The French group Air Liquide has obtained €110 million in funding from the European Innovation Fund to support its Enhance project, aimed at producing hydrogen from ammonia in the Belgian port of Antwerp-Bruges. This initiative is part of the development of new technologies for the energy and transport industries.
The project includes the construction of an ammonia cracking unit and a hydrogen liquefier, integrated into an existing facility currently operating on natural gas. The ammonia used in this process will be imported by sea from regions with competitive energy production capacities, such as the Maghreb or the Gulf countries.
An industrial and logistical solution
Ammonia, composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, is favored for long-distance hydrogen transport due to its chemical stability. Upon arrival in the port of Antwerp, it will be converted into hydrogen via a cracking process. This approach reduces reliance on natural gas in hydrogen production by leveraging raw materials available in international markets.
This logistical model meets the hydrogen supply needs of key industries, such as refineries or chemicals, as well as heavy transport.
A strategic investment
The European aid is a crucial step for the realization of this project, but Air Liquide has not yet made its final investment decision. The group stated that this grant plays a key role in assessing market conditions and the commercial prospects of the project.
This initiative is part of a broader trend of investments in hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, a competitive sector in rapid evolution. The ability to transform and distribute hydrogen is a strategic lever for industrial companies seeking to diversify their supply chains and production technologies.
