Air Liquide Acquires Innovative Hydrogen Generation Technology In The U.S.

Air Liquide has acquired the Hydrogen Generation Module (HGM) technology from H2Gen Innovations Inc., a designing, manufacturing and marketing company for on-site hydrogen generators and gas purification units based in Alexandria, Virginia. The agreement took effect November 19, 2009. The HGM technology is being acquired by two Air Liquide affiliates: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc., and Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP.

H2Gen's on-site HGM units are modular steam methane reformers which provide flexible production capability solutions from below 2,000 to over 50,000 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh). The HGM units produce high purity hydrogen for a variety of applications including float glass production, heat treatment of metals, hydrogen energy and photovoltaic processes. In most of these markets the demand for hydrogen is combined with a need for nitrogen or other specialty gases. In the past few years, H2Gen has seen its HGM activity grow rapidly with numerous units in operation in North America as well as recent commercial successes in Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

"The HGM units embody a comprehensive set of inventions and innovations that H2Gen has developed steadily over the past seven years. Air Liquide offers a great platform for the future success of these products, worldwide," said Barney Rush, CEO H2Gen Innovations, Inc.

Air Liquide had previously selected H2Gen as its preferred supplier for small scale steam methane reformers and has used the HGM technology in several recent projects. The H2Gen HGM offer stands out through its innovative technology, with a simple, compact and cost efficient reactor. The resulting hydrogen generators are unattended, modular and reliable, making them highly competitive.

Michael Graff, president and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc., stated: "With the acquisition of H2Gen's hydrogen generation technology, Air Liquide will provide customers with a comprehensive on-site hydrogen solution. The HGM units offer a clear advantage over alternative technologies in this range and create opportunities to develop competitive combined gas offers for a variety of industries. This acquisition is instrumental in achieving our growth ambitions in the hydrogen merchant market."

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in over 75 countries with 43,000 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide's activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry's energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy… Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections… Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide's teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2008, the Group's revenues amounted to €13.1 billion, of which almost 80% were earned outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.

About Air Liquide
Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP provides bulk gases and related services to a diverse base of customers in the U.S. including those in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, metals and automotive industries.

Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc. provides engineering, procurement and construction services.

SOURCE: Air Liquide