This strategic transaction, which represents an investment of $20.5m, will enable Air Liquide to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the H2 energy markets and its ambition to be a major player in the supply of carbon-free H2, particularly for industry and mobility markets.
Convinced that H2 will play a key role in the energy transition, Air Liquide has been a pioneer in the development of the H2 sector for several years. Air Liquide and Hydrogenics have also entered into a technology and commercial agreement to jointly develop proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis technologies for the rapidly growing H2 energy markets around the world.
Commenting on this investment, François Darchis, Senior Vice-President and member of the Air Liquide Group Executive Committee, supervising Innovation, said, ”Water electrolysis is one of the key technologies to accelerate the emergence of H2 as a sustainable energy carrier. Indeed it enables the production of totally carbon-free H2, thanks namely to renewable electricity. By partnering with Hydrogenics, a leader in electrolysis and fuel cell technologies, Air Liquide is reinforcing its technology portfolio in H2 production and strengthening its ability to offer competitive decarbonated H2 on a large scale. We are more than ever convinced that H2 will play a major role in the fight against global warming. Drastically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is vital for the planet. In this area, Air Liquide has the most ambitious objectives in its industry”.
Air Liquide’s commitment to hydrogen energy
In the past 50 years, Air Liquide has developed unique expertise enabling it to master the entire H2 supply chain, from production and storage to distribution and the development of applications for end users, thus contributing to the widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, for mobility in particular. Air Liquide has designed and installed more than 120 stations around the world to date.