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

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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 are major 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.


Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions

is a technology partner of choice for the design, engineering and construction of leading-edge processing facilities and related infrastructures worldwide. Looking back on decades of operational expertise within theworld leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, it develops creative, safe, reliable and competitive solutions for its customers, proposing a sustainable worldwide offer of best-in-class plants in a dynamically changing market place.
Your global success will be built on our global capabilities organized in a network of 3,700 employees, spread over 15 Engineering & 3 Manufacturing centers around virtually all continents with a strong local footprint to serve our clients.


Air Liquide Brazil

is one of the country’s largest industrial gas companies, employing more than 1,050 people in over 44 locations to serve customers in the steel, petrochemical, glass, paper, electronics and food industry sectors as well as the healthcare market.
Air Liquide Brazil is positioned to meet the growing needs of the region and its diverse base of customers with products, services and technologies to help industry improve efficiency and productivity.