Air Liquide Invests € 250 Million to Support the Semiconductor Industry
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. The planned investment of more than € 250 million 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 market.
Air Liquide will build, own and operate three air separation units (ASU), two hydrogen production plants 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 Germany's "Silicon Saxony", the main European center for semiconductor technologies in Dresden. The site is scheduled to go into operation 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 the leading global and European supplier to the semiconductor industry, directly reflecting the Group's proven expertise and capacity to supply safe and reliable ultra-high purity gases. Supporting customers in developing future technologies across Europe while reducing their carbon footprint is central to our strategy. This investment also reinforces our leadership in the 'Silicon Saxony' while simultaneously contributing to European technological sovereignty.”
