Air Liquide finalizes the acquisition of the world’s largest oxygen production site from Sasol, located in South Africa.
An acquisition worth over 480 million euros.
Air Liquide acquires the world’s largest oxygen production site
Air Liquide becomes owner of the world’s largest oxygen production site in Secunda, South Africa.
With its 16 air separation units, the site has a total capacity of 42,000 tonnes per day.
Air Liquide aims to optimize the site’s operation by bringing in its expertise and cutting-edge technologies.
The 16 air separation units will be operated by Air Liquide Large Industries South Africa (ALLISA), a subsidiary of Air Liquide.
The 220 or so employees who operated the site with Sasol will be taken on by Air Liquide.
The site will continue to contribute to the local economy and respect the local environment.
“We are delighted to welcome the Sasol employees who are joining us,” says Benoît Potier, CEO of Air Liquide.
Air Liquide and Sasol for a sustainable partnership
The 8 billion South African rand (480 million euros) transaction is between trusted partners.
“Finalizing this agreement is a key step in our ambition to work with Sasol, our partner for 40 years,” says Benoît Potier.
Since 2018, Air Liquide has been operating another air separation unit for Sasol.
Also located in Secunda, South Africa, it has a capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day.
Air Liquide and Sasol have also launched a request for proposal with the aim of developing 600 MW of renewable energy in Secunda by 2025.
This is part of the joint commitment and objective to acquire 900 MW of renewable energy by 2030.
Air liquide’s environmental and climate objectives
The acquisition of the world’s largest oxygen production site and the RFP with Sasol are in line with Air Liquide’s objectives to reduce CO2 emissions.
These solutions are expected to reduce Air Liquide’s CO2 emissions by 30% to 40% over the next ten years.
“In line with our strategy and commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, this operation demonstrates our determination to act now in favor of the climate and local ecosystems,” says Benoît Potier.
Air Liquide’s CO2 emission reduction targets are ambitious.
They are also a step towards the global energy transition.
