Siemens Energy and Air Liquide have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine their expertise in PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis technology
Under the contract, both the companies will take part in co-creation of large industrial-scale hydrogen projects in collaboration with customers, lay the ground for mass manufacturing of electrolysers in Europe (especially in Germany and France), and undertake research and development activities to develop next generation electrolyser technologies.
Hydrogen will play an essential role in achieving the European Union?s objectives for CO2 and greenhouse gas emission reduction. In order to meet the growing demand, and lower the costs, it is essential to accelerate the production of sustainably generated hydrogen, through large-scale PEM electrolysers.
Siemens Energy and Air Liquide will jointly apply for large projects' funding under the EU?s Green Deal and Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI)-scheme, which will help fast start the activities and meet the challenging timelines set out by the European Green New Deal, the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the French and German National Hydrogen Strategies.
Both the companies will strengthen their core competencies, and enable the emergence of a sustainable hydrogen economy in Europe; and initiate a European ecosystem for electrolysis and hydrogen technology, along with other partners. The partners have already been identified for the cooperation opportunities in large scale sustainable hydrogen projects, across France, Germany and other European countries. One of these opportunities is the Air Liquide-H2V Normandy project in France, with a capacity of 200 MW. It is one of the most ambitious European projects for hydrogen production from renewable energies.
Christian Bruch, CEO of Siemens Energy said, ?Building up a sustainable hydrogen economy will still require to amend the framework conditions in the energy market. However, it will be through partnerships and collaboration that we can shape this market. We highly appreciate to co-create innovative solutions with Air Liquide. Collectively, we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead to industrialise the technology and make sustainably generated hydrogen a success story.?
Beno?t Potier, chairman and CEO of Air Liquide, said, ?Hydrogen is a key enabler of the energy transition. In the context of an unprecedented acceleration in Europe of hydrogen technologies and markets, the time to scale-up is now, notably in France and Germany. The partnership between Air Liquide and Siemens Energy paves the way for the creation of a leading European ecosystem capable of supplying decarbonised hydrogen at competitive prices and promoting the emergence of a low-carbon society. We look forward to this Franco-German cooperation.?
Peter Altmaier, federal economy minister said, "Hydrogen is a key element for the success of Germany?s energy transition and crucial for European and global efforts to combat climate change. Germany is strongly committed to support the market ramp up of hydrogen technologies and is working hard towards European Hydrogen IPCEIs. Against this background, I very much welcome that Siemens Energy and Air Liquide join forces in this domain and I am looking forward to seeing strong Franco-German hydrogen projects coming online soon."
Bruno Le Maire, french minister of economy, Finance and Recovery, said: ?Now, is the time to invest massively in order to develop new value chains and new technologies. Now, is the time to act. With ?France Relance?, 7 billion euros will be invested in hydrogen between now and 2030 to make our economy more competitive and more decarbonised. The ambitious project of Air Liquide and Siemens Energy is only the beginning of an industrial cooperation that must develop beyond a Franco-German alliance. The recovery must be above all a European recovery. I also salute Air Liquide?s mobilization in the framework of the French hydrogen plan, notably through its participation and commitment within the National Hydrogen Council.?
