ATHENS – The American-German company Linde, the world’s largest in making industrial gases, said that it has started producing green hydrogen at its facilities in Greece.

That’s key to the European Union’s hope to move away from dependence on Russian oil and gas that was exempted from sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine, the bloc looking for alternative and sustainable sources as replacements.

‘Linde is taking an important first step towards establishing the green hydrogen economy in Greece, allowing us to advance our sustainability agenda across the country,” said Oana Reiber, General Manager of Linde Hellas, reported Reuters.

Green hydrogen is made from water by electrolysis using renewable wind and solar power. The company, which supplies gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen to factories and hospitals, said it was the first green hydrogen production in Greece.