Air Liquide Pushes Ahead with Sustainable Biomethane Manufacturing

Air Liquide is proactively embracing sustainable biomethane production through the implementation of an internal charter developed in collaboration with various industry experts and WWF France. Going beyond existing regulations, the Group is dedicated to monitoring and assessing advancements towards enhanced sustainability in production, while also supporting the establishment of a global production framework.

Biogas stands poised to become a pivotal player in the energy transition. Naturally occurring from the decomposition of organic waste, its production is projected to quadruple by 2030. Generated through anaerobic digestion, it yields biomethane and biogenic CO2, the latter potentially available for further utilization. Additionally, it serves as a source of organic fertilizers. Thus, biogas intersects renewable energy production, waste management, and agriculture, offering potential impacts on climate, air quality, water, and soil.

Within this framework, Air Liquide has adopted a proactive stance, implementing an ongoing strategy for advancing sustainable biomethane production to mitigate potential environmental impacts on ecosystems. Collaborating with WWF France and engaging experts from industry and academia, the Group has developed a comprehensive sustainability assessment methodology focused on four key pillars:

• Efficiently contribute to the energy transition by maximizing plant efficiency and promoting the use of renewable and low-carbon energy sources.

• Act as a catalyst for agroecological practices by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and fostering agricultural diversification.

• Maximize benefits for local ecosystems and advocate for a circular economy by minimizing competition for food and feed, promoting local sourcing of feedstock, and facilitating digestate spreading.

• Preserve biodiversity and mitigate environmental risks by assisting farmers and stakeholders in adopting industry safety standards, and monitoring impacts on soil, water, and air quality.

As a result of this collaborative effort, Air Liquide has integrated actionable sustainability performance indicators into its investment governance framework. Additionally, the company has established a clear roadmap outlining essential principles that each project should adhere to during their development process.

Air Liquide and WWF France have published the synthesis of the primary outcomes of their collaboration on Air Liquide website. This initiative serves as a catalyst for promoting sustainable practices within the biogas industry and encourages further dialogue with the broader ecosystem.

Armelle Levieux, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing innovation, including Biogas Solutions activities, remarked: “The achievement of successful energy transition necessitates collaborative global endeavors and the establishment of shared standards. Leveraging our 30 years of expertise in biomethane technologies and our unique position spanning the entire value chain on a global scale, Air Liquide is dedicated to serving as a catalyst in the advancement of sustainable biomethane production, both for our own operations and for the betterment of the broader ecosystem.”

Marie-Christine Korniloff, Corporate Engagement Director at WWF France, stated: "We applaud Air Liquide's proactive stance and their dedication to surpassing current regulations in advancing towards more sustainable biomethane production. This collaboration exemplifies WWF France's commitment to tangibly contribute to the sustainable growth of renewable energies. By employing the most comprehensive approach available to us, we assist economic entities in formulating and implementing robust sustainability standards."