Air Liquide recently signed a new long term agreement with Pemex Transformación Industrial, a subsidiary of Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), the state-owned oil & gas company, to supply hydrogen to PEMEX's refinery located at Tula de Allende, in the state of Hidalgo in the central region of Mexico. Through a €50 million investment for the take over and optimization of PEMEX's existing hydrogen production unit, this agreement will allow Air Liquide to strengthen its presence in central Mexico.

According to the long term contract, Air Liquide Mexico will acquire, upgrade and operate the customer's existing hydrogen production unit (Steam Methane Reformer-SMR) in order to supply 90,000 Nm per hour of hydrogen to PEMEX refinery. The acquisition of the SMR is subject to closing conditions, including the approval of the Mexican antitrust authority.

Expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2018, Air Liquide's upgraded SMR will provide hydrogen to PEMEX with optimal safety and reliability to help produce cleaner fuels at the Tula refinery. Hydrogen is used in the petroleum refining process to help produce cleaner transportation fuels.

Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President and member of the Air Liquide group's Executive Committee, said: 'We appreciate the confidence PEMEX has placed in Air Liquide as their supplier of choice for their Tula refinery's hydrogen needs. This long term agreement with PEMEX further recognizes the world-class capabilities of Air Liquide and our commitment to providing safe, reliable and innovative technologies, and deliver even greater value to meet customers needs around the world. We are pleased to expand our relationship with PEMEX and to continue to strengthen our presence in Mexico and throughout the region.'

Air Liquide in Mexico

Air Liquide entered the Mexican industrial gases market in 2011 and now operates 8 plants including the largest Air Separation Unit in the country located in northern Mexico. With key locations in north and central Mexico, Air Liquide´s main business activities include Large Industries and Industrial Merchant, offering innovative solutions to steel, automotive, metal fabrication, aeronautics and energy industries.

The Large Industries business line of Air Liquide

offers gas and energy solutions that improve process efficiency and help achieve greater respect for the environment, mainly in the refining and natural gas, chemicals, metals and energy markets. In 2016, revenues were €5,037 million.

Air Liquide SA published this content on 06 September 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 06 September 2017 18:37:04 UTC.

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