Air Liquide announced the construction of the world’s largest PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer in Canada with a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW) for the production of carbon-free hydrogen. This investment enables the Group to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the energy markets for hydrogen and its ambition to be a major player in the supply of carbon-free hydrogen.
Air Liquide will install a 20 MW electrolyzer, which will increase the current capacity of its hydrogen plant in Bécancour, Québec (Canada) by 50 percent. With Hydrogenics technology, this new PEM electrolyzer will be the largest in the world and will meet the growing demand for carbon-free hydrogen. The proximity of Bécancour to major industrial markets in Canada and the United States will help ensure the supply of low-carbon hydrogen to the industry and mobility in North America.
Compared to the traditional hydrogen production process, this new production unit will significantly reduce carbon intensity. Emissions of nearly 27,000 tons of CO2 per year will be prevented using this technology.
Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President & Executive Committee Member of Air Liquide S.A. and Chairman & CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. said: “This investment will help further contribute towards carbon-free hydrogen supply for Air Liquide industrial and mobility markets in North America and complement the recently announced hydrogen investment for the energy markets in the western U.S. Both are reflective of the Group’s Climate Objectives: to reduce the carbon intensity of its activities and work with customers towards a sustainable industry and the development of a low-carbon society.”