Air Liquide has made a significant investment of over 400 million euros to construct its Normand’Hy electrolyzer, boasting a capacity of 200 MW. This initiative aligns with the company’s goal to contribute to the decarbonization of the Normandy industrial basin and promote sustainable mobility. The investment coincides with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with TotalEnergies to supply their Gonfreville refinery in Normandy, France, with renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
Under this agreement, the Air Liquide Normand’Hy electrolyzer will provide TotalEnergies’ Gonfreville refinery with renewable and low-carbon hydrogen equivalent to an electrolysis capacity of 100 MW, starting from the second half of 2026. The remaining 100 MW will be allocated to customers in the Normandy industrial basin and used for advancing low-carbon mobility solutions.
TotalEnergies will generate up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to power the electrolyzer, matching the hydrogen volume required for its refinery. To meet the remaining electricity needs of the electrolyzer, Air Liquide intends to establish long-term renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) while also accessing low-carbon energy from the French power grid.
Air Liquide Normand’Hy is set to become the largest Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer ever built. This innovative technology, based on PEM electrolysis, will incorporate equipment produced through a joint venture between Air Liquide and Siemens Energy. By avoiding approximately 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, this electrolyzer will be situated in the Port-Jérôme industrial zone in Normandy, France, and become an integral part of Air Liquide’s local hydrogen network.
The investment in Air Liquide Normand’Hy totals more than 400 million euros. Recognized as an Important Project of Common European Interest (PIIEC) by the European Commission, the project has received support from the French government amounting to 190 million euros under the “Plan de Relance” (Recovery Plan).
Pascal Vinet, Executive Vice President at Air Liquide, emphasized the company’s commitment to offering practical decarbonization solutions to customers. He stated that Air Liquide Normand’Hy would play a crucial role in decarbonizing the company’s assets and align with their dedication to assisting various industries and mobility sectors in reducing their carbon footprint. The project also reinforces hydrogen development in Normandy and reflects Air Liquide’s commitment to expanding renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production through electrolysis technology on an industrial scale.
Bernard Pinatel, President of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Air Liquide in TotalEnergies’ pursuit of decarbonizing hydrogen consumption at its European refineries by 2030. Pinatel emphasized that by using renewable electricity from solar and wind projects to power the electrolyzer, TotalEnergies is capitalizing on its position as an integrated electricity player.