydrogen in Japan, Air Liquide S.A. and ENEOS Corp. (Tokyo) have officially formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership is poised to play a transformative role in navigating the complexities of the energy transition, capitalizing on the combined strengths of ENEOS' formidable energy infrastructure and influential market presence in Japan, and Air Liquide's extensive 60-year expertise spanning the entire hydrogen value chain—from production, liquefaction, transport, storage, and distribution to diverse applications.

The collaborative endeavors extend comprehensively across the entire value chain of low-carbon hydrogen. In the upstream segment, the partners will delve into opportunities for the development of low-carbon hydrogen production, utilizing a combination of CCUS and electrolysis technologies. This exploration extends to potential collaborations in establishing an international liquid hydrogen supply chain, catering to the Japanese market from locations beyond its borders.

Armelle Levieux, a distinguished member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Vice President of Innovation overseeing Hydrogen activities, expressed her pride in the collaborative venture with ENEOS, recognized as Japan's premier energy company. Levieux emphasized that this collaboration aligns seamlessly with Air Liquide's strategic plan, ADVANCE, where financial and extra-financial performance are intricately connected, underscoring the company's steadfast commitment to accelerating the energy transition.

This strategic partnership comes at a crucial juncture when the global focus on sustainable energy solutions has intensified, and the role of hydrogen as a clean and versatile energy carrier is gaining prominence. With Air Liquide and ENEOS joining forces, their combined expertise and resources are poised to drive significant advancements in the development and utilization of low-carbon hydrogen. The collaboration's emphasis on the entire value chain, from production to end applications, reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen as a key component of the energy transition.

The commitment to collaborative innovation along the hydrogen supply chain reinforces the partners' dedication to continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving technologies. In an era where innovation is a key driver of progress, this aspect of the collaboration positions Air Liquide and ENEOS at the forefront of developments in the hydrogen sector. By actively engaging in collaborative innovation, the partners signal their intent to contribute not only to the existing body of knowledge but also to shape the future trajectory of hydrogen technologies.

Armelle Levieux's pride in the collaboration reflects the significance of this partnership within Air Liquide's strategic framework. The alignment with the ADVANCE plan underscores the integration of financial and extra-financial considerations, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainable business practices. By linking financial performance with environmental and societal goals, Air Liquide reaffirms its commitment to responsible and impactful corporate practices.