Air Liquide, a leading industrial gasses company, has announced an $850 million investment to support ExxonMobil’s low-carbon hydrogen project in Baytown, Texas. The investment will see Air Liquide build, own, and operate four large modular air separation units (ASUs) that will double its oxygen production capacity in the state.
Low-Carbon Oxygen and Nitrogen Supply
The ASUs will supply ExxonMobil with low-carbon oxygen and nitrogen, generating 9,000 metric tonnes of oxygen and 6,500 metric tonnes of nitrogen daily to support the production of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia. The companies have also agreed that hydrogen produced at the Baytown facility will be transported through Air Liquide’s existing pipeline network along the US Gulf Coast.
Hydrogen Transportation Agreement
Air Liquide and ExxonMobil have also agreed that hydrogen produced at the Baytown facility will be transported through Air Liquide’s existing pipeline network along the US Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana. This agreement further strengthens the partnership between the two companies and facilitates the distribution of low-carbon hydrogen.
Commitment to a Low-Carbon Future
François Jackow, CEO of Air Liquide, described the investment as a concrete example of the company’s determination to embark on first-mover projects that contribute to the emergence of a low-carbon future. The ASUs will utilize a low-carbon electricity supply to reduce the carbon footprint of oxygen production by two-thirds and will use 25% less electricity than conventional ASUs to make each tonne of oxygen.
World’s Largest Low-Carbon Hydrogen Project
ExxonMobil’s planned hydrogen facility, set to be operational in 2028, is expected to be the world’s largest. The project aims to produce one billion cubic feet of low-carbon hydrogen daily and more than one million tonnes of ammonia annually. It is also expected to capture and store seven million tonnes of CO2 per year, making it a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
The partnership between Air Liquide and ExxonMobil strengthens the Baytown project by enabling hydrogen distribution through existing networks and securing key feedstocks, contributing to the growing momentum for the world’s largest low-carbon hydrogen project.
