Air Liquide, the French gas manufacturer, has recently entered into a groundbreaking Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with China Three Gorges Renewables and China Three Gorges Corporation Jiangsu Branch, subsidiaries of China Three Gorges, a prominent producer and retailer of renewable electricity in China. This PPA involves the procurement of 200MW of renewable electricity from solar and wind farms located in the Jiangsu province, which happens to be Air Liquide's primary area in terms of electricity consumption.
The renewable electricity obtained through this agreement will play a crucial role in supporting the production of industrial and medical gases by Air Liquide in China. Commencing in January 2024, the PPA enables Air Liquide to produce gases with a significantly reduced carbon footprint while maintaining competitive prices. Moreover, it empowers customers to enhance the renewable content in their own end products.
Francois Abrial, a member of the executive committee of the Air Liquide Group overseeing the Asia Pacific region, expressed the significance of this landmark agreement. He stated, “As the first long-term PPA for renewable electricity signed by Air Liquide in China, this agreement represents a significant step in the decarbonization of the group's activities towards carbon neutrality. It will allow us to lower our carbon footprint and also meet the growing demand from our customers for competitive low-carbon solutions. This is in line with our strategic plan ADVANCE, which inseparably combines financial and extra-financial performance.”
By securing a long-term PPA for renewable electricity in China, Air Liquide demonstrates its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing towards a sustainable future. This agreement not only aligns with the company's strategic objectives but also enables them to meet the evolving needs of customers who seek environmentally friendly solutions. Through the integration of renewable energy sources into their operations, Air Liquide takes a significant stride towards achieving carbon neutrality while driving positive economic and environmental outcomes.