The industrial gases company Air Products has announced a three-year agreement with the ArianeGroup for the supply of low-carbon liquid hydrogen. The hydrogen is to be used for launch vehicle engine tests as well as for related research and development activities in Europe.
The agreement continues a collaboration that has existed since 1997 and expands it to include the aspect of a reduced CO2 footprint in ground-based test activities. Whether space flights will one day take place with the low-carbon hydrogen is not mentioned in the press release.
Liquefaction in Rotterdam, use in Vernon
Air Products liquefies the hydrogen at the Botlek facility in the Port of Rotterdam. It is then transported by trailer to the ArianeGroup site in Vernon, France. There it is used in the development, integration, and testing of cryogenic engines, including the Vulcain 2.1 and Vinci units for the European heavy-lift rocket Ariane 6. The ArianeGroup is the main contractor for the European Space Agency (ESA) for the Ariane 6 launch vehicle.
Focus on decarbonizing test operations
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the ArianeGroup and ensure a reliable supply of low-carbon liquid hydrogen for Europe's engine test programs,” says Caroline Stancell, Vice President Marketing and Growth Programmes, Europe & Africa at Air Products. “Our infrastructure in Rotterdam and our expertise in hydrogen safety and logistics support reliable and at the same time lower-emission test operations.”
According to its own statements, Air Products is the world's largest hydrogen supplier and achieved sales of 12 billion US dollars in around 50 countries in the fiscal year 2025.
