Alfa Laval and ArianeGroup partner to develop hydrogen distribution

On the occasion of Hyvolution’s trade show, Alfa Laval and ArianeGroup announce the signature of a co-development agreement for a liquid hydrogen trailer pump. This agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 1rst, 2024, wherein Alfa Laval and ArianeGroup have initiated a joint program to design, develop, test, and industrialize a pump specifically tailored for liquid hydrogen trailers. This new solution offered by this trailer pump will enable more efficient and reliable transfer of liquid hydrogen from production sites to distribution hubs and refuelling stations.

“This agreement demonstrates the strength and maturity of our partnership with ArianeGroup”, says Vincent Pourailly, President of the Cryogenic Technologies Business Unit at Alfa Laval. “Together, we are moving from concept to execution, with the clear objective of delivering a liquid hydrogen trailer pump that meets the highest industrial and safety standards and supports the rapid growth of hydrogen mobility.”

“This contractual agreement marks a decisive step in turning our shared ambition with Alfa Laval into a concrete industrial solution”, says Philippe Clar, director of civil programs at ArianeGroup. “By applying space-proven liquid hydrogen technologies to terrestrial uses, ArianeGroup is proud to contribute to the development of a reliable hydrogen ecosystem and to the decarbonization of mobility.”

The partnership’s objective

The project addresses critical requirements including compactness, reliability, efficiency, safety, and ease of operation. Engineered to perform under extreme cryogenic conditions, the trailer pump will enable more efficient and reliable transfer of liquid hydrogen from production sites to distribution hubs and refuelling stations.
Prior to this Memorandum of agreement, there was no solution on the market capable of transferring liquid hydrogen reliably, efficiently and effectively. With this product, Alfa Laval and ArianeGroup meet industrial markets expectations by limiting the losses related to hydrogen heating.

Meeting the challenge

Liquid hydrogen is an important component in future low-carbon energy systems, particularly for heavy-duty and long-range mobility applications. However, its extreme cryogenic properties create significant handling and transportation challenges, and existing solutions don’t meet the demanding requirements. In current liquid hydrogen road logistics, trailers are often unloaded without dedicated pumping systems, resulting in operational inefficiencies and significant hydrogen losses. The co-development agreement between Alfa Laval and ArianeGroup aims to address these challenges with an optimal cryogenic pumping solution.

 

For further information, please contact:
Alfa Laval

Maxime Johnson
Business Development Manager Cryogenic Technologies, Alfa Laval
Mobile: +33 684 18 94 77
maxime.johnson@alfalaval.com

ArianeGroup

Gregor Waschinski
Head of Media Relations, ArianeGroup
Mobile:  +33 781 21 41 75
gregor.waschinski@ariane.group

 

Editor's notes

This is Alfa Laval 

The ability to make the most of what we have is more important than ever. Together with our customers, we’re innovating the industries that society depends on and creating lasting positive impact.

Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of first-rate products in the areas of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling. We’re set on helping billions of people to get the energy, food, and clean water they need. And, at the same time, we’re decarbonizing the marine fleet that is the backbone of global trade.

We pioneer technologies and solutions that enable our customers to unlock the true potential of resources. As our customers’ businesses grow stronger, the goal of a truly sustainable world edges closer. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets. Together, we’re pioneering positive impact.

Alfa Laval was founded 140 years ago, has customers in 100 countries, employs more than 22,300 people, and annual sales were SEK 66.9 billion (5.8 BEUR) in 2024. The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
www.alfalaval.com

 

About ArianeGroup

ArianeGroup is an industrial company delivering critical missions for the space and defence sectors. With 8,300 highly qualified employees in France and Germany, ArianeGroup has unique expertise in access to space, covering the full spectrum of civil and military launch systems, including design, development, manufacturing, integration, flight preparation, operational readiness and end-of-life decommissioning. ArianeGroup is lead contractor for the Ariane 6 European launcher for the European Space Agency (ESA), and for the French oceanic deterrent force M51 strategic missile for the French Defence Armament Procurement Agency (DGA).

Internationally recognised for its innovative, competitive solutions, ArianeGroup has expertise in state-of-the-art technologies, from the chemistry of propellants and composite materials, to liquid, solid and electric space propulsion systems. ArianeGroup also offers a broad range of space, defence and industrial equipment and services, both individually and together with its subsidiaries Sodern, Pyroalliance, Nuclétudes and APP.

In the field of space launchers, ArianeGroup’s subsidiary Arianespace markets Ariane 6, and its subsidiary MaiaSpace develops and markets the reusable launcher Maia.

ArianeGroup, equally owned by Airbus and Safran, posted consolidated revenues of €2.5 billion in 2024.
https://ariane.group