We’re asking Linde, as one of the biggest corporate electricity users on the planet, to:
- Quadruple active wind and solar procurement by 2030 on a 2022 baseline, setting near-term, absolute targets to track progress.
- Increase ambition of absolute emissions reduction targets to 50% of scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 on a 2021 baseline. Extend this target to include a Paris-aligned, near- and medium-term scope 3 absolute emissions reduction target.
- Source at least 22 TW of actively sourced wind and solar by 2035 on a 2022 baseline, commensurate with sourcing more than 50% of total reported energy consumption from active renewable sources by that date.
- Set a target for 100% electrification of air separation units by 2035, moving them away from fossil fuels for energy.
- Clearly define emissions methodology, with transparent details of organizational boundaries and calculation methodology. The methodology should cover tolling arrangements and all subsidiaries and JVs relative to declared financial interest, as well as all emissions reporting categories, including scope 3.
- Review avoided emissions claims and transparently disclose avoided emissions methodology, ensuring any claims adhere to GHGP guidelines. Cease marketing claims based on unsupported avoided emissions methodology.
- Disclose a detailed breakdown of hydrogen strategy, including CAPEX for grey, blue and green hydrogen, and set a green hydrogen target for 2050 aligned with the company’s net zero targets
Why this matters
The industrial gas sector produces vital products for global industry, but at present the energy for production of these gases comes almost entirely from fossil fuels, contributing to global heating. As significant electricity users, the actions of companies like Linde can heavily influence the power sector. By using their massive buying power, industrial gas companies can accelerate global grid decarbonization, boost renewable energy supply through increased demand, drive investment in storage technologies, and pressure policymakers to decarbonize electricity grids.
They also have the potential to create a decarbonization knock-on effect for companies they supply. For example, a 1% annual reduction in oxygen-related emissions would account for 0.87% of China's total CO₂ reduction target for 2030, due to the amount of oxygen used in industries such as steel.
The energy transition is continuing at pace, and industrial gas companies must choose to lead, rather than be led by, the rapid shift to renewable wind and solar.
