Air Liquide: collaborates with Aster for low-carbon hydrogen production in Singapore; secures PPA with India’s Ampin

Industrial gases Air Liquide Singapore and Aster Chemicals and Energy Pte. Ltd, a provider of chemical and energy solutions in Singapore and Southeast Asia, are to collaborate on the development of a Auto Thermal Reformer (ATR) unit for the production of hydrogen with integrated carbon capture capabilities in Singapore. Under the MOU, Air Liquide will leverage its proprietary expertise in autothermal reforming technology, while Aster provides its integrated refining-petrochemical infrastructure and market knowledge.

Together, the companies will assess the technical and commercial potential of the ATR with carbon capture which will support Singapore’s broader energy transition, in line with the national hydrogen strategy that positions low-carbon hydrogen as a key pillar in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Associated with carbon capture technology, the ATR process delivers high energy efficiency, reliability and enables a carbon capture rate of up to 99%. This collaboration is in line with Singapore’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix, decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, and building a resilient low-carbon economy.

Tina Loke, CEO of Air Liquide Singapore, commented: “Air Liquide is proud to partner with Aster on this crucial initiative, which aligns with its global strategy to actively accelerate the development of a low-carbon society. Leveraging our global expertise with more than 30 ATR and a number of carbon capture references worldwide, this collaboration underscores our dedication to providing innovative gas solutions that drive industrial performance and contribute to Singapore’s ambitious climate goals.”

Erwin Ciputra, Group CEO of Aster, said: “Aster’s commitment to green energy is demonstrated through strategic investments and pioneering collaborations that are positioned to deliver tangible impact. By partnering with Air Liquide, we seek to harness advanced ATR technology to supply low carbon hydrogen that strengthens the efficiency and reliability of our integrated infrastructure. This collaboration directly supports Singapore’s hydrogen strategy and aims to accelerate pathways to reduce emissions in hard to abate sectors. Together, we are striving towards a resilient, affordable, and competitive low carbon energy future for businesses and communities across Singapore.”

In other news, Air Liquide has sealed its first long-term renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) in India, contracting 6.6 MW of clean electricity from a wind-solar hybrid project owned by renewable energy platform Ampin Energy Transition.

The contracted power will be supplied to Air Liquide’s air separation unit (ASU) facility in Jhagadia, Gujarat, meeting nearly 60% of its energy demand. The deal will result in cutting around 22,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

New Delhi-based Ampin Energy Transition has a total portfolio of 5 GWp across 23 states in India. The company is active in solar, wind, and storage.

Air Liquide adds that the PPA is a tangible first step in decarbonising its activities and aligns with its global goal of reducing absolute GHG emissions by 35% by 2035.