This strategic move aligns directly with Singapore's national strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by leveraging low-carbon hydrogen.
A major step toward accelerating Singapore’s energy transition was announced today as Air Liquide Singapore, a global leader in industrial gases, and Aster Chemicals and Energy Pte. Ltd. (Aster), a key provider of chemical and energy solutions in Southeast Asia, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This pivotal agreement outlines a joint collaboration to develop an innovative Auto Thermal Reformer (ATR) unit for low-carbon hydrogen production, crucially featuring integrated carbon capture capabilities, in Singapore.
The strategic partnership is poised to be a major catalyst in the decarbonization of Singapore’s essential energy and chemicals sector. Under the terms of the MOU, the two firms will combine their unique strengths: Air Liquide will contribute its proprietary global expertise in advanced ATR technology—a process that delivers high energy efficiency and reliability—while Aster will provide its integrated refining-petrochemical infrastructure and deep market knowledge of the region.
The core focus is to assess the technical and commercial viability of the ATR unit with carbon capture, which is designed to achieve an impressive carbon capture rate of up to 99%. This process is recognized as one of the most effective solutions for producing low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia at scale.
Tina Loke, CEO of Air Liquide Singapore, underscored the significance of the venture, stating, "Air Liquide is proud to partner with Aster on this crucial initiative, which aligns with its global strategy to actively accelerate the development of a low-carbon society." She highlighted Air Liquide’s robust track record, leveraging its "global expertise with more than 30 ATR and a number of carbon capture references worldwide."
Echoing this commitment, Erwin Ciputra, Group CEO of Aster, remarked that the partnership demonstrates Aster’s dedication to green energy through "strategic investments and pioneering collaborations." Ciputra added that by harnessing Air Liquide's advanced ATR technology, the goal is to supply low-carbon hydrogen that strengthens the efficiency and reliability of their integrated infrastructure, directly supporting the acceleration of emission reduction pathways in hard-to-abate sectors.
The successful assessment and implementation of this ATR unit with high-rate carbon capture would establish a significant regional model for hydrogen-based industrial transformation. It signifies a unified industry push toward an affordable and competitive low-carbon energy future for businesses and communities across Singapore and potentially the wider Southeast Asian region.
