Industrial gases producer Air Liquide is cementing its supply relationship with petrochemical giant LyondellBasell. The French-based company said it has signed a new long-term contract to provide steam, air gases and water to three LyondellBasell sites in the Bayport chemical district of Texas.

As part of the plan, Air Liquide will spend €180 million on expanding its state of the art energy-efficient co-generation unit at the LyondellBasell complex, which will have capacity of 300 mw of electricity and more than 1,300 t/h of steam. The company is also upgrading capacity at an air separation unit and investing in infrastructure at the site.

The French gases producer said the additional capacity will also allow it to supply other companies in the Bayport area. Cogeneration plants are deemed to be more energy efficient compared with separation electricity and steam units, while at the same time saving CO2 emissions.