Air Liquide to invest more than 250 million euros to support the semiconductor industry in Europe, reinforcing its leadership in electronics

Air Liquide has been awarded a long-term contract to build new state-of-the-art industrial gas production units in the heart of “Silicon Saxony” in Dresden, Germany. Under this new long-term contract, Air Liquide will supply large volumes of high-purity gases directly on the manufacturing site of a major customer in the semiconductor industry. This planned investment of over 250 million euros will be Air Liquide’s largest investment ever to support the electronics industry in Europe, thus strengthening the Group’s leadership on the continent. These new plants will support the growing needs of the semiconductor markets.

Air Liquide will build, own and operate three Air Separation Units (ASUs), two hydrogen production units and associated infrastructure to provide its customers with a large, continuous, stable and reliable supply of ultra-pure nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, helium and CO2 at the heart of the German “Silicon Saxony”, the major European hub dedicated to semiconductor technologies and located in Dresden. The facility is expected to be operational in 2027.

These new state-of-the-art production units will rely on digital technologies, standardization and modularization to provide Air Liquide’s customers with outstanding value in terms of reliability and quality of supply. By producing on-site most of the carrier gases needed to manufacture semiconductors, this new facility will contribute to technological progress while reducing the environmental footprint by lowering the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of gases by truck. In addition, the electricity used to operate the facilities is targeted to be 100% renewable.

Emilie Mouren-Renouard, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, notably in charge of supervising activities in Europe, stated:

“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.”