Air Liquide S.A. (Paris) will invest approximately €25 million to revamp its Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, a key industrial hub in China. As part of a contract extension with a subsidiary of the Yanchang Group, this revamping will immediately enable a reduction of the unit’s CO2 emissions and will offer a greater oxygen production capacity. This major project illustrates Air Liquide’s decarbonization approach, which has already electrified two facilities in Tianjin, in line with the Chinese 2030/2060 carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
In the context of a long-term contract extension, Air Liquide will invest approximately 25 million euros in order to revamp its ASU in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, a key industrial hub in China. The existing steam-driven ASU will be converted to a more efficient electricity-driven system, allowing for an immediate reduction in CO2 emissions of 224,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr). By leveraging low-carbon energy sourcing gradually from the start of the plant, the total annual CO2 emissions reduction will reach 550,000 m.t./yr.
In addition, following the upgrade, the ASU’s oxygen capacity will be increased by 10%. This future production unit powered by electricity is expected to be operational at the end of 2027. In the meantime, the Group will ensure the continuity of services and supply to the customer.
The contract was signed in Beijing, during the visit of Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic to contribute to the 2030/2060 carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals of China.
Air Liquide has established since 2008 a long-term partnership with the Yanchang Group by supplying gas to its subsidiary Kaiyue.
Ronnie Chalmers, Air Liquide Group Vice President, in charge of supervising Asia Pacific, commented: “We are thankful for the continued trust from Yanchang Petroleum Group, a valued partner for almost two decades. This investment underscores Air Liquide’s commitment to grow and reduce the carbon emissions of its operations while contributing to its customers’ decarbonization journey with tailored solutions. The shift towards reducing carbon emissions is an ongoing movement in China, and our company is proud to be actively supporting it while managing to grow.”