Air Liquide to Expand Louisiana Pipeline Network with $350 Million Investment

Air Liquide will invest $350 million to expand its industrial gas pipeline network and production capacity in Louisiana, supporting new steel manufacturing and regional growth.

(P&GJ) — Air Liquide plans to invest more than $350 million to expand its industrial gas production and pipeline infrastructure in Louisiana, supporting new manufacturing demand along the Mississippi River corridor.

The project includes construction of a new air separation unit (ASU) in St. James Parish and upgrades to the company’s existing pipeline network, which supplies oxygen, nitrogen and argon to industrial customers across the region. The expansion will support Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana’s planned low-carbon steel facility while increasing overall system capacity.

Air Liquide already operates a large industrial gas pipeline system in Louisiana, with more than 500 miles of pipeline infrastructure serving refining, petrochemical and manufacturing facilities. The latest investment is aimed at improving reliability and meeting growing demand tied to new industrial projects.

Company executives said the project will leverage existing infrastructure while expanding supply capabilities for next-generation manufacturing.

“This partnership supports growing demand for lower-emission industrial production while strengthening supply reliability,” said Matthieu Giard, a member of Air Liquide’s executive committee.

State officials said the investment reflects continued growth in industrial development along the Gulf Coast, where access to pipeline infrastructure and feedstocks remains a key driver for new projects.

Construction and system upgrades are expected to support commercial operations beginning in 2028.