UK-based industrial gases and engineering firm Linde has commenced operations at its new high-purity liquid hydrogen plant in La Porte, TX, expanding its ability to serve a variety of end markets including manufacturing, aerospace, material handling and metals.

The liquefier will receive feedstock from Linde’s 600-km US Gulf Coast pipeline, which is connected to more than 15 independent hydrogen production sources.

“The new hydrogen plant started up on time and on budget, which is a testament to the dedication of the team executing this project over the last two years,” Jeff Barnhard, vice president, South Region for Linde, said in a July 15 company release. “This plant will not only boost the reliability of our existing network but also make the supply chain more efficient and increase our ability to serve the rising demand from existing and new customers, for both conventional and clean hydrogen.”

Linde has the biggest liquid hydrogen capacity and distribution system in the world.

Business intelligence firm Emergen Research recently forecast that the global liquid hydrogen market will hit a value of $50.39 billion by 2027, with growth propelled by rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs).