yes, you can remove it. it only runs the AC, however if it doesnt work, and you dont plan on fixing it i would remove all of it. Saves a little bit of weight, wont gain you any performance, but might help an miniscule amount on milage.
I would love to remove it, but with my novice mechanical skills, the constent warning of the contents being under pressure and seemingly complicated procedure is doing a good job of scaring me away from it.