Air Liquide, a French industrial gas supplier, has received €110 million from the European Innovation Fund to support its ENHANCE project in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium. The initiative aims to produce and distribute low-carbon and renewable hydrogen using ammonia as a feedstock, marking a significant step toward decarbonization in Europe.

The project includes constructing a large-scale ammonia cracking plant and a pioneering hydrogen liquefier, as well as retrofitting an existing hydrogen production unit. By replacing natural gas with renewable ammonia, Air Liquide expects to reduce CO2 emissions by over 300,000 tonnes annually, addressing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as maritime transport.

ENHANCE is the first industrial-scale European project of its kind, and the funding will help Air Liquide advance toward a final investment decision. Armelle Levieux, Member of Air Liquide's Executive Committee, emphasized the project's role in supporting Europe's hydrogen infrastructure and its alignment with the company's ADVANCE strategic plan, which focuses on energy transition and carbon neutrality.

This grant follows Air Liquide's ongoing commitment to sustainability, including its 2024 membership in the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) and the issuance of a €500 million green bond to finance energy transition projects.

Source: offshore-energy.biz