- Investment of over 400 million euros for a 200 MW electrolyzer
- Hydrogen supply to TotalEnergies' Gonfreville refinery starts in the second half of 2026
- Electrolyzer to avoid up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year
- French government supports the project with 190 million euros
Investment and Project Overview
Air Liquide is investing over 400 million euros to construct the Normand’Hy electrolyzer, a 200 MW facility aimed at decarbonizing the Normandy industrial basin and enhancing low-carbon mobility. This project is part of a broader effort to develop a renewable and low-carbon hydrogen sector in the region.
Partnership with TotalEnergies
Air Liquide has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TotalEnergies to supply renewable and low-carbon hydrogen to the Gonfreville refinery. Starting in the second half of 2026, the electrolyzer will deliver hydrogen equivalent to an electrolysis capacity of 100 MW to the refinery, with the remaining 100 MW serving other industrial customers and mobility projects in Normandy.
Energy Supply and Environmental Impact
TotalEnergies will provide up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to power the electrolyzer, matching the hydrogen delivered to its refinery. Air Liquide plans to secure additional renewable energy through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and low-carbon energy from the French power grid. The Normand’Hy electrolyzer, based on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology, is expected to avoid up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Government Support
The project has received 190 million euros in support from the French government under the Important Project of Common European Interest (PIIEC) and the "Plan de Relance." This backing underscores the strategic importance of developing industrial-scale renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production in Europe.
