Two Giants, One Goal: How TotalEnergies and Air Liquide Are Tackling CO2 Head-On

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide Commit €600 Million to Green Hydrogen in the Netherlands

Green hydrogen is gaining momentum as a powerful clean energy solution, and two major players, TotalEnergies and Air Liquide, are doubling down on its potential. Announcing a joint investment of €600 million (approximately USD 627 million), the companies aim to develop two large-scale green hydrogen projects in the Netherlands. These efforts will rely on advanced electrolyzer technology and renewable energy to cut carbon emissions significantly—and they couldn’t come at a better time.

A Look at the Technology Behind Green Hydrogen

At the heart of these projects are electrolysis-based hydrogen production plants. But how does it all work? Simply put, electrolyzers use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When powered by renewable energy—like wind or solar—the process leaves behind virtually no carbon footprint, making it a standout in the race to combat climate change.

The Zeeland electrolyzer, one of the projects under this collaboration, will have a 250 MW production capacity and is expected to generate 30,000 tons of green hydrogen per year. Allianz and Air Liquide are banking on Siemens Energy’s advanced electrolyzer technology to make this possible. This technology is optimized for efficiency, maximizing the amount of green hydrogen produced per unit of renewable energy consumed.

Two Green Hydrogen Production Locations – Image Credit TotalEnergies

The second project, the Elygator electrolyzer, will be situated at Maasvlakte in Rotterdam. This facility, also with a 250 MW capacity, is anticipated to produce an additional 15,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. It will be powered by renewable electricity from TotalEnergies’ offshore OranjeWind project. Together, these two electrolyzers have the potential to cut a whopping 450,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Why This is a Game-Changer

If you’re wondering why green hydrogen is getting so much attention, it’s because of its unique versatility. Hydrogen isn’t just a clean fuel—it’s a tool that can tackle emissions in sectors that are traditionally hard to decarbonize. Industrial refineries like those operated by TotalEnergies fall squarely into this category. Hydrogen is already heavily used in refining, and replacing conventional hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels) with green hydrogen can substantially lower the overall carbon footprint.

For TotalEnergies, the investment aligns with its larger goal of decarbonizing the hydrogen used across its European refineries by 2030. Currently, the company’s refineries emit around 3 million tons of CO2 annually, but projects like these aim to drive that number down significantly.

On a broader scale, the initiative fits neatly into Europe’s renewable energy goals, as outlined under the European Green Deal. According to research from Wood Mackenzie, hydrogen demand is predicted to surge in the years ahead, growing by over 50% by 2050. This collaboration between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide positions both companies as leaders in Europe’s hydrogen transition—a win for the environment, industry, and energy security.

Recent Developments from the Partners

This is not the first time TotalEnergies and Air Liquide have joined forces. Previous partnerships saw them developing green hydrogen facilities in France’s Normandy region, along with other projects in Belgium and Germany. Currently, TotalEnergies has over 170,000 tons of green hydrogen capacity under its belt, distributed across refineries in key European locations.

For Air Liquide, this marks another chapter in its growing portfolio of low-carbon hydrogen solutions. The company already operates—or has under construction—five low-carbon hydrogen facilities across Europe, with this latest venture in the Netherlands set to expand that reach even further.

Beyond hydrogen, TotalEnergies has been making headlines for its renewable energy activities. For example, the OranjeWind offshore wind farm—which will help power these hydrogen projects—is part of its joint venture with German company RWE. Offshore wind is another pillar of the energy transition that TotalEnergies has been aggressively pursuing, with installations planned across Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Timelines and Next Steps

Timeframes for these projects are ambitious but achievable. The Elygator electrolyzer in Rotterdam is slated to begin operations as early as 2027, while the Zeeland electrolyzer is expected to go live in 2029. The companies have also applied for European and national subsidies to support development and further accelerate timelines.

With these projects underway, the tangible impacts—like reduced carbon emissions and increased hydrogen availability—are just a few years out.