Air Liquide Develops Ammonia-to-Hydrogen Technology in Antwerp
- Air Liquide is building an ammonia cracking pilot plant in Antwerp.
- The plant will be operational in 2024.
- The Flemish Government supports the project financially.
- Air Liquide plans to invest approximately 8 billion euros in low-carbon hydrogen by 2035.
Project Overview
Air Liquide is constructing an industrial-scale ammonia (NH3) cracking pilot plant in the port of Antwerp, Belgium. This plant will convert ammonia into hydrogen (H2) with an optimized carbon footprint, leveraging innovative technology to support the energy transition.
Ammonia as an Energy Carrier
Ammonia, composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, can be used as an energy carrier. It can be produced with a low-carbon footprint from hydrogen in regions with abundant renewable energy sources like sun, water, and wind. The existing global supply chain infrastructure for ammonia allows it to be transported and utilized at large scale, enabling regions with renewable energy to export ammonia to end users worldwide, where it can be converted back to hydrogen to aid in decarbonizing industry and mobility.
Timeline and Support
The innovative pilot plant, which integrates a novel efficient process with Air Liquide’s proprietary technologies, is scheduled to be operational in 2024. The Flemish Government, through the VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), has confirmed financial support for the project.
Investment in Low-Carbon Hydrogen
Air Liquide has over 60 years of experience in hydrogen production, transport, storage, and distribution. As part of its ADVANCE strategic plan, the Group is committed to investing approximately 8 billion euros globally in the low-carbon hydrogen value chain by 2035.