The decision follows funding from the Dutch government’s OWE subsidy scheme for large-scale hydrogen production, alongside earlier support from the European Innovation Fund and the Dutch Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) program. Air Liquide will invest over €500 million to build, own, and operate the facility, which will be the first to combine proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline technologies at a single site.
Located in the Maasvlakte conversion park, the ELYgator facility will use electricity from North Sea wind farms to produce renewable hydrogen. This initiative aligns with the Port of Rotterdam’s goal to transition to a CO2-neutral port, contributing to sustainable industrial practices in the region.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, Group Executive Committee Member overseeing European activities, stated: “This investment decision is an important milestone and demonstrates our commitment to renewable hydrogen development. We firmly believe that robust, large-scale initiatives like ELYgator will deliver a real impact for the European industry and heavy-duty mobility sectors.” She added: “We welcome the support from the Dutch Government, which has been instrumental in our decision to move forward with this significant decarbonization project. ELYgator illustrates our drive to develop concrete technologies and solutions that directly contribute to Europe’s ambitions towards climate neutrality by 2050.”
The facility will supply renewable hydrogen to industrial clients, including TotalEnergies’ platform in Antwerp, Belgium, enhancing cross-border efforts to reduce emissions. The project underscores Air Liquide’s focus on innovative technologies to support sustainable energy solutions, fostering collaboration with European partners to advance environmental goals.
This development strengthens the Port of Rotterdam’s role as a hub for renewable energy, supporting the broader adoption of hydrogen in industrial and mobility applications across Europe.
