Air Liquide invests more than 250 million euros in Dresden
The planned investment is Air Liquide's largest investment to support the electronics industry in Europe and strengthens the Group's leading position on the continent. The new facilities will meet the growing needs of the semiconductor markets.
Air Liquide has been awarded a long-term contract to build new state-of-the-art industrial gas production facilities in the heart of "Silicon Saxony" in Dresden. Under this new long-term contract, Air Liquide will supply large quantities of high-purity gases directly to the production site of a major customer in the semiconductor industry.
Air Liquide will build, own and operate three air separation units (ASU), two hydrogen production units and the associated infrastructure to provide a continuous, stable and reliable supply of high-purity nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, helium and CO2 to its customers in the heart of "Silicon Saxony", the most important European center for semiconductor technologies. The site is scheduled to start operations in 2027.
These new state-of-the-art production facilities will rely on digital technologies, standardization and modularization to provide Air Liquide's customers with outstanding added value in terms of reliability and delivery quality. By producing the majority of the carrier gases required for semiconductor manufacturing on site, this new facility will contribute to technological progress while improving the environmental footprint by reducing CO2 emissions associated with the transportation of gases by truck. In addition, 100% of the electricity used to operate the facilities will come from renewable sources.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, member of Air Liquide's Executive Committee and responsible in particular for the European business, said: "This new investment strengthens Air Liquide's position as a global and European leader in the semiconductor industry and reflects the Group's proven expertise and capabilities in delivering safe and reliable ultra-high purity gases. Supporting our customers in the development of advanced technologies across Europe while reducing their carbon footprint is a key part of our strategy. This investment also strengthens our leadership position in 'Silicon Saxony' while contributing to Europe's technological sovereignty."