Air Liquide has reached the Final Investment Decision for the development of “ELYgator,” a large-scale renewable hydrogen production facility to be built at the Maasvlakte conversion park in the Port of Rotterdam.
The plant, based on a 200 MW electrolyzer, will use electricity from offshore wind farms in the North Sea to split water into hydrogen, marking a significant step toward the port’s ambition of becoming carbon-neutral.
With operations expected to begin by the end of 2027, the ELYgator will generate approximately 23,000 tons of renewable hydrogen annually.
This output will support decarbonization across industrial sectors and heavy-duty transportation, contributing to an estimated reduction of 300,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year.
The Maasvlakte site has been designated as a hub for green hydrogen production, with space allocated for four large electrolysers. Air Liquide’s ELYgator is the second such project confirmed for this strategic industrial zone.
The investment, exceeding €500 million, has been made possible in part due to revised hydrogen regulations, particularly the ‘refinery route,’ as well as financial support from the Dutch government and the European Union.
These factors, according to Air Liquide, were critical in enabling the project to move forward. Also, this development reinforces the Port of Rotterdam’s role as a key player in Europe’s energy transition.
