Paris, November 23 2023
Air Liquide has selected the three winners of its 2023 Scientific Challenge, out of 119 proposals from 29
countries. This 3rd edition of the Scientific Challenge aimed at identifying and accelerating the development
of innovative solutions for the decarbonization of industrial ecosystems, in an open innovation approach.
The laureates’ projects will receive funding from Air Liquide to develop their proposed solutions and to
transform them into market-ready technologies.
Can LI, Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, USA, is the Laureate of the “Data
sharing for decarbonization” topic. The sharing of data between the different stakeholders of an industrial
basin using the same utilities connected by physical networks is crucial to meet shared sustainability
targets. Can LI’s proposal focuses on the development of algorithms facilitating data sharing, ensuring
transparency as well as data privacy and security, to achieve industrial optimizations and reduce CO2
emissions.
Luis Miguel MADEIRA, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal, is the Laureate of the “Energy
storage using Essential Small Molecules” topic. Renewable energies are intermittent by nature. To ensure
their widespread adoption and contribute to the decarbonization of the energy sector, it is essential to
develop new ways of storing and reusing electricity, using Essential Small Molecules. Luis Miguel
MADEIRA’s project focuses on a new technology development based on an innovative cyclic system, to
produce methane (CH4) as an energy carrier, from industrial captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen (H2).
Enrico TRONCONI, Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, is the Laureate of the “Electric Heating for Hydrogen (H2) production” topic. One way of decarbonizing hydrogen production would be to electrify the heat generation required for steam-methane reforming. Yet achieving the reaction temperature (800°C) with electric power is a challenge. Enrico TRONCONI’s proposal consists in a new technological solution enabling an efficient electrified Steam Methane Reforming process. Based on a new conductive device harnessing the resistive heating, this solution helps reduce the energy consumption and the CO2 emissions of the hydrogen production process.
The three laureates were selected by a Jury of 8 members, headed by Air Liquide Vice-President Research &
Development Jérôme Christin. It included in particular Professor Isabelle Ryl, Director of PRAIRIE at INRIA
(PaRis Artificial Intelligence Research InstitutE), and Professor Steven Chu, Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics,
former US Secretary for Energy, Professor at Stanford University, USA.
The three winners of the Scientific Challenge will receive the “Air Liquide Scientific Prize” endowed with
50,000 euros. In addition, their scientific works will be supported by Air Liquide expertise and equipment, as
part of a 3-year partnership, in order to develop their innovative proposals and to transform them into
market-ready technologies.
Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Vice President of Innovation, stated:
“The Air Liquide Scientific Challenge has generated strong interest from the worldwide scientific community.
This illustrates the relevance of our open innovation approach. Previous editions led to fruitful collaborations
with our academic partners, materializing in scientific publications, patents and even the creation of
start-ups. This new edition will contribute to accelerating the development of pioneering technologies to
promote progress and the transition to a low-carbon society, in line with Air Liquide’s ADVANCE strategic
plan.”
The Jury of the Air Liquide Scientific Challenge:
Jérôme Christin, Vice President Group R&D Air Liquide, Chairman of the Jury, Professor Isabelle Ryl, Director of PRAIRIE at
INRIA (PaRis Artificial Intelligence Research InstitutE), Professor Steven Chu, Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, former US
Secretary for Energy, Professor at Stanford University, USA, along with five Air Liquide Fellows and International Senior
Experts, distinguished in the Group’s internal recognition program: Régis Réau, Air Liquide R&D Scientific Director, Air
Liquide Senior Fellow; Emmanuel Garnier, Director Large Industry, Hydrogen & Energy Transition digital Fab, Air Liquide
Fellow; Sabine Mittelstädt, Technology Director Petrochemicals, E&C, Air Liquide International Senior Expert; Richard
Dubettier, Cryogenic technology Director, E&C, Air Liquide Fellow; Thomas Wurzel, Chief Technology Officer, Air Liquide
Large Industries WBL, Air Liquide Fellow.
CONTACTS
Corporate Communications
media@airliquide.com
Investor Relations
IRTeam@airliquide.com
