The overall investment for this facility will be approximately EUR180 million ($230 million), and was accounted for as a Q1 2013 investment decision.

Additional capacity from these investments will also provide for the needs of other customers throughout this Texas regional basin. The Bayport basin is a key industrial hub for major petrochemical and refining activities in the area. This expands upon Air Liquide’s strong footprint in this region serving large industrial and manufacturing customers.

Michael Graff, Air Liquide Senior Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee, commented: “We want to thank the LyondellBasell Group for its continued trust in Air Liquide as its supplier of choice. With this investment, Air Liquide further demonstrates its capacity to meet the growing needs of long-term customers and the rising demands of major industrial hubs around the world with highly reliable products and services delivered with world class safety and efficiency.”

The station is currently under construction near a major motorway in Bolzano, thus well situated for large volumes of vehicular traffic; it is expected to supply hydrogen for both cars and buses. The project is part of the EU’s Clean Hydrogen In European Cities (CHIC) project, which is committed to making hydrogen-based public transport a commercial reality in Europe.

“Hydrogenics continues to play a major role in promoting hydrogen as a clean, viable fuel alternative worldwide,” said Daryl Wilson, President and CEO of Hydrogenics. “Now with 45 facilities using our equipment across the globe, we are at the forefront of hydrogen-based solutions for energy management, storage, and transportation. This site in Italy is expected to be one of many in the future that will provide hydrogen for a growing number of buses and passenger cars equipped with fuel cells in the region. While some stations, like this one, will have electrolyzers on the premises, others across Europe will use hydrogen created through an expanding array of energy storage facilities—converting excess power that would have otherwise been wasted into usable hydrogen through one of our Power-to-Gas applications. We are excited by the increasing appreciation for what hydrogen can do and by our role in this rapidly-evolving industry.”

The rollout of the Bolzano installation will be managed by the Institute for Innovative Technologies (IIT) and operated by Alpengas. Hydrogenics’ HySTAT^®-60 units will, combined, initially produce approximately 400 kilograms of fuel daily and are expected to be delivered before the end of 2013, with startup in early 2014. Further hydrogen stations along the Bolzano-Modena motorway are planned for the future.

“We are delighted to build further on our long-standing, successful relationship with SIBUR through this new project,” said Professor Dr. Aldo Belloni, Member of the Executive Board of Linde AG. “This on-site deal bears further testimony to the success of our integrated business model. Our customers can rely on us for a one-stop service covering both the delivery of turnkey petrochemical plants and the enabling gas supplies.”

“This deal will enhance the operational efficiency of SIBUR’s ethylene oxide and glycols plants in Dzerzhinsk and enable us to further strengthen our leading positions in Russia and CIS markets,” commented Valery Andosov, Director for Strategy, SIBUR’s Plastics and Organic Synthesis Division. “We are glad to execute this deal with Linde, a long-time and well-established partner for SIBUR. The new unit will supply industrial gases not only to SIBUR’s plant in Dzerzhinsk but also to other businesses. By outsourcing industrial gas supply, SIBUR will be able to focus on developing its core operations,” said Sergey Merzlyakov, Managing Director – Head of Plastics and Organic Synthesis business unit at SIBUR.

In an initial step, Linde will assume responsibility for SIBUR’s four ASUs in Dzerzhinsk and modernize these plants in order to increase energy efficiency. As part of the next step, Linde’s Engineering Division will build two new ASUs, which – on completion – will be operated by Linde’s Gases Division. They will have a total production capacity of around 30,000 normal cubic meters of gaseous oxygen per hour (Nm3/h). The main aim of the new ASUs is to supply the oxygen, nitrogen, and compressed air required for SIBUR’s local ethylene oxide and glycols plants.

Linde will also use the plants to supply air gases to other customers at the Dzerzhinsk chemicals hub via an extended pipeline network. In addition, it will deliver liquid oxygen, nitrogen, and argon to the regional market in Nizhny Novgorod and beyond.

Linde is currently engaged in two other projects with SIBUR at its Tobolsk site in Western Siberia. In June 2012, Linde won a licensing and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) contract for one of the world’s largest ethylene plants. At Tobolsk, Linde also constructed a polypropylene plant, with an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes, which is currently being put into operation.

The $10 million expansion was recently completed when three new state-of-the-art gas transfills were brought onstream. The three plants, located in Kunshan, Guangzhou, and Tianjin, China, are now capable of supplying Air Products’ differentiated Linx® gas regulators and range of shielding gases and other industrial gases. These products support welding, cutting, and other processes for metal fabrication in the country’s three most developed economic zones, Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Bohai Gulf, where traditional industries are experiencing accelerated transformation.

“This investment supports Air Products’ commitment to the metal fabrication business in China,” said Kurt Lefevere, General Manager of Asia Packaged Gases at Air Products. “By expanding these strategically located plants, we have enhanced our supply capabilities and distribution network in some of China’s most important manufacturing bases.”

