Air Liquide starts up next-generation hydrogen unit at Covestro

Air Liquide has commissioned a hydrogen factory of the latest generation at chemical company Covestro in the port of Antwerp, with an investment of 82 million euros. Hydrogen production is done with better energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

What makes this so-called SMR-X plant so special — compared to a traditional SMR (Steam Methane Reformer) — is that it produces no excess steam. The result is better energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The CO2 that is still released during hydrogen production is collected.

Chemical company Covestro uses part of this captured CO2 as a raw material in production processes. Covestro purchases 40% of the hydrogen produced, the rest is transported to other companies via pipelines. With a production capacity of 56,000 m³ of hydrogen per hour, this investment significantly increases the availability of hydrogen in the port.