Large Electrolyzer
Fully integrated, industrial-scale electrolysis plants delivering large quantities of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen for refining, chemicals, and steelmaking.
Hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable or low carbon electricity is a critical enabler of the global transition to sustainable energy and net-zero emission economies. Air Liquide provides fully integrated large electrolyzer solutions to decarbonize heavy industries and to supply power-to-X projects, optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) at an industrial scale.
Tailored for massive scale
Large Electrolyzer solutions are not just standalone units; they are fully integrated hydrogen plants designed for continuous yet dynamic, high-volume production.
- Comprehensive integration: The solution includes not only the electrolyzer system but also the full balance of plant, including electrical power distribution, harmonics filtration, and the de-ionized water generation unit.
- Complete gas management: It features integrated gas purification for hydrogen (and optionally oxygen), downstream compression if necessary, and all site infrastructures required for operation.
- Solution optimization: The solution is carefully selected from our best-in-class technology portfolio, precisely optimized according to your power costs, project scale, site specifics and footprint.
The Power of water and electricity
A core technology in low carbon and renewable hydrogen production is electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by applying an electrical current.
In a PEM electrolyzer, a highly selective proton-conducting polymer membrane physically separates the hydrogen and oxygen. When the current is turned on, water is split into oxygen ions and protons. The protons cross the membrane to form hydrogen gas, while oxygen is removed separately. This setupallows the system to rapidly adapt to variations in intermittent renewable electricity (like wind or solar), going from full power to completely shut down in just a few seconds.
Seamless downstream integration
Beyond pure hydrogen production, these large-scale solutions are designed for ease of maintenance and full integration into complex industrial ecosystems. Air Liquide ensures the seamless coupling of electrolyzers with various downstream processes, including Ammonia synthesis, Methanol synthesis, and Hydrogen Liquefaction. Furthermore, the economics of the plant can be improved by the direct valorization of the generated oxygen and/or heat as a valuable by-product.
In partnership with Siemens Energy
Our capability has been reinforced by our joint venture with Siemens Energy, producing industrial scale PEM electrolyzers for customers worldwide. The partnership is strongly supporting the emergence of a sustainable hydrogen economy and is helping to foster the ecosystem for electrolysis and hydrogen technology needed to forge the energy transition.
Our joint venture with Siemens Energy operates a highly automated state-of-the-art gigafactory in Berlin, dedicated to manufacturing electrolysis technologies at an unprecedented industrial scale. This 2,000-square-meter facility utilizes advanced automation and robotics to produce highly efficient Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer modules, perfectly suited for harvesting volatile renewable energy.
By combining Air Liquide's industrial strength and knowledge in industrial gases management with Siemens Energy's technology leadership and industrialization capabilities,, we have successfully scaled renewable hydrogen production from pilot plants to full-scale industrial levels. Today, these modules are supplying some of the largest electrolyzer projects in Europe, including major initiatives in Normandy and the Benelux region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the production capacity of a Large Electrolyzer plant?
These industrial-scale plants are designed for massive output, generating greater than 4,000 Nm³/h of low-carbon or renewable hydrogen but targeting large projects of 20-40 000 Nm3/h and beyond.
What types of electrolysis technology are utilized?
Air Liquide remains generally agnostic on the technology, however our cooperation with Siemens Energy is focused on PEM technology.
What is the typical operating expenditure (OPEX) for this system?
The OPEX is highly competitive, requiring approximately 5.0 kWh per Nm³ of hydrogen produced, depending on the final delivery pressure, with the co-production of 0.5 Nm3 of oxygen.
Browse through our hydrogen & Syngas technologies
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Steam Methane ReformingAir Liquide's SMR technology is a long-proven, highly cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for large-scale hydrogen and syngas production.Read more
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Autothermal Reforming (ATR)Air Liquide's Autothermal Reforming (ATR) is an advanced, highly efficient technology to produce low-carbon hydrogen and syngas at massive scale.Read more
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Ammonia crackingDiscover Air Liquide E&T's ammonia cracking technology. An innovative solution for producing low-carbon hydrogen at an industrial scale.Read more
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Low-carbon HydrogenAir Liquide's integrated low-carbon hydrogen solutions combine ATR, Cryocap™ H₂, and ASU technologies to achieve over 99% carbon capture at competitive costs.Read more
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