Air Liquide inaugurates a new hydrogen energy facility in Shanghai, supporting growing mobility and industrial needs in the region

Air Liquide's joint venture – Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Air Liquide Shenergy Hydrogen Energy Development Co., Ltd. (ALSHSN), also known as Shanghai Hydrogen Energy Supply Basin, was inaugurated in Shanghai. The inauguration ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and his delegation, Chief of SCIP Administration Committee Ruan Li, Vice President of Shenergy Shi Pingyang, Air Liquide Group Vice President Ronnie Chalmers, Air Liquide China CEO Rui Coelho, and representatives from SINOPEC and PetroChina.

ALSHSN marks a national first as China's inaugural 300 bar Type II facility. The RMB 180 million investment represents a critical advancement in hydrogen energy infrastructure for both the city and the wider Yangtze River Delta region.

Driving the development of hydrogen mobility across Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta, ALSHSN will provide high-pressure hydrogen to transportation customers. With an initial daily filling capacity of 12 tonnes, the facility can support 12 hydrogen refueling stations, enabling the refueling of over 1,000 medium-to-heavy-duty trucks each day. This capability will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the region's hydrogen supply chain, accelerating the adoption of hydrogen-powered transportation. The center will also supply industrial customers.

ALSHSN supplies hydrogen to customers, using hydrogen produced through a CO2 recycling process at SCIPIG (Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Industrial Gases Co., Ltd, an Air Liquide subsidiary). Air Liquide will also source biomethane from Shenergy for part of the hydrogen production.

Pioneering the Chinese market with the first 300 bar TYPE II hydrogen filling permit, ALSHSN is introducing 300 bar TYPE II trailers, significantly improving logistical efficiency. This innovation translates to over 60% payload increase and lower transportation carbon emissions compared to 200 bar tube trailers, all while leveraging Air Liquide's strong Eastern China hydrogen supply network for reliable delivery.

Hydrogen is a strategic pillar of China's energy transition roadmap, playing a significant role in contributing to the nation's climate ambitions. Shanghai is committed to hydrogen energy development through various initiatives, aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2025—five years ahead of the national target. As of February 2025, around 5,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 18 hydrogen refueling stations have been deployed in the Shanghai region. 

Ruan Li, Chief of SCIP Administration Committee, said: "SCIP will remain dedicated to supporting the growth of enterprises in the park, fostering a more business-friendly environment, and providing efficient management services. We anticipate seeing more outstanding companies like Air Liquide and Shenergy invest and thrive in the Park."

Shi Pingyang, Vice President of Shenergy, said: "Shenergy is steadfast in its commitment to driving the energy transition with hydrogen as a key enabler. By leveraging our diverse industry presence, we will continue to contribute to achieving China's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and realizing a sustainable, green transformation."

Rui Coelho, Air Liquide China CEO, said: "The commissioning of ALSHSN demonstrates Air Liquide's expertise in building hydrogen infrastructure and reinforces our strong partnerships with local players, in this case Shenergy and SCIP, to drive the energy transition in China. Through utilizing abundant industrial byproduct resources, we will be able to deliver low-carbon hydrogen to the local market, to make mobility much more cleaner."