French groups TotalEnergies and Air Liquide have announced an expansion of their collaboration in hydrogen in the Netherlands, aiming to accelerate the energy transition of the petrochemical industry. Their joint project involves the construction of two electrolyzers with respective capacities of 200 and 250 megawatts in Rotterdam and Zeeland. The goal is to supply hydrogen to TotalEnergies’ refineries and petrochemical platforms to reduce their reliance on hydrogen traditionally produced from methane.
An investment of one billion euros
This development relies on a combined investment of more than one billion euros. The two companies have applied for European and national funding dedicated to industrial decarbonization. Air Liquide, which announced the project in a statement, emphasizes that these installations will support TotalEnergies’ strategy to gradually replace its conventional hydrogen with low-carbon alternatives.
A strategic commitment for 2030
TotalEnergies has secured or contracted more than 170,000 tons of green or decarbonized hydrogen per year, notably from Air Liquide and its American competitor Air Products. The company aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by three million tons per year by 2030. This commitment is part of its global objective to cut direct emissions related to hydrocarbons by 40% by 2030, compared to 2015.
An already active partnership in France
The two companies are already collaborating in France to supply several production sites with low-carbon hydrogen, including the Normandy refinery and the biorefineries of Grandpuits and La Mède. This new investment in the Netherlands marks an extension of their cooperation in a strategic market for the petrochemical industry.
