Semiconductors: ultra-pure gases for a new fab in the United States

A major investment to support the manufacturing of advanced memory chips

In the U.S. state of Idaho, Air Liquide is building a next-generation gas production unit, called TCNTM1, designed to meet the extreme purity requirements of the semiconductor industry. This investment of over 250 million dollars will supply nitrogen and other ultra-pure gases to the new plant of one of the world's leaders in the sector.

The project in brief

  • Signature of a long-term contract with a major customer in the semiconductor industry to supply ultra-pure gases to its plant in Idaho

  • Ongoing construction of the facility

  • Expected commissioning of the TCN™ production unit

A strategic partnership for artificial intelligence

Under a long-term contract, Air Liquide will supply large volumes of high-purity industrial gases, which are essential for the manufacture of advanced memory chips. These cutting-edge components, which drive artificial intelligence, require extreme purity levels and absolute supply reliability.

The gas production unit—built, owned, and operated by Air Liquide—is located in Boise, Idaho, in close proximity to the customer’s global headquarters and new manufacturing site. It will primarily produce ultra-pure nitrogen, oxygen, and argon for this fab, as well as for other customers in the region. This project strengthens a 30-year partnership between the two companies.

Economic dynamism in Idaho

This major project aligns with the momentum of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This law has now entered its most critical implementation phase, aimed at strengthening the resilience of the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. The project will also have significant economic benefits for the state of Idaho, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operational phases. The unit is expected to be operational by 2027, marking a major milestone in the growth of the U.S. semiconductor industry.

Technological innovation: The power of the TCN™ model

This facility is based on the TCN™ model, a comprehensive carrier gas solution designed by Air Liquide to meet the needs of its strategic customers. It is a large-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU), specifically optimized for the extreme purity requirements of semiconductor manufacturers.

By integrating several processes within a single structure, this unit enables the simultaneous production of ultra-high-purity nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. This approach optimizes the physical footprint, while its modular design ensures reliability and speed of delivery. The plant stands out for its major innovations, such as cryogenic argon extraction, the use of an oxygen turbine, and a nitrogen recovery rate exceeding 97%. Finally, an integrated backup system ensures total supply continuity for the customer.

Energy efficiency and environmental commitment

As part of its industrial decarbonization trajectory, Air Liquide is reaching a new milestone with this state-of-the-art unit, designed to be 5% more energy-efficient than previous generations. Furthermore, the on-site production of the majority of gases—including the co-production of oxygen and argon alongside nitrogen—will significantly reduce the need for road transport. The Group is also committed to ensuring that 100% of the electricity used at this site comes from renewable sources within five years.

This initiative illustrates Air Liquide's strategy of combining technological progress with environmental responsibility, while strengthening its position as a leader in the industrial gas industry for the semiconductor sector.

1. TCN™ (Teisan Compact Nitrogen) Technology: Nitrogen production unit

  • More than $250 million invested in the construction of this production site

  • 5% more energy-efficient

    than previous generations of production units

  • Powered by 100% renewable electricity within 5 years

  • Production capacity: 62,100 Nm³/h of nitrogen (N₂)

“

This project supports the production of memory chips, which are essential to AI for their bandwidth and energy efficiency.

”

Guillaume COTTET

Vice President, Electronics World Business Line at Air Liquide

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