Air Liquide has entered into a long-term agreement to supply oxygen, nitrogen, and argon to HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana LLC (HPLS) for its landmark new low-carbon emissions steel facility in Louisiana. Thanks to this new infrastructure, the Group supports the development of localized, low-carbon production of critical materials for the U.S. market. This partnership underscores Air Liquide’s ability to accompany its customers in their global expansion, while contributing to the reshoring of America’s industry.

To support this partnership, Air Liquide will invest over $350 million US dollars to expand its production with an additional Air Separation Unit (ASU) in St. James Parish at the existing Koch Methanol facility as well as network infrastructures along the Mississippi River, further strengthening its industrial footprint and leadership in the region.

This strategic partnership marks Air Liquide’s first major agreement with HPLS in the United States, supporting its global expansion. By building and integrating high-efficiency gas supply solutions, Air Liquide ensures the industrial gases volumes essential for HPLS’s low-carbon steel production goals are met with industry-leading reliability. This project will also support additional methanol production at the Koch Methanol St. James facility under its Optimization Project, which is already underway.

Supporting the transition to low-carbon emission manufacturing, Air Liquide provides a high-efficiency supply model designed for scalability and seamless integration with advanced sustainable technologies. Its extensive pipeline infrastructure ensures the operational flexibility required for this next-generation facility, with supply expected to commence in 2028.

Matthieu Giard, Group Executive Committee member, notably in charge of supervising operations in the Americas, said:

“This partnership with HPLS reflects Air Liquide’s commitment to supporting industrial decarbonization in the U.S. By leveraging our extensive Mississippi River infrastructure and high-efficiency technologies, we are delivering solutions that ensure both superior reliability and the flexibility required for HPLS’s pioneering green steel production.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said:

“Air Liquide’s investment sends a clear message — Louisiana is where companies come to grow and compete. They’ve been a strong partner in our state for years, and we’re proud to see them continue to expand and succeed right here. We’re going to keep doing the work to make sure businesses can move quickly, invest with confidence, and create real opportunity for the people of Louisiana.”