Air Liquide is making a significant investment to build, own, and operate a large-scale Air Separation Unit (ASU) on Naoshima Island, Japan.
The plant will help meet the rising demand for copper, a key element in the energy transition, while supporting Mitsubishi Materials, Japan’s leading copper company, in ramping up its production.
High-Capacity Oxygen and Rare Gas Production
The ASU will supply up to 1,400 tons of oxygen per day, along with nitrogen, argon, and neon.
These gases play a critical role in various industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, transportation equipment production, and construction.
By enhancing the domestic supply of these rare gases, Air Liquide aims to strengthen Japan’s industrial infrastructure.
Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership
Air Liquide is reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Mitsubishi Materials by ensuring a reliable supply of gases needed for increased copper production.
The demand for copper continues to grow. This is driven by its essential role in electric vehicles, next-generation communication technologies, and renewable energy solutions.
Enhancing Domestic Neon Supply
Neon is particularly scarce in Japan, with most of its supply coming from imports. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) recognized the strategic importance of this project. As a result, they awarded Air Liquide a financial grant.
The funding supports the company’s efforts to boost domestic neon production, aligning with Japan’s semiconductor supply security plan.
A State-of-the-Art Facility by 2027
Operations will begin in 2027 at the Naoshima smelter and refinery. The ASU will be one of Air Liquide’s largest and most advanced oxygen production plants in Japan.
As per the press release, the facility will meet Mitsubishi Materials’ needs. It will also supply argon and neon to customers in the semiconductor and welding industries.
Commitment to Innovation and Growth
Ronnie Chalmers, Air Liquide Group Vice President for Asia Pacific stated, “We are proud to continue our partnership with Mitsubishi Materials. This ASU highlights Air Liquide’s expertise in supporting Mitsubishi Materials’ expansion while also strengthening Japan’s neon supply for the semiconductor industry. We appreciate the Japanese government’s support, which enables us to leverage large-scale oxygen production to co-produce argon and neon—gases that are strategically important for Japan and aligned with our ADVANCE strategic plan”.
