Air Liquide Expands Hydrogen Infrastructure with Eastman Chemical on US Gulf Coast
Air Liquide and Eastman Chemical Company have expanded their decade-long partnership with a new long-term deal to supply hydrogen to Eastman’s Texas Gulf Coast plant. The agreement involves revamping existing pipelines connected to the world's largest underground hydrogen storage cavern at Spindletop. This move aims to enhance reliability, reduce costs, and align with Air Liquide’s ADVANCE plan for sustainability. The collaboration also positions both companies to leverage US government incentives for low-carbon hydrogen, fostering regional decarbonization and preparing for future green hydrogen applications.
Air Liquide and Eastman Chemical Company are expanding their long-standing partnership with a new long-term agreement to enhance hydrogen supply to Eastman’s Texas Gulf Coast facility. This collaboration, building on a decade of shared history, focuses on revamping existing hydrogen pipelines rather than constructing new ones. These upgrades will connect more efficiently to the Spindletop underground hydrogen storage cavern, the world's largest, ensuring reliable and cost-effective supply for Eastman’s industrial gas needs.The_move_aligns_with_Air_Liquide’s_ADVANCE_plan,_emphasizing_performance,_operational_excellence,_and_sustainability._The_enhanced_infrastructure_promises_increased_reliability,_reduced_unplanned_downtime,_and_lower_maintenance_costs_for_Eastman’s_Longview_chemical_complex._This_strategic_agreement_offers_Eastman_stable_pricing_and_capacity,_crucial_for_its_steam_cracking,_refining,_and_polymer_processes,_mitigating_spot-market_fluctuations.Crucially,_this_project_is_well-positioned_to_leverage_burgeoning_US_government_support_for_clean_hydrogen,_including_potential_production_tax_credits_from_the_Inflation_Reduction_Act._The_article_highlights_this_cost-effective_retrofit_as_a_successful_model,_contrasting_it_with_other_greenfield_hydrogen_ventures_that_faced_financing_delays._The_upgraded_network_is_future-proof,_capable_of_handling_low-carbon_or_green_hydrogen_produced_via_electrolysis_as_renewable_energy_integration_grows._This_flexibility_paves_the_way_for_gradual_decarbonization_across_multiple_industrial_sectors,_establishing_multi-industry_hydrogen_corridors._The_Texas_Gulf_Coast’s_integrated_approach,_combining_production,_storage,_and_end-users,_offers_a_valuable_blueprint_for_other_regions_pursuing_sustainable_energy_transitions_and_a_green_hydrogen_economy.
