The renewable energy sector has been on an upward trajectory in recent years as the world aims to gradually phase out reliance on conventional energy generation resources such as oil and gas in favor of the more environmentally friendly renewable energy market. The newest and undoubtedly most exciting development in the renewable energy market is, without question, hydrogen. Now, Air Liquide, a French energy major, has approved the plan to construct a large-scale electrolyzer project called ELYgator in the Netherlands.
Global sentiments for clean energy generation are shifting
For far too long, the world has been dominated by the energy generation of the coal and gas sector. While coal and gas have served the progress of mankind well, the result of the generational reliance has devastated the environment, leading to catastrophic climate change with destructive effects all over the world. To shift away from fossil fuel-based energy production is not an easy task to undertake, but progress is being made, albeit at a snail’s pace.
Air Liquide has announced it is moving forward with its Final Investment Decision for its large-scale ELYgator electrolyzer project in the Netherlands, marking the continued growth of the hydrogen market on the European continent. The French energy firm plans to invest an astonishing €500 million to construct, own, and operate the ELYgator electrolyzer, which is slated to be built at Maasvlakte, in the Port of Rotterdam.
The ELYgator electrolyzer project is set to be completed over the next two years
Air Liquide has stated that it expects the electrolyzer to be fully operational by 2027, and that it will produce 23,000 t/y of renewable hydrogen, serving the region’s industrial and heavy-duty mobility sectors. The firm also revealed that the project received some funding from the Dutch government, without revealing the exact amount.
Europe is backing the electrolyzer project with substantial financing
It’s worth mentioning that the project received additional funding from the European Innovation Fund and the Dutch IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) program, exemplifying the European proclivity for the renewable energy market. The regional supply of hydrogen for numerous sectors is set to benefit tremendously from the new and pioneering electrolyzer being built in the Netherlands.
Air Liquide has noted that it has already secured an offtake agreement with TotalEnergies, which enables it to supply up to 15,000 t/y of green hydrogen to TotalEnergies’ refinery in Antwerp, Belgium. This would reduce emissions at the refinery by up to 150,000 t/y. Reducing emissions from the energy sector has become a top priority for any energy company with plans for new projects in the future.
The ELYgator electrolyzer will source renewable power from Total’s 795 MW OranjeWind project
The project will be supplied with the necessary renewable energy from TotalEnergies’ 795 MW OranjeWind project, being developed by TotalEnergies (50%) and RWE (50%). Notably, the project will be the first of its kind in the region, with proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline technologies being integrated as part of the development plan.
The Netherlands has been on a permitting drive in recent months, with the installation of Plug Power’s electrolyzer for the H2 Hollandia project gaining traction.
Air Liquide’s hydrogen infrastructure is growing beyond expectations
Following the firm’s announcement of the ELYgator electrolyzer project in the Netherlands, Air Liquide has also reported significant progress being made on its 200 MW hydrogen facility in France, marking the continued growth of the hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, which has been a major hindrance in the adoption of the hydrogen sector across the world. The project in Rotterdam is the second largest of its kind, following a similar project being developed by British energy major Shell, which is the Holland Hydrogen I project.
