L'Air Liquide S.A., or Air Liquide (pronounced [ˈɛʁ li.ˌkiːd] or /ˈɛ(ə)r lɪ.ˌkiːd/; Euronext: AI), is a major French company supplying industrial gases and services to various industries including medical, chemical and electronic manufacturers. Founded in 1902 it is second on the world market in its field, operating in over 70 countries. It is headquartered in Paris, France. Air Liquide owned the patent for Aqua-Lung until it time-expired.
Although Air Liquide's headquarters is located in Paris, France, it also has a major site in Japan (ALL), as well as in Houston, TX, and Newark, DE, USA. There is an emphasis on Research and Development (R&D) throughout the entire Air Liquide company. R&D targets the creation of not only industrial gases, but also gases that are used in products such as healthcare items, electronic chips, foods and chemicals. The major R&D groups within Air Liquide focus on analysis, bioresources (foods and chemicals), combustion, membranes, modeling, and the production of Hydrogen (H2) gas.
Air Liquide group help companies in a number of industries through industrial gas and energy solutions services. As a result of Air Liquide, many companies worldwide have improved their process efficiency and have been able to better handle their environmental responsibilities.[2] The French company operates around 200 hydrogen production units in 70 different countries. In the period from 2005 to 2008, Air Liquide has increased its hydrogen production by more than 50 percent.[3]
In early 2008, Air Liquide entered a long term contract with Nest Oil’s Renewable Diesel Plant to supply hydrogen. Air Liquide is building a unit on Jurong Island to provide the means for the deal. They also hope to turn the unit into an integrated Hydrogen Pipeline Network that will be able to provide services to many companies around the region.[2]
Also, Air Liquide in conjunction with Natural Resources Canada, through the Canadien Transportation Alliance, have opened the first permanent hydrogen fueling station in Ottawa. The station is the tenth hydrogen station built in Canada. The two companies each contributed $800,000 to construct the hydrogen station. Luc Doyon, President and CEO of Air Liquid Canada stated, “As we work toward the transition to a renewable hydrogen economy, Air Liquide Canada is delighted to see the next step in this project become a reality. Our partnership with government and industry to educate the public about hydrogen as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels is an example of our joint commitment to sustainable development.”[4]
