Air Liquide Korea and Lotte Chemical are expanding their domestic hydrogen business. This is expected to produce synergy effects in various areas of the hydrogen economy, such as reducing carbon emissions and expanding hydrogen distribution channels.

Air Liquide Korea and Lotte Chemical signed a business agreement (MOU) to expand their hydrogen business partnership at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil on the afternoon of the 7th.

The event was attended by Nicolas Poirien, CEO of Air Liquide Korea, and Jin-goo Hwang, head of the Hydrogen Energy Business Unit at Lotte Chemical (and also head of the Basic Materials Business Unit).

Through this agreement, the two companies will cooperate in ammonia decomposition, liquefied hydrogen business, and hydrogen shipment business in the Yeosu region by leveraging the strengths of both companies.

First, the two companies will cooperate in the cracking business of clean ammonia imported from overseas by utilizing their technology and know-how. The hydrogen produced through this will be used for power generation and mobility. In addition, the gaseous hydrogen business currently being conducted through the joint venture Lotte Air Liquide Energy High Co., Ltd. will be expanded to liquefied hydrogen, and the market development of hydrogen for mobility will be expanded nationwide.

Air Liquide Korea established a joint venture, Lotte Air Liquide Enerhigh Co., Ltd., with Lotte Chemical in December last year to expand the domestic mobility hydrogen supply chain. As the first project to lead the transition to hydrogen energy in the domestic energy market, construction of a large-scale high-pressure hydrogen delivery center utilizing Lotte Chemical's byproduct hydrogen is being promoted on the site of Lotte Chemical's Daesan Plant.

Nicolas Poirien, CEO of Air Liquide Korea, said, “The expanded collaboration between Air Liquide Korea and Lotte Chemical represents a strengthening of our partnership and will contribute to further developing the hydrogen economy, a key element of the energy transition.” He added, “By leveraging the strengths and expertise of both companies, it will be possible to develop a sustainable hydrogen supply chain for mobility and industrial applications.”

Lotte Chemical Hydrogen Energy Business Unit Director Hwang Jin-goo said, “We expect that the expanded cooperation between the two companies, which have various advantages, will contribute to the revitalization of the hydrogen and ammonia economy and carbon neutrality.” He added, “Lotte Chemical will maximize its core capabilities in production, distribution, utilization, and technology development and further strengthen its global network for the successful establishment of the hydrogen ecosystem.”

Air Liquide is a world leader in industrial gases, and has been building its own expertise across the entire hydrogen supply chain, from hydrogen energy production, storage to distribution, for 60 years, contributing to the widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy source. To date, it has designed and built more than 200 hydrogen charging stations around the world.

Lotte Chemical is promoting hydrogen energy business for global clean energy supply and carbon reduction growth. In preparation for the increase in domestic demand, it plans to promote the introduction of clean hydrogen and ammonia overseas through various investments and partnerships, and contribute to carbon reduction growth and the creation of a hydrogen-centered green circulation ecosystem based on core competencies such as large-scale consumers, large-scale supply chains, and eco-friendly technologies.