To achieve this, Air Liquide will modernize its existing production assets – two air separation units (ASU) and a partial oxidation unit (POX) – which will be complemented by a new CO₂ recycling solution. According to Air Liquide, this will enable a circular use of the CO₂ produced, leading to around 15% increase in energy efficiency and reducing the emissions by around 15,000 t/year, which represents 80% of direct CO₂ emissions of its site. The modernization of the assets is scheduled for completion in 2024.

Emilie Mouren-Renouard, member of Air Liquide’s executive committee and CEO of the Europe Industries Hub, said: "In view of the climate imperative, the necessary industrial transformation will require not only ground-breaking greenfield projects but also step-by-step modifications and modernization of existing plants. This is why, as part of our long term renewal of the supply agreement with Dow, we have decided to invest close to €40 million to modernize our assets in Stade. The solution implemented will apply CO₂ recycling to an existing production facility, enabling us to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions at the same time."