Air Liquide Invests Over $200M in Low-Carbon Hydrogen Unit in Texas
Air Liquide has announced an investment of over 200 million US dollars to construct a partial oxidation (POX) unit at the Oxea site in Bay City, Texas. Scheduled to start operations in early 2029, this facility aims to increase the production of synthesis gas and low-carbon hydrogen for its chemical partner.
A POX Unit with Enhanced Capabilities and Reduced Emissions
The French group will build a new high-performance partial oxidation facility in the Gulf of Mexico basin. Featuring a proprietary design developed by Air Liquide's engineering teams, this unit will exhibit high environmental efficiency. It will partially replace some existing equipment while increasing production capacities.
The technological uniqueness lies in an innovative recycling loop: carbon dioxide (CO₂) will be reinjected into Oxea's reactor to optimize the composition and production of synthesis gas. This system will reduce the group's net CO₂ emissions by approximately 64,000 tons per year.
Meeting Oxea's Growth in Performance Chemicals
The project addresses the growing demand from Oxea for chemical components for its activities in oxo-alcohols and performance chemicals. Air Liquide emphasizes that the Bay City site offers optimal conditions for raw material supply and has a historic presence on the American Gulf Coast.
Matthieu Giard, a member of Air Liquide's Executive Committee overseeing operations in the Americas, stated that this project represents 'a significant opportunity to reconcile industrial growth and operational efficiency, while demonstrating that competitive solutions can also contribute to achieving climate goals'.
