Shareholders' magazine

Air Liquide sends its 420,000 shareholders its warmest wishes for this new year. In 2021, more than ever, let’s keep on inventing the future.

Will hydrogen drive us all in the future? This gas, in any case, is set to become one of the cornerstones of the energy transition. With the European Union presenting a plan last July to develop this energy solution as part of the economic recovery and France announcing its own 7 billion euro plan in September to create an industrial hydrogen sector, let’s take another look at hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize the mobility sector as part of this second article on the subject.

Hydrogen often makes the headlines for the role it can play in the energy transition. However, use of this molecule is not new. In over 50 years, Air Liquide has developed unique know-how across the entire hydrogen chain (from production to storage and distribution). We are passionate about this subject and so are you. We have therefore decided this fall to prepare a three-part report for you on this topic. Step one, back to basics: What is hydrogen?

Arnaud, a sports fanatic who is passionate about nature, shares a common interest with his grandfather: share ownership. Share ownership with Air Liquide in particular, as his grandfather passed shares in the Group on to Arnaud several years ago. Much more than a fleeting gesture, this connection strengthened their relationship and is a subject of regular discussion between the two.

Air Liquide wins this prestigious Grand Prix (top prize) for Corporate Governance for the third time. The award reflects the Group’s commitment to the quality of its governance.

Around nine million people in France currently face poverty¹, including almost one million young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are not in employment, training or education². To deal with this situation, professional integration is a primary focus which is played out at a local level, as close as possible to the most vulnerable groups. The non-profit organization ARES knows this and is an advocate of this approach.

Since 2008, the Air Liquide Foundation has supported several projects in two main areas: scientific research and local development. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it contacted its partners — including research bodies and non-profit organizations — to offer them emergency assistance.

Air Liquide has cultivated a long-term relationship with its shareholders since 1902. Marie is one of these shareholders for whom this close relationship with the company is essential.

Dialogue and proximity are at the heart of Air Liquide’s relationship with its shareholders. On a daily basis under normal circumstances, as well as in this period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group makes every possible effort to preserve them.

Today we are celebrating the 14th anniversary of the presence of MELFI⁽¹⁾ on board the International Space Station (ISS). This cold production system , this “refrigerator of space”, allows the conservation of scientific samples in space at -80°C. Initially planned for 2 years, it now records more than 14 years of continuous operation! An opportunity for us to return to the Group’s cutting-edge activities in space.

The Institut du Capitalisme Responsable (Institute for Responsible Capitalism) takes a look back in a special magazine at the 2020 General Meetings season, which was unprecedented. An opportunity for Benoît Potier to review the challenges and opportunities that came up with the digitalization of this event, so important to the Group and shareholder democracy.

Château de Versailles reopens its gardens and the Night Fountains Show is back! A unique event of which Air Liquide has been a partner since 2007.