Air Liquide sees two of six H2 hubs moving forward
President Trump's decision to halt congressionally approved funding has impacted these locations’ feasibility, as the company depended on funds signed during the Biden Administration in 2023.
French energy giant Air Liquide has identified two of its six U.S. hydrogen hub projects as the most likely to advance following a funding freeze on clean energy initiatives by President Donald Trump.
In 2023, Air Liquide was selected as a partner for six hydrogen hubs under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) $7 billion investment in clean hydrogen, part of the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by former President Joe Biden. However, the recent decision by Trump to halt billions of dollars in congressionally approved funding has cast uncertainty over these projects.
According to a report by Reuters, the company’s CEO, François Jackow, revealed that two hydrogen hubs utilizing natural gas with carbon capture technology are currently the top contenders for continued development.
Despite the funding challenges, Air Liquide remains committed to expanding its clean energy footprint in the U.S. The company has been a significant beneficiary of the Inflation Reduction Act and has been investing heavily in the country’s energy transition.
Among its major initiatives is a partnership with ExxonMobil aimed at enhancing low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production at Exxon’s Baytown, Texas, facility.
Jackow acknowledged that the final investment decision on the Exxon project has yet to be made, though discussions between the two companies are ongoing. A final resolution is expected in the second half of 2025.
