Electrified Air Separation Unit (ASU) in China

At Tianjin, oxygen production units powered by renewable energy

Air Liquide accelerates the decarbonization of the Tianjin industrial basin in China. Two oxygen production units operated by the Group have been electrified and are now supplied with renewable energy following the signature of a multi-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in China. Key outcome: 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided.

The project in brief

  • Announcement of a €60 million investment to modernize two ASUs operated by the Group in the industrial basin of Tianjin in China.

  • Electrification of the two ASUs: 370,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year and a reduction of 55% in the site's water consumption.

  • Signature of a multi-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), allowing for an additional annual reduction of 430,000 tonnes of CO₂

Map showing where is Tianjin

Context

In 2023, Air Liquide launched a €60 million transformation project to reduce the carbon footprint of two of its ASUs. Together, they produce 4,000 tonnes of oxygen every day, mainly for the chemical sector. The initiative is being carried out with its Chinese customer Tianjin Bohua Yongli Chemical Industry Co., Ltd (YLC), a subsidiary of the Bohua Group, as part of a long-term industrial gas supply contract renewal.

To significantly reduce CO₂ emissions linked to its own production methods, Air Liquide combines two action levers:

  • The modernization of its production sites
  • The massive supply of low-carbon energy

Execution

The project was carried out in two key phases: 

  • Phase 1: Electrification of the site. Since 2024, the site has been using low-carbon electricity instead of coal-fired steam, avoiding 370,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year and reducing the site's water consumption by 55%.
  • Phase 2: Signature of a PPA. The Group signed a multi-year renewable electricity purchase agreement, enabling an additional annual reduction of 430,000 tonnes of CO₂ since January 2025.

This project illustrates Air Liquide's commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its own operations while actively supporting the energy transition of its industrial customers and the region.

Air Liquide has been present in Tianjin for over 20 years. This new contract consolidates its contribution to the development of this strategic industrial basin. The region accommodates many major international and local chemical companies. Air Liquide owns and operates four production sites here and an extensive pipeline network. The latter connects the industrial parks of Lingang, Dagang and Nangang to supply industrial gases to customers in industry and healthcare.

In addition, the Group has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with YLC and the Tianjin Binhai District to explore, among other things, the implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) solutions.

  • 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year

  • 55% reduction in water consumption

“

This project, carried out with our long-standing partner YLC, is a concrete illustration of Air Liquide's ambition in China: actively supporting the chemical industry's energy transition while drastically reducing our own carbon footprint. By electrifying our units and switching to largely low-carbon electricity, we avoid nearly 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ every year. This proves that our 20+ years of presence in Tianjin are synonymous with sustainable growth and innovation for a strategic industrial hub.

”

Daming Hu

Vice President, Primary Production and Large Industries and Hydrogen Energy at Air Liquide China

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