In a significant push toward sustainable energy, TotalEnergies and Air Liquide have announced a joint investment of over €1bn to develop two green hydrogen projects. These initiatives are designed to help decarbonise TotalEnergies' refineries in the Netherlands and Belgium by replacing traditional fossil-based processes with hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity.
Transforming Refineries with Renewable Hydrogen
The first project involves a 200-megawatt electrolyser in Rotterdam, which will harness renewable energy from TotalEnergies’ offshore wind farms along the Dutch coast. Scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2027, this facility is expected to cut CO₂ emissions from the refineries by up to 450,000 metric tons annually. With a global investment of around €600m, this project marks a key milestone in the transition to greener industrial processes.
Expanding Infrastructure with a Joint Venture
Complementing the Rotterdam initiative, TotalEnergies and Air Liquide are also forming a joint venture to develop a 250-megawatt electrolyser project in the Zeeland province. This additional capacity will further bolster the production of green hydrogen, positioning the region as a hub for renewable energy and sustainable industrial practices.
The Green Hydrogen Advantage
Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable power stands out as a cleaner alternative to conventional methods that rely on natural gas, which emit significant CO₂ during production. When burned, green hydrogen releases only water and oxygen as byproducts, making it a vital component in Europe’s strategy to replace oil and gas in the energy mix by 2050. Despite challenges such as high costs and uncertain demand, TotalEnergies’ CEO Patrick Pouyanne remains committed to using renewable hydrogen as a key feedstock to lower the net carbon footprint of its operations.
