TotalEnergies has recently announced a call for tenders aimed at producing 500,000 tonnes of “green” hydrogen annually. This initiative is a crucial component of the company's ambitious plan to decarbonize its European refineries and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The cornerstone of TotalEnergies' emissions reduction strategy is the adoption of green hydrogen, which is generated using renewable energy sources. The company intends to replace the traditional “grey” hydrogen, which is produced through carbon-intensive processes, with its greener counterpart across its industrial activities.
By transitioning to green hydrogen, TotalEnergies expects to achieve a substantial reduction of approximately five million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year from its European refineries. This commitment encompasses all aspects of its operations, including its three oil refineries and two biorefineries located in France.
TotalEnergies emphasized that this call for tenders will complement various smaller-scale local projects already in progress. Furthermore, the company has announced a strategic agreement with Air Liquide to supply the Gonfreville refining platform with up to 15,000 tonnes of green and other low-carbon hydrogen annually. This collaborative effort is anticipated to result in a significant reduction of 150,000 metric tons of carbon emissions per year.
Jean-Marc Durand, the Director of Petrochemical Refining in Europe at TotalEnergies, emphasized the need for a substantial increase in the production of electrolyzers. He explained, “We talk a lot about green hydrogen, but at some point, players like us need to commit to getting these sectors off the ground via massive calls for tender. There needs to be an effect of scale. That's what this work is all about.”
TotalEnergies is also counting on various regulations and incentives within Europe to help attain “competitive” prices for green hydrogen. Typically, green hydrogen costs two to three times more to produce than its grey counterpart, according to Sébastien Bruna, the Director of Hydrogen in the Refining Branch of TotalEnergies.
See also: TotalEnergies and Petronas Join Forces to Develop 100MW Solar Farm in Queensland
Notably, European Union lawmakers recently granted their final approval to legally binding targets aimed at accelerating the expansion of renewable energy sources throughout this decade. This legislation includes a provision acknowledging nuclear power as a potential contributor to hydrogen production, granting France a concession in this regard.
TotalEnergies' commitment to greener hydrogen production and emissions reduction underscores the growing importance of sustainable energy practices within the global energy sector. This endeavor aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and reduce the carbon footprint associated with industrial processes.
