Air Liquide Electrifies Shaanxi ASU to Reduce Industrial CO₂

How Air Liquide’s ASU Upgrade Supports Industrial Decarbonization in China
Decarbonizing heavy industry requires cleaner gas production systems, and Air Liquide is advancing this effort by revamping its Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Yulin, Shaanxi Province—one of China’s major industrial hubs. Under a long-term contract extension with a subsidiary of the Yanchang Group, the company will invest approximately 25 million euros to transition the facility from a steam-driven process to a more efficient electricity-driven system.

This conversion will immediately cut CO₂ emissions by 224,000 tonnes per year, with the reduction rising to 550,000 tonnes annually as low-carbon energy sourcing is integrated progressively. The project aligns with China’s 2030/2060 carbon-peaking and carbon-neutrality goals and reinforces Air Liquide’s broader strategy, which has already included electrifying two ASUs in Tianjin.

Increasing Oxygen Capacity While Lowering Environmental Impact
Beyond emissions reduction, the upgrade will increase the ASU’s oxygen production capacity by 10%, supporting local industrial activity while lowering the carbon footprint of gas supply. The upgraded electric-powered unit is expected to be operational by the end of 2027, and Air Liquide will maintain uninterrupted service to its customer during the transition.

The agreement was formalized in Beijing during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring international cooperation toward industrial decarbonization. Air Liquide has maintained a long-term partnership with Yanchang Group since 2008, supplying gases to its Kaiyue subsidiary.

www.airliquide.com