Air Liquide/Oxea tie up in 12-year syngas/hydrogen supply deal

Gas major Air Liquide is pumping in EUR20 million at its existing partial oxidation (POX) unit under a 12-year extended supply contract for synthesis gas and hydrogen with chemicals supplier Oxea in Germany.

The deal, covering 340,000 tonnes/year of syngas and hydrogen output, anchors a partnership that dates back to the late 1960s and signals a clear commitment to keeping one of Germany’s most integrated chemical production hubs operational and competitive through the energy transition.

The unit is located at Oxea’s Oberhausen chemical plant and is Air Liquide’s largest production hub in Germany and a key integrated oxo chemistry site.

Air Liquide has operated the POX plant in Oberhausen since 2010. In 2021, the company connected a carbon capture and liquefaction plant to reduce emissions and supply carbon dioxide (CO2) to the food and beverage industry.

The carbon capture element has reduced the site’s CO2 emissions by 50% since 2021.

The supply underpins Oxea’s production of oxo-intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals — specialist materials used in coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

The EUR20 million investment will fund a comprehensive upgrade of Air Liquide’s existing POX unit at the Oberhausen site. The modernisation programme targets enhanced safety performance, long-term supply reliability, and operational robustness.

The site also hosts Air Liquide’s 20 MW “Trailblazer” electrolyser, inaugurated in August 2024, producing renewable hydrogen on an industrial scale. Together, these assets position Oberhausen as one of Germany’s most advanced integrated industrial gas and clean energy production hubs.