Air Liquide, a leading provider of industrial gases, has announced its plans to construct an industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot plant in the port of Antwerp, Belgium.
This project is part of the company’s commitment to investing in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain to support the energy transition.
Converting Ammonia to Hydrogen with Optimized Carbon Footprint
The pilot plant will use innovative technology to convert ammonia into hydrogen with an optimized carbon footprint. Ammonia, which is made up of hydrogen and nitrogen, can serve as an energy carrier and can be produced with a low-carbon footprint from hydrogen in regions with abundant renewable energy sources. This project aims to further contribute to the development of hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy transition.
Support from Flemish Government
The Flemish Government, through the VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), has confirmed financial support for the project. This partnership will help the project become operational in 2024.
Air Liquide’s ADVANCE Strategic Plan
As part of Air Liquide’s ADVANCE strategic plan, the company is committed to investing approximately 8 billion euros in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by 2035. With over 60 years of experience in hydrogen production, transport, storage, and distribution, Air Liquide aims to continue driving innovation and progress in the industry.
Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President, Air Liquide Group, said
“Ammonia cracking complements Air Liquide’s already thorough portfolio of hydrogen technologies and adds yet another technological solution to enable the development of a hydrogen global market. More than ever, the Group is committed to making hydrogen a key element of the fight against climate change, in particular for the decarbonization of heavy industry and mobility.”