Air Liquide has made a final investment decision to begin construction of ELYgator, a 200 MW electrolyzer in Maasvlakte at the Port of Rotterdam. The project represents a major step forward in Europe’s efforts to decarbonize industry and transport and reinforces Air Liquide’s position as a leader in low-carbon hydrogen production.
The decision follows critical financial support from the Dutch government through the OWE subsidy scheme, in addition to earlier backing from the European Innovation Fund and the Dutch IPCEI Hydrogen program. This combined support, along with a clearer regulatory framework, played a pivotal role in advancing the project.
Air Liquide will invest over €500 million to build, own, and operate the electrolyzer, which will supply renewable hydrogen—most notably to TotalEnergies’ industrial platform—under a long-term contract. Once operational, ELYgator is expected to produce 23,000 tons of renewable hydrogen per year, helping to cut up to 300,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
A unique aspect of ELYgator is its integration of both Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Alkaline technologies at the same site—a first of its kind in the sector. The facility is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2027.
“This investment decision is a key milestone and reflects our strong commitment to renewable hydrogen,” said Emilie Mouren-Renouard, Air Liquide Executive Committee Member for Europe. “Large-scale projects like ELYgator are essential to reducing emissions from industrial processes and heavy transport. The Dutch government’s support has been instrumental in bringing this project forward.”
The project is co-funded by the European Union, with additional support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, which manages the IPCEI Hydrogen and OWE subsidy programs on behalf of the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth.
ELYgator will serve as a cornerstone for scaling up clean hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, directly contributing to the EU’s climate neutrality targets for 2050.
