Can you tell us more about this project and what it means for the Group?
Absolutely. This is a major project for us and for the European semiconductor ecosystem. We will build and operate three large air separation units, two hydrogen production plants and all the associated infrastructure. The aim is to continuously supply one of the world’s leading players in the semiconductor industry with the essential gases – including nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, argon, helium and CO₂ – needed to manufacture electronic chips. We’re talking about supplying gases of the highest purity, with strict quality controls and guaranteed delivery.
The location of this project is also key. Air Liquide is the leader in supplying gases to the semiconductor industry in Europe, particularly in Germany, and in particular in the Dresden region. We have been investing for over 30 years to support our customers in this segment on the continent: in Germany, but also in France, in the Benelux countries, and in Italy. We are deploying our entire portfolio of specific solutions there to meet the needs of our electronics customers. This project enables us to consolidate our position as the global leader in the semiconductor market, a key growth driver for the Group.
The semiconductor market is booming. How is Air Liquide differentiating itself to support this growth?
Indeed, the global semiconductor market is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. To strengthen its sovereignty in the face of global challenges, Europe, which currently accounts for around 10%² of global semiconductor production capacity, is actively supporting investment in new fabs. The aim is to double its market share to 20% of global production capacity.
In this context, Air Liquide’s strategy is clear: to be as close as possible to our customers and support them in their development. By building units directly on our customers’ sites, such as in Dresden, we are meeting essential needs for reliability, quality, and security of supply.
We also offer the broadest portfolio on the market, from bulk gas delivery to advanced materials, distribution equipment and related services. This comprehensive approach enables us to provide complete solutions to our customers.
I must say that beyond our unique expertise and agility in responding to the specific needs of this demanding sector, our strength also lies in our organization. It is important to note that Air Liquide has a business unit entirely dedicated to its customers in the semiconductor industry in Europe.
Beyond the size of the investment, how is this project innovative and environmentally responsible?
Our vision is that innovation and sustainable development are complementary. The new production units in Dresden will combine digital technologies, standardization, and modularity to offer our customers the highest level of reliability and quality of supply.
In addition, on-site production will drastically limit the carbon footprint associated with transportation, and the electricity used to power our facilities should come from 100% renewable sources. In this way, we are helping our customers develop the technologies of the future while controlling their own environmental impact. This is a perfect illustration of the implementation of our ADVANCE strategic plan, which combines financial and extra-financial performance.