Air Liquide (Paris, France; www.airliquide.com) has acquired an 18.6% stake in the capital of the Canadian company Hydrogenics Corp. (Mississauga, Ontario; www.hydrogenics.com), a leader in electrolysis hydrogen production equipment and fuel cells. This strategic transaction, which represents an investment of $20.5 million (€18 million), enables the group to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the hydrogen energy markets and its ambition to be a major player in the supply of carbon-free hydrogen, particularly for industry and mobility markets.
Convinced that hydrogen will play a key role in the energy transition, Air Liquide has been working toward the development of the hydrogen sector for several years. Air Liquide and Hydrogenics have also entered into a technology and commercial agreement to jointly develop PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis technologies for the rapidly growing hydrogen energy markets around the world.
Commenting on this investment, François Darchis, Senior Vice-President and member of the Air Liquide Group Executive Committee, supervising Innovation, said: “Water electrolysis is one of the key technologies to accelerate the emergence of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier. Indeed it enables the production of totally carbon-free hydrogen, thanks namely to renewable electricity. By partnering with Hydrogenics, a leader in electrolysis and fuel cell technologies, Air Liquide is reinforcing its technology portfolio in hydrogen production and strengthening its ability to offer competitive decarbonated hydrogen on a large scale. We are more than ever convinced that hydrogen will play a major role in the fight against global warming. Drastically reducing CO2 emissions is vital for the planet. In this area, Air Liquide has the most ambitious objectives in its industry.”