World First: Air Liquide Launches Groundbreaking Technology to Convert Ammonia into Hydrogen at Industrial Scale, Unlocking New Low-Carbon Supply Chains
Air Liquide has successfully started up the world’s first industrial-scale ammonia-to-hydrogen pilot unit, marking a breakthrough in the global hydrogen economy. Located at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the new facility can convert 30 tons of ammonia into hydrogen per day, paving the way for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen supply chains for industry and mobility.
This innovative technology addresses one of the biggest challenges in hydrogen development: transporting hydrogen over long distances. Ammonia (NH₃), a compound made from hydrogen and nitrogen, emerges as a practical and cost-effective hydrogen carrier. It can be produced in regions rich in renewable energy—such as solar, wind, and hydro—then transported using existing global ammonia infrastructure. Once delivered, it is “cracked” back into hydrogen, providing a reliable, low-carbon fuel for industries and transport worldwide.
Air Liquide’s proprietary ammonia cracking technology strengthens the company’s portfolio in clean hydrogen production. The project features key innovations in process safety, advanced catalysis, ammonia combustion, and efficient molecule separation, demonstrating Air Liquide’s ability to scale breakthrough laboratory research into first-of-its-kind industrial solutions for customers.
Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, overseeing Innovation, Technology, and Hydrogen Energy activities, said:
“The commissioning of our ammonia cracking pilot unit in Antwerp is a major milestone for Air Liquide and the global hydrogen sector. This world-first facility proves that industrial-scale ammonia cracking is not only possible but practical. It opens the door to new low-carbon hydrogen supply chains and highlights our commitment to providing innovative solutions that support the Energy Transition. I am immensely proud of our teams for making this achievement a reality.”
This breakthrough positions Air Liquide at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution, helping industries and transportation sectors worldwide access sustainable, low-carbon hydrogen and accelerating the global shift toward a clean energy future.