According to Air Products’ analysis, the metal fabrication segment has been the largest market for packaged gases in China since 2008. To stay competitive, fabricators have become more focused on shielding gases as an effective solution to cost, productivity, quality, and safety and environmental requirements. Air Products’ Linx shielding gases are used by leading fabricators worldwide in welding, an important process of metal fabrication.

Recognized for its high-performance shielding gases and reliable supply, Air Products has been selected to be the exclusive official gases supplier for the 18th Beijing Essen Welding & Cutting Fair taking place in Shanghai from June 18-21. It marks the fourth consecutive year the company serves this largest welding fair in Asia. The company will supply around 500 cylinders of gases to this year’s fair from its expanded Kunshan plant neighboring Shanghai. This plant currently supplies east China with helium, specialty and high-purity gases, calibration mixtures, and the newly-added Linx range to diverse markets including metal fabrication, optical fiber, machinery processing, fine chemicals and electronics, labs, and hospitals.

Last year, Hydrogenics received an order from E.ON for a “Power-to-Gas” project in Germany. The two megawatt energy storage facility, located in Falkenhagen in northeast Germany, uses surplus renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen for storage in the country’s existing natural gas pipeline network. The facility, delivered at the end of 2012 and commissioned over the first quarter of 2013 has passed all tests and all required permits and certifications have now been granted for the operation of this facility. Dr. Urban Keussen, Senior Vice President Technology & Innovation of E.ON, witnessed the milestone event this week.

This Power to Gas facility converts renewable generation when it is not needed into renewable power, fuel, or heat where and when it is needed. With this facility now in full operation E.ON Gas Storage is feeding 640 m3 per hour into the local natural gas grid (ONTRAS).

For Hydrogenics this has been a turnkey Power to Gas project which included supply, installation, connection, and commissioning of the hydrogen production facility including gas compression, master controls, as well as a five year service and maintenance agreement.

Founded in 1986, Voltaix is a manufacturer of materials used in the production of semiconductor devices and advanced solar cells, with expertise and global stewardship in silicon, germanium, and boron chemistries. It operates manufacturing facilities in the US in Branchburg, New Jersey); High Springs, Florida; and Portland, Pennsylvania and in South Korea in Sejong-si, South Chungcheong Province. The company employs 185 employees.

Air Liquide, with its ALOHA™ product line, is recognized as an industry leader in advanced precursors for semiconductor manufacturing. Precursors are molecules with specific physical and chemical properties that are used for depositing critical layers during fabrication of microelectronic devices. Air Liquide utilizes a comprehensive process for designing, screening, and industrializing advanced precursors in close cooperation with semiconductor industry leaders and process tool makers.

The acquisition of Voltaix complements the ALOHA™ offer and brings together synergies in molecule discovery and scale up, contributing to accelerate the introduction of a broader portfolio of new high-tech materials to semiconductor manufacturers and therefore enabling the increase in computing power and connectivity.

Michael J. Graff, Senior Vice-President Americas and a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, commented: “Air Liquide and Voltaix share a culture of innovation. Joining the resources and expertise of our two companies will expand our product offering for semiconductor manufacturers around the world. Our continuous innovation on new molecules allows us to timely meet the growing consumer demand for increasingly powerful flat screens, tablets and smart phones.”

“There is a direct benefit in consumer acceptance of new technology in making the hydrogen fueling experience similar to the traditional vehicle fueling experience. Air Products adapted all the consumer features and capabilities of a retail gasoline dispenser into our newest hydrogen fuel dispensing equipment,” said Brian Bonner, Global Product Manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. “Our extensive experience in hydrogen supply and our exclusive relationship with an industry-leader of fuel dispensing equipment, has led to both unique innovations involving hydrogen dispensing technology and a superior level of safety that is built into the advanced hydrogen dispenser.”

Air Products worked closely with Bennett Pump Company, a leading manufacturer of fuel dispensing equipment, in developing the advanced hydrogen fuel dispenser which benefits from the combination of Air Products’ vast hydrogen market experience and Bennett’s extensive background in engineering and manufacturing consumer and retail fuel dispensing products. This advanced technology will be immediately incorporated into 10 new fueling stations to be built by Air Products in California starting in 2013. The dispenser’s attractive design and user interface provides the same look, feel, and payment options as a traditional gasoline dispenser, and may be integrated into any existing retail point of sale system.

“I am extremely pleased with the end product resulting from the combined expertise of our two organizations,” comments Tom Thompson, President of Bennett Pump. “We are excited to be on the leading edge pioneering hydrogen refueling technology alongside a company such as Air Products, where the shared vision and emphasis on safety and quality are unparalleled.”

The hydrogen fuel dispensing equipment, based partially on Bennett’s Pacific Series product, includes SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)-certified dispensing components, proprietary hydrogen fueling protocols, as well as the ability to meet SAE’s “J2601” fueling requirements. Built on Air Products’ foundation of over 15 years of continuous development and testing, the dispenser is equipped with a consumer-friendly training interface, the latest Hydrogen Vehicle Authorization System to provide identification of the type of vehicle being fueled at the dispenser, and in many areas exceeds applicable safety code requirements.

