Air Liquide Launches World's First Industrial Ammonia Cracker in Antwerp
Antwerp, Wednesday, 26 November 2025.
Air Liquide’s new facility in Antwerp, operational since November 23, 2025, converts ammonia into hydrogen, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions and low-carbon supply chains.
Introduction to the Ammonia Cracker
Air Liquide’s ammonia cracker in Antwerp, operational since November 23, 2025, represents a pioneering advancement in the global hydrogen economy. The facility boasts a conversion capacity of 30 tons of ammonia per day into hydrogen, leveraging ammonia as a low-carbon hydrogen carrier [1]. This innovative project is a cornerstone in Air Liquide’s strategy to enable new low-carbon hydrogen supply chains, facilitating the decarbonization of both industry and mobility sectors [2].
The Role of Hydrogen in Sustainable Energy
Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a pivotal element in transitioning to sustainable energy. Its role as a clean energy carrier is crucial, particularly in regions like Europe that aim to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2050 [3]. The Antwerp facility’s ability to efficiently convert and transport hydrogen over long distances addresses one of the key challenges in establishing a robust hydrogen economy [2]. By converting ammonia—a readily transported hydrogen carrier—back into hydrogen, the facility unlocks new opportunities for sustainable industrial applications [1].
Technological Innovations and Support
The ammonia cracker in Antwerp is supported by the Flemish Government through VLAIO, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing technological innovations [2]. Air Liquide’s proprietary technology includes advancements in process safety, material testing, and catalysis for ammonia cracking, which are critical for scaling up hydrogen production [2]. Armelle Levieux, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, highlighted the project’s significance as a milestone in providing concrete solutions for energy transition [2].
Impact on the Hydrogen Economy
The successful operation of Air Liquide’s ammonia cracker marks a significant milestone in the broader context of sustainable energy. By demonstrating the viability of industrial-scale ammonia cracking, Air Liquide sets a precedent for future developments in hydrogen technology. This facility not only enhances the company’s portfolio but also contributes to the global effort to establish low-carbon energy systems [1][2]. The project aligns with the Netherlands’ goals of achieving a climate-neutral economy by 2050, as part of a larger European initiative to leverage hydrogen as a clean energy source [3].