Air Liquide has secured a €110 million grant from the European Innovation Fund for its ENHANCE project in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium. This groundbreaking initiative aims to produce and distribute low-carbon and renewable hydrogen derived from ammonia, marking a significant step forward in sustainable hydrogen production at an industrial scale. The project involves the construction, ownership, and operation of a first-of-its-kind renewable ammonia cracking plant and an innovative hydrogen liquefier.

As part of ENHANCE, Air Liquide will retrofit one of its existing hydrogen production units at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to use renewable ammonia instead of natural gas as feedstock. This retrofitting, combined with the construction of the hydrogen liquefier, will establish a robust supply chain for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen in Europe. The project aims to serve a variety of sectors, including refineries, chemical industries, and hard-to-abate transportation modes such as heavy-duty road vehicles, maritime shipping, and aviation. By replacing natural gas with renewable ammonia, the initiative is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 300,000 tonnes annually.

The ENHANCE project leverages Air Liquide’s expertise, building on insights gained from its ammonia cracking pilot plant also located in Antwerp. This large-scale endeavor aligns with Air Liquide’s ADVANCE strategic plan, which underscores the company’s commitment to the energy transition and its goal to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing industry and mobility. Armelle Levieux, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing Innovation, emphasized the importance of this development: “The combination of ammonia cracking and hydrogen liquefaction technologies offers an additional solution to support the growth of the global hydrogen market. We welcome the European Commission’s support for our ENHANCE project, which fosters the creation of a viable infrastructure for the supply of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in Europe. This initiative supports European ambitions toward carbon neutrality.”

Ammonia, composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, is particularly advantageous for low-carbon hydrogen production due to its potential for sustainable synthesis in regions rich in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and water. Moreover, the existing global infrastructure for ammonia production, transportation, and utilization facilitates its large-scale application in industries seeking decarbonization solutions.

The European Innovation Fund, among the world’s largest programs supporting innovative low-carbon technologies, plays a crucial role in enabling projects like ENHANCE. The €110 million funding not only validates the project’s significance but also serves as a vital milestone for reaching a final investment decision and initiating its execution. Through ENHANCE, Air Liquide demonstrates its leadership in advancing hydrogen technology and contributing to the global energy transition.