Air Liquide S.A. (Paris) has officially inaugurated its joint venture, Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Air Liquide Shenergy Hydrogen Energy Development Co., Ltd. (ALSHSN), also known as the Shanghai Hydrogen Energy Supply Basin, in Shanghai. The ceremony saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and his delegation, Chief of SCIP Administration Committee Ruan Li, Vice President of Shenergy Shi Pingyang, Air Liquide Group Vice President Ronnie Chalmers, Air Liquide China CEO Rui Coelho, as well as representatives from SINOPEC and PetroChina.

ALSHSN stands as a pioneering venture, being China’s first 300 bar Type II hydrogen facility. With an investment of RMB 180 million, this initiative represents a major step forward in strengthening hydrogen energy infrastructure in Shanghai and the broader Yangtze River Delta. The facility is dedicated to supporting hydrogen mobility in the region by supplying high-pressure hydrogen to transportation customers. Boasting an initial daily capacity of 12 tons, ALSHSN can fuel 12 hydrogen refueling stations, enabling over 1,000 medium-to-heavy-duty trucks to refuel daily. This advancement enhances the region’s hydrogen supply chain’s efficiency and reliability, fostering the wider adoption of hydrogen-powered transport. Additionally, ALSHSN will also serve industrial customers.

The hydrogen supplied by ALSHSN is produced using a CO2 recycling process at SCIPIG (Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Industrial Gases Co., Ltd.), a subsidiary of Air Liquide. Furthermore, the company will incorporate biomethane sourced from Shenergy into the hydrogen production process.

Breaking new ground in China’s hydrogen market, ALSHSN has obtained the nation’s first 300 bar Type II hydrogen filling permit. The introduction of 300 bar Type II trailers significantly boosts logistical efficiency, delivering a payload increase of over 60% while reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional 200 bar tube trailers. These advancements, combined with Air Liquide’s well-established hydrogen supply network in Eastern China, ensure reliable and sustainable hydrogen distribution.

Hydrogen is a key element of China’s energy transition strategy, playing a crucial role in meeting the country’s climate objectives. Shanghai has been proactive in fostering hydrogen energy development, targeting peak carbon emissions by 2025—five years ahead of the national deadline. As of February 2025, the city has deployed approximately 5,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and established 18 hydrogen refueling stations.

Ruan Li, Chief of SCIP Administration Committee, reaffirmed SCIP’s commitment to supporting enterprises within the park, fostering a favorable business environment, and enhancing management services to attract more investments from leading companies like Air Liquide and Shenergy.

Shi Pingyang, Vice President of Shenergy, highlighted the company’s dedication to advancing the energy transition through hydrogen, reinforcing its role in helping China achieve its carbon peaking and neutrality goals while driving a sustainable green transformation.

Rui Coelho, CEO of Air Liquide China, emphasized that the commissioning of ALSHSN showcases Air Liquide’s expertise in hydrogen infrastructure. He stressed the importance of partnerships with local entities such as Shenergy and SCIP in promoting China’s energy transition. By utilizing industrial byproducts, Air Liquide aims to deliver low-carbon hydrogen to the local market, significantly contributing to cleaner mobility solutions.