Air Liquide increases its hydrogen production capacity in France to enable Innovene to produce clean fuels
The production of clean fuels, with very low sulfur content, is mandated by increasingly stringent environmental regulations in Europe and the United States. Removing sulfur from fuels requires large amounts of hydrogen. In 2004, hydrogen represented approximately four billion m3 and nearly 500 million euros in sales for Air Liquide. Most of the hydrogen produced today is earmarked for the desulfurization of hydrocarbons in refineries. The hydrogen business is expected to represent sales of nearly one billion euros for the Group in 2008.
Within this framework, Air Liquide announces the signing of a new long term contract for the supply of approximately 20,000 m3/h of hydrogen to Innovene for its Lavera refinery in the south of France.
To meet these requirements, Air Liquide will design and install a new hydrogen unit on the existing Lavera platform. This latest-generation unit, due for commissioning in late 2006, will also supply a 40km hydrogen pipeline network located in the "Berre L'Etang" industrial basin. Air Liquide is committing approximately 40 million euros to this project.
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