- Cryocap™ represents a 30 million euro investment with 9 million euros in public support.
- The system is connected to the largest hydrogen production unit in France, located in Port-Jérôme.
- Cryocap™ captures CO₂ emissions from hydrogen production via natural gas reforming.
- The unit has an annual capture capacity of 100,000 tonnes of CO₂.
Introduction of Cryocap™
Air Liquide has inaugurated Cryocap™, an industrial installation designed to capture CO₂ released during hydrogen production through a cryogenic process. This system is connected to Air Liquide’s largest hydrogen production unit in France, located in Port-Jérôme, Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon (Normandy).
Investment and Development
Cryocap™ represents an investment of around 30 million euros, decided by the Group in 2012, with an additional public financial support of close to 9 million euros. The technology was developed jointly by Air Liquide’s R&D and Engineering & Construction teams.
Operational Details
The system is being deployed for the first time on the Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) of Air Liquide, which produces hydrogen for the neighboring Esso Raffinage SAF refinery (ExxonMobil group). Hydrogen produced is used to remove sulfur from automotive fuels, ensuring compliance with environmental standards in the transportation sector.
Technological Innovation
Cryocap™ is the first CO₂ capture technology utilizing a cryogenic process. It captures CO₂ emissions from hydrogen production by natural gas reforming, improving efficiency and increasing hydrogen production. The captured CO₂, once purified, can be used for various industrial needs such as carbonation of beverages and food preservation.
Environmental Impact
The Cryocap™ unit at Port-Jérôme has an annual capture capacity of 100,000 tonnes of CO₂. This innovation is part of Air Liquide’s Blue Hydrogen approach, aimed at gradually decarbonizing hydrogen production for energy applications, paving the way for clean mobility.
