Air Liquide Karabatan Tech Gases LLP (ALKTG) has signed a long-term agreement with Silleno LLP to supply nitrogen and compressed dry air to the company’s upcoming world-scale polyethylene plant in Kazakhstan. As part of the agreement, the Air Liquide Group will invest €70 million through ALKTG, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Kazakhstan’s industrial development. The investment will support Silleno’s flagship petrochemical project, which aims to transform the Karabatan basin in Atyrau into a world-class petrochemical manufacturing hub. The latest project marks a significant expansion of Air Liquide’s operations in Central Asia, where the company has maintained a presence since 2016.
State-of-the-Art Nitrogen Production Units Planned
Under the long-term contract, ALKTG will design, build, own, and operate two advanced nitrogen production units that will deliver high-purity nitrogen and compressed dry air to the new polyethylene facility. The units will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and are expected to rank among the largest industrial gas production facilities in Central Asia. Commissioning of the plants and the commencement of gas supply are scheduled to coincide with the startup of Silleno’s polyethylene complex, which is targeted for the end of 2028.
Strengthening Industrial Infrastructure in Karabatan
The new industrial gas facility will be constructed within the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark (NIPT) Special Economic Zone, adjacent to ALKTG’s existing Air Separation Unit (ASU). The current ASU already supplies nitrogen to Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries (KPI). By expanding operations within the same industrial cluster, Air Liquide will strengthen operational synergies while enhancing its industrial footprint in the strategically important Karabatan basin. The investment also builds upon ALKTG’s first major project in the region, launched in 2019, further reinforcing the company’s long-term growth strategy in Kazakhstan.
Supporting Kazakhstan’s Petrochemical Growth
The agreement underscores Air Liquide’s continued focus on supporting large-scale industrial projects through reliable and sustainable industrial gas solutions. By supplying critical process gases to Silleno’s polyethylene plant, the company will contribute to the development of Kazakhstan’s downstream petrochemical sector while supporting the country’s ambitions to become a major regional manufacturing hub. The project is also expected to strengthen local industrial infrastructure, promote advanced manufacturing technologies, and create long-term economic value.
Air Liquide Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment
Émilie Mouren-Renouard, Member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Head of Operations for Central Asia, described the project as another important milestone in the company’s long-standing presence in Kazakhstan. She said the agreement further strengthens Air Liquide’s strategic partnership with KazMunayGas, the company’s long-term partner in Kazakhstan and a key stakeholder in the Silleno project. She added that the investment reflects Air Liquide’s strategy of combining technological excellence with meaningful regional industrial development while supporting the continued growth of Kazakhstan’s petrochemical sector.
Driving Sustainable Industrial Development in Central Asia
With this latest investment, Air Liquide is expanding its role in one of Central Asia’s most significant petrochemical developments. As per the press release, the project not only reinforces the company’s leadership in industrial gases but also supports the development of a world-class petrochemical ecosystem through advanced, energy-efficient technologies and long-term strategic partnerships.
