Air Liquide invests EUR 100 million in Bulgaria and Germany to supply Aurubis

Air Liquide will invest approximately EUR 100 million to supply Aurubis in Bulgaria and in Germany. This investment will cover a new air separation unit (ASU) in Bulgaria and the modernization of four existing units in Germany. In addition to providing large volumes of oxygen and nitrogen for the increasing production of copper and other metals by Aurubis, these plants will also support the development of industrial merchant markets in both regions. A crucial element of the energy transition, copper is in growing demand to support urbanization, emission-free mobility, digitalization and is notably used to make the cables which can connect new wind and solar farms to power grid infrastructures. A significant part of copper production is recycled, which improves its carbon and energy footprint in a circular economy approach.

Located in Western Bulgaria, the new ASU will replace older units to produce increased volumes of oxygen and nitrogen for Aurubis. It will also produce argon for industrial merchant markets across Europe. The plant is planned to be operational in 2027. This new state-of-the-art ASU will consume 7% less electricity than the ASUs it will replace. Aurubis and Air Liquide will work together so that part of the energy needed to run the site will be of renewable origin. This has the potential to save substantial CO2 emissions every year.

In Germany, Air Liquide will revamp its existing four air separation units on Aurubis premises. These ASUs supply Aurubis with oxygen and nitrogen for the production of copper and other precious metals, and serve the industrial merchant and healthcare markets in Northern Germany. The revamping of the ASUs is planned in close coordination with the customer requirements and to be finished in 2027. This operation will continue the reliable supply of industrial gases.