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Linde to build $17.3M 'green hydrogen' PEM in Niagara Falls

A energy tank with the name Linde on it.
Linde

Linde, the global industrial gases and engineering company based in the Town of Tonawanda, will build its first North American Proton Exchange Membrane, or PEM, electrolyzer plant at its facility at 4501 Royal Ave. in Niagara Falls.

The project, expected to start production in two years, has a $17.3 million price tag and includes two parallel systems to maximize daily production of emission-free hydrogen, using the hydropower generated by Niagara Falls.

The hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, with an electric current splitting water into its hydrogen and oxygen components, without pollution. Water and heat are the byproducts.

"By providing an emission-free fuel that can be used for hard-to-electrify industrial and other power needs, Linde’s project will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the State’s climate goals, as well as fulfill the WNYREDC’s focus on innovation and sustainability in its tradable sector of advanced manufacturing,” said Kevin Younis, COO and executive deputy commissioner at Empire State Development.

Empire State Development used the Excelsior Jobs Program to offer tax credits of up to $671,000 and a Regional Council Capital Fund Grant is providing $250,000.

“As we strive to rebuild and restart our economy following the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity to retain 86 jobs in Niagara Falls is more than welcome," said state Sen. Republican Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda). "The significance of these career opportunities to our area cannot be overstated."