Air Liquide's Green Hydrogen Investment at La Mède Biorefinery in France
Key Ideas
  • Air Liquide invests over 80 million euros for a green hydrogen unit at TotalEnergies’ La Mède biorefinery, aiming to produce 25,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually.
  • The project supports Europe's energy transition, reducing CO2 emissions by 130,000 tons/year and aligning with TotalEnergies' decarbonization strategy.
  • Strategic location in Fos-sur-Mer enhances Air Liquide's decarbonization efforts and responds to the need for sustainable industrial processes amid stricter environmental regulations.
  • The collaboration signifies a strong commitment to meeting EU climate objectives, particularly increasing the share of sustainable aviation fuels in aviation, in line with the ReFuelEU initiative.
Air Liquide, a key player in industrial gases, has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest more than 80 million euros in establishing a green hydrogen unit at TotalEnergies’ La Mède biorefinery in southern France. The project, slated for completion in 2028, is set to generate 25,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually by utilizing recycled biogenic byproducts, a significant stride towards Europe’s energy transition. This initiative is part of TotalEnergies' broader decarbonization strategy, with an aim to slash carbon dioxide emissions by 130,000 tons per year at its Mediterranean facility. The collaboration between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies extends to other refineries like Grandpuits and Gonfreville, marking a strategic move for the Fos-sur-Mer region. The planned green hydrogen unit will be situated in Fos-sur-Mer, an industrial hub where Air Liquide already operates various facilities, including a high-pressure hydrogen fueling station for heavy-duty trucks. This project not only addresses the tightening environmental regulations and escalating carbon prices faced by European industries but also highlights the importance of renewable hydrogen as a viable solution for minimizing industrial carbon footprints. The initiative also aligns with the uptrend in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), with TotalEnergies actively involved in SAF production at multiple French sites. The company's shift towards a zero-oil platform at Grandpuits, focusing on SAF from the circular economy, reflects a broader industry trend. Despite the growth forecasts for SAF in global aviation fuel consumption, the report indicates that cost remains a significant challenge, with SAF prices far exceeding traditional fossil-based fuels. This joint effort by Air Liquide and TotalEnergies underscores a shared dedication among industrial giants to achieve the EU's climate targets, particularly within the aviation sector, supporting initiatives like ReFuelEU that advocate for increased SAF usage in aviation fuel.
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