Air Liquide invests €250M in Dresden to supply ultra-pure gases for semiconductors, advancing sustainability and European tech sovereignty.
Air Liquide has announced a significant investment of more than €250 million to support the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry in Europe. The investment marks a strategic move to bolster the Group's position as a leader in industrial gas solutions for the electronics sector. Under a newly secured long-term contract, Air Liquide will construct several advanced gas production facilities in Dresden, Germany—at the heart of "Silicon Saxony", a major European hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
This new investment will be Air Liquide’s largest in Europe to date for the electronics industry. It includes the design, construction, and operation of three Air Separation Units (ASUs), two hydrogen production units, and additional infrastructure. These facilities will be responsible for supplying ultra-high purity gases—including nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide—directly to a major semiconductor manufacturer located in the region. The goal is to ensure a continuous, stable, and highly reliable gas supply essential for the demanding requirements of semiconductor fabrication processes.
The new gas production units are expected to be fully operational by 2027. They will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies that emphasize digital integration, standardization, and modular construction. These features are designed to optimize operational efficiency and ensure the highest levels of reliability and quality in gas delivery.
A key highlight of this initiative is its contribution to environmental sustainability. By producing carrier gases directly on-site, the new units will significantly reduce emissions associated with the transportation of industrial gases by truck. Moreover, Air Liquide aims to power the facility entirely with renewable electricity, further minimizing its carbon footprint and supporting its broader sustainability objectives.
This major step forward not only enhances Air Liquide’s industrial footprint in the semiconductor value chain but also aligns with the European Union's broader goal of technological sovereignty in critical sectors. The project reflects the Group’s commitment to enabling the development of next-generation technologies while promoting environmental responsibility.
Emilie Mouren-Renouard, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee with oversight responsibilities for European operations, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment. She noted, “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.”
This development underscores Air Liquide’s dual focus: meeting the increasingly sophisticated demands of the electronics industry and actively participating in Europe’s sustainable and autonomous tech future.
