EU Backs Air Liquide's Hydrogen Project in Antwerp

Air Liquide has secured a €110 million grant from the European Innovation Fund for its ENHANCE project aimed at producing low-carbon hydrogen from ammonia in Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium. This initiative marks the first large-scale European venture in ammonia-based hydrogen production and distribution.

Air Liquide plans to retrofit an existing hydrogen production unit in Antwerp, replacing natural gas with renewable ammonia, alongside constructing a new hydrogen liquefier. This would cut CO2 emissions by over 300,000 tonnes annually, aiding sectors like refineries, chemicals, transport, and aviation in their decarbonization efforts.

The project builds upon Air Liquide's past ammonia cracking pilot experiences. Armelle Levieux from Air Liquide highlighted the project's role in supporting global hydrogen growth and Europe's carbon neutrality ambitions. The European Innovation Fund's support is crucial for pushing forward with the final investment phase.