29-10-2012

Air Liquide major licensor for world-scale gas-to-chemicals complex in Brazil by Petrobras

As in many regions of the world, Brazil’s economic and industrial growth is increasingly dependent on its domestic energy supply. Energy independence and its increased efficiency are key to creating economic growth and stability. Technological innovation in the field of gas-to-chemicals is critical to providing customers with state-of-the-art technologies and solutions. Air Liquide, through its division Global E&C Solutions, is one of the major players in this growing market, developing innovative technologies for the production of syngas, carbonmonoxide, methanol and ammonia.

Air Liquide is further expanding its footprint in Brazil, establishing a new licensing agreement with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) in conjunction with its recently awarded contract to Foster Wheeler for a world-scale grassroots gas-to-chemicals complex in Linhares, Espirito Santo State, South-East Brazil, called Complexo Gás-Químico UFN-IV.

Air Liquide is the licensor for the Integrated Unit -- the complex’s largest and most integral unit -- which will produce syngas, methanol, ammonia, power and steam. Air Liquide will also furnish fully integrated Basic Engineering Design (BED) and Engineering Services during the execution of the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) as well as technical assistance during the Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) phase through start-up of the complex. The BED/FEED phase is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.

The complex is expected to produce in excess of one million tons per year of ammonia and urea fertilizers, methanol, acetic acid, plus formic acid and melamine, helping to reduce Brazil's imports of these products.

François Venet, Vice President Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions declared: “Air Liquide Global E&C Solution’s strong historical relationship with both Foster Wheeler and Petrobras aremajor factors supporting our growing collaboration today. A true understanding of our customers’ needs and requirements lies at the heart of our strategy of offering customer-focused cutting-edge technology solutions. We are proud to have been chosen as the major licensor for this project, which recognizes our commitment to this region and proven track record of developing and delivering high value projects for our customers.”

Air Liquide has been present in Brazil for more than 65 years and continues to expand its investments in the region. Among its investments there, Air Liquide Brazil recently announced contracts with major regional firms: Coca-Cola bottler FEMSA and Suzano Papel e Celulose, investing nearly US dollars 90 million (€70 million) to develop the two projects.