Air Liquide successfully commissioned the world’s first industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot unit, capable of converting 30 tons of ammonia per day into hydrogen. This milestone marks a major step toward developing low-carbon hydrogen supply chains and overcoming key transportation challenges in the global hydrogen economy.
Breaking Barriers in Hydrogen Transport
Efficient long-distance hydrogen transport has long been a critical challenge for scaling the hydrogen economy. Ammonia (NH₃), composed of hydrogen and nitrogen, emerges as a cost-effective hydrogen carrier. Ammonia can be produced in regions rich in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydro. Existing global infrastructure supports the large-scale production, transport, and utilization of ammonia. Once transported to end-users, ammonia can be “cracked” back into hydrogen, supporting industrial and mobility decarbonization. Air Liquide’s industrial-scale demonstration proves the viability of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and enables the development of world-scale ammonia cracking plants.
Advancing Low-Carbon and Renewable Hydrogen
The new proprietary technology expands Air Liquide’s hydrogen production portfolio, with innovations across key areas:
- Process safety and material testing
- Advanced catalysis for ammonia cracking
- Efficient ammonia combustion
- Molecule separation
The successful scale-up from laboratory research to industrial application demonstrates Air Liquide’s capacity to deliver first-of-their-kind solutions for clients and the energy transition.
Driving the Energy Transition
Armelle Levieux, Member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing Innovation, Technology, and Hydrogen Energy activities, stated, “The commissioning of our ammonia cracking pilot unit in Antwerp is a key milestone. This world-first achievement paves the way for new low-carbon hydrogen supply chains. By proving industrial-scale ammonia cracking, Air Liquide demonstrates its ability to innovate and provide concrete solutions to its customers while contributing to the energy transition. I am immensely proud of our teams’ dedication and work in achieving this success.”
Supporting Innovation and Industrial Growth
As per the company press release, the pilot plant has received support from the Flemish Government through VLAIO. This highlights strong collaboration between industry and government in advancing clean energy technologies. By enabling low-carbon hydrogen production at industrial scale, Air Liquide is opening new pathways. These advances support decarbonizing heavy industry, mobility, and global energy infrastructure.
