Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated Air Liquide Egypt’s new medical and industrial gases plant in the Integrated Sokhna Zone, part of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). With an investment of €80 million, this facility underscores Egypt’s commitment to enhancing its industrial infrastructure and expanding into renewable energy sectors.
Spanning 25,000 square meters, Air Liquide’s facility is set to become a cornerstone of Egypt’s industrial production. According to Brian Shetty, Chairman of Air Liquide, the plant initiated trial operations in May 2024, with full production commencing by August 2024. It boasts an impressive daily output capacity of 770 tons of oxygen, 370 tons of nitrogen, and 30 tons of argon.
In a strategic move to diversify its production capabilities, the plant’s second phase will focus on manufacturing wafer chips for solar cell production. With an annual capacity of 1 gigawatt, Air Liquide Egypt becomes the sole producer of these critical components in the country. This development is expected to significantly reduce Egypt’s reliance on imports, aligning with the nation’s goals to localize key industries and bolster its renewable energy production.
Industry experts hail the plant as a game-changer for Egypt’s industrial and energy sectors. Dr. Hoda El-Shimy, an energy analyst, noted, “This facility not only strengthens Egypt’s industrial base but also positions the country as a leader in renewable energy production in the Middle East.”
The Egyptian government has been actively supporting initiatives aimed at industrial modernization and renewable energy expansion. The plant’s inauguration reflects broader national strategies to enhance local production and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to global sustainability efforts.
The Suez Canal Economic Zone continues to attract international investments, with Air Liquide’s project serving as a testament to the zone’s potential as a hub for industrial and energy innovation.
