Luc Jarry
World Business Line, Glass and Metal Market Director
Air Liquide

Abstract:

Hydrogen as a source of combustion energy

For energy-intensive industries using high-grade heat, hydrogen could be one feasible and efficient route to decarbonization among others like electrification. It is possible to enhance the energy input ratio brought by hydrogen, while it is therefore difficult to substitute all energy with electric boosting for many glass tanks.

Industry already uses about 7.7 EJ of hydrogen annually. Clean hydrogen could replace other fossil fuels. If some technical challenges remain to introduce Oxy-Hydrique flame into the furnace (heat transfer, fining...), they will be overcome. But the economical balance as well as real CO2 reduction impact, considering different ways and solutions for glass melting is to be investigated. Indeed, hydrogen can be produced through steam reforming with or w/o CCS, from electrolyser or even by renewables converting and storing curtailed electricity.

The presentation will disclose outcomes of an internal study, based on a LCA approach, figuring out the CO2 reductions for H2 combustion produced by different technologies, pure or mixed with natural gas, and compared to CCS solutions on regenerative air furnaces or Oxy-fuel furnaces. Study is performed for various types of glass segments in different countries to assess impact of CO2 factor and costs.

As part of its climate objectives, Air Liquide is working with its customers to develop low carbon solutions for a sustainable industry.

For example, the Group is developing innovative projects with its steel industry customers. The use of hydrogen in the blast furnace during steel production could reduce CO2 emissions in the production process by up to 20%.

Air Liquide is also promoting the use of Hydrogen energy for clean mobility and tomorrow for combustion; it has 50 years of experience in the hydrogen supply chain and ensures a safe, competitive and reliable hydrogen delivery at customer’s gate. For a total production of 1,400,000 tons per year with 46 centralized production units based on partial oxidation or Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and 40 electrolyzers.

Also as part of its climate objectives, CO2 Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS), biomethane and electrolyzers are decarbonizing pathways.

Biography:

Luc Jarry is a Senior Expert in combustion processes with Air Liquide’s Glass and Metal Markets World Business Line. With a Master’s degree in Energy and Engineering, and more than 25 years of experience in industrial gas for the glass industry, Luc’s extensive experience in the development of technologies, management of related R&D and industrialization programs makes him an industry leader in the combustion field. In addition to leading multi-functional, global combustion projects , most notably for oxy-combustion technologies, Luc has been granted 24 patents, been published multiple times in numerous industry journals, and was awarded by COP21 for the best innovative technology development application for “Climate Solutions”.