Air Liquide (AL) and NLMK, a leading steel producer in Russia, recently have entered into a new long-term partnership.

Under the agreement, AL will invest around 100 million euros in the flagship site of NLMK in Lipetsk, a combination of three projects which include the construction of a state-of-the-art ASU, the acquisition of existing hydrogen unit for the steel plant and of the unit for Rare Gases production.

The ASU with a production capacity of 1,000 tons of oxygen per day will be built on the Lipetsk site to increase steel production of the site of NLMK. The start-up of the unit is expected in 2023.

This partnership with NLMK strengthens AL's position in Russia. In addition, this project provides momentum for growth in one of the largest Industrial Merchant markets in the Moscow region representing 30% of the country and reliable sourcing of Rare Gases for Air Liquide customers worldwide.