Egypt inaugurates €80M Air Liquide Factory in Ain Sokhna Integrated Zone

CAIRO – 27 February 2025: Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, officially inaugurated the Air Liquide factory for medical and industrial gas production during his visit to the Ain Sokhna Integrated Zone, a key area within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone).

The factory, which covers 25,000 square meters, represents an €80 million investment and specializes in producing oxygen, nitrogen, and argon in their liquefied forms.

After completing its trial operations in May 2024, the facility became fully operational in August 2024, achieving a daily production capacity of 770 tons of oxygen, 370 tons of nitrogen, and 30 tons of argon.

During his tour, the company’s chairman provided an overview of the gas production process, explaining that it begins with the compression of atmospheric air.

 The air is purified by removing impurities and dust particles, ensuring the production of high-purity gases.

 It then undergoes cooling and separation processes, resulting in the extraction of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon.

 These gases are vital for various medical and industrial applications and are also supplied to neighboring factories to support their production operations.

The chairman also outlined plans for a major expansion in the factory’s capabilities.

In the next phase of development, the plant will begin producing wafer chips, a crucial component in solar cell manufacturing.

With an annual production capacity of 1 gigawatt, this expansion positions Air Liquide as the only company in Egypt producing this essential component, a step that could significantly boost the country's renewable energy sector.

By manufacturing wafer chips locally, Egypt aims to reduce its reliance on imports while strengthening its domestic industrial sector.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to support renewable energy production and promote the localization of critical industries.

To facilitate the company’s growth, Prime Minister Madbouly instructed the Ministers of Industry, Transport, and Electricity to identify opportunities for government support and address any challenges hindering the factory’s expansion.

This move is in line with Egypt’s long-term strategy to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure and attract more investment in clean energy technologies.

With its advanced industrial capabilities and a clear focus on innovation and sustainability, Air Liquide’s expansion in Egypt marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency and a greener economy.