Marking the Air Liquide company’s first primary production unit powered in such manner, the ASU is now producing liquid argon, nitrogen and oxygen, whilst cutting its overall carbon footprint by an estimated 15,840 metric tonnes per year.
Marcelo Fioranelli, CEO of Airgas, said, “Airgas is very proud to be using new renewable energy sources to run out ASUs, whether from local sources where available like Cleburne, Texas, or through Renewable Energy Certificates.”
“We are reducing our carbon footprint at an accelerated pace and pushing forward to help our customers environmentally optimise their own processes.”
Airgas began receiving the locally sourced wind power for its Cleburne plant in November (2021) from a nearby subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, a major generator of renewable energy from wind and sun.
It is believed Airgas is now leveraging approximately 20% of the renewable wind electricity purchased through an Air Liquide power purchase agreement made in 2018.
Looking further down the line, Airgas has already said it will continue to evaluate new local renewable energy sources for other ASUs in other markets.
As part of its decarbonisation efforts, Airgas will continue to increase its renewable energy mix for primary production units in contribution to Air Liquide’s efforts to cut a third of its emissions by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Read more: Air Liquide publishes strategic plan; sustainable development a key focus