Air Liquide: builds new unit in Japan

(CercleFinance.com) - Air Liquide announced on Tuesday that it will strengthen its presence in Japan through the construction of a new air separation unit (ASU) to meet demand linked to the energy transition and semiconductors.


The industrial gas producer explains that it plans to devote 'a significant investment' to the project, which when commissioned in 2027 will become one of its largest oxygen plants in Japan.

The site, based on the island of Naoshima, will enable the company to meet growing demand for copper - a key element in the energy transition - and to support the ramp-up of production by its customer Mitsubishi Materials.

The latter, Japan's leading copper producer, is itself facing growing demand driven by electric vehicles, technologies and renewable energies, among others.

In addition to supplying large volumes of oxygen, with a capacity of up to 1,400 tonnes per day, and nitrogen, the new unit will also produce rare gases such as argon and neon.

Air Liquide explains that these are essential to Japan's strategic industries, which include the manufacture of semi-conductors and transport equipment, as well as construction work.

The French group says it has the support of the Japanese government in implementing its project.


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