Air Products, the leading global supplier of hydrogen to refineries to assist in producing cleaner burning transportation fuels, has vast experience in the hydrogen fueling industry. In fact, several sites today for certain hydrogen fueling applications are fueling at rates of over 75,000 refills per year. Use of the company’s fueling technology is increasing and is over 700,000 hydrogen fills per year. The company has been involved in over 150 hydrogen fueling projects in the United States and 20 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, planes, cell towers, material handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with trend-setting Air Products’ technologies.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and an extensive patent portfolio in hydrogen dispensing technology. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen and a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures. Hydrogen for these stations can be delivered to a site via truck or pipeline, produced by natural gas reformation, biomass conversion, or by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to liquid form to enable easier transportation and storage. For years, Linde has brought its cryogenic expertise to develop the merchant LNG market by building plants at various commercial scales to produce LNG from virtually any methane source.

Earl Lawson, Vice President, Energy Solutions for Linde North America, said, “The Linde LNG truck project has delivered several key benefits. Not only do the trucks save money on fuel, they also reduced Linde’s carbon footprint, since natural gas burns more cleanly than diesel, yielding between 20 and 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. And the natural gas used in the US is produced domestically, which creates domestic jobs.”

Linde’s commitment to LNG-fueled trucks started in 2011 with the pilot program to test the effectiveness of three LNG trucks hauling liquid carbon dioxide to customers throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. After the success of this program, Linde deepened its commitment to the fuel with the purchase and deployment of 20 more tractors last year. The purchase of the new trucks represents 20 percent of Linde’s total tractor purchases in 2013.

As this program has transitioned from pilot to production, Linde is also investing in on-site fueling infrastructure to help develop the U.S. market. The company’s growing use of LNG vehicles in its own fleet illustrates both the feasibility and advantages of switching to LNG fuel.

Fred Kinkin, head of supply for Linde North America, said, “Expanding our LNG fleet also provides advantages to our customers. LNG-fueled tractors are lighter in weight, allowing Linde to increase payloads, improve service and better manage fuel costs. In addition, the LNG tractors run more smoothly and quietly—an important benefit for our drivers who spend about 10 hours on the road each day.”

Linde’s commitment to LNG trucks has gained significant external recognition. The California MSRC (Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee) awarded Linde a grant of nearly $57,000 for deployment of the initial three LNG trucks for the pilot program in southern California. And the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) recently presented Linde North America with its coveted Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of Linde’s efforts to introduce and deploy LNG powered semi-tractors into its bulk distribution fleet.

The new cryogenic facility will be capable of processing up to 200 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMcf/d) and serve primarily producer and midstream business customers operating in the Eagle Ford, Olmos, and Escondido gas fields in South Texas.

Cryogenic processing plants separate different constituents in natural gas, allowing producers to maximize returns by selling individual liquid compounds (NGLs). The facility helps address a shortage of cryogenic processing capacity needed to keep pace with the abundance of rich natural gas produced in the Eagle Ford shale and other traditional gas regions that cover much of South Texas.

Construction of the Reveille gas plant began in April 2013, with startup of the facility scheduled for January 2014. The plant and associated pipelines will tie into the Cuervo Creek gathering pipeline that Howard Energy bought in March 2012. The plant will handle multiple rich natural gas formations including the Eagle Ford, Olmos, and Escondido plays, helping Howard Energy boost its capacity to gather, process and deliver natural gas to customers in the United States and Mexico.

“We selected GE’s innovative Waukesha technology as an alternative to what we have used in the past. This technology meets all the requirements of the Reveille Plant, which are the right combination of power, fuel flexibility and reduced emissions,” said Howard Energy Chairman and CEO Mike Howard.

GE expects to ship the Waukesha gas engines from its Waukesha, WI, gas engines factory in July and August 2013.

“Howard Energy needed a compressor driver solution that offers more power, efficiency and lower emissions. The 275GL+ gas engines can operate on various fuel qualities without the loss of power to maintain optimal production levels at the new Reveille cryogenic plant,” said Brian White, president, Waukesha gas engines—GE Power & Water. “We are pleased to demonstrate the multiple benefits that our 275GL+ gas engine technology offers for high horsepower cryogenic processing plant applications to help meet the growing demand for shale gas processing capacity.”

In collaboration with Waukesha Pearce Industries, Inc. (WPI), an authorized distributor of GE’s Waukesha gas engines, GE will provide a comprehensive life-cycle service and parts package for the 275GL+ units. WPI has nearly a century of experience in the natural gas industry and a strong presence in the Eagle Ford shale play. AG Equipment Co., a leader in the global compressor packaging industry, is the Waukesha engine packager.

GE’s Waukesha gas engines are a key part of GE’s distributed power portfolio. GE’s distributed power solutions give customers of all types—including industrial businesses, developing communities, government agencies managing disaster relief, and other emergency power situations—the ability to generate reliable, sustainable power when and where it is needed. GE’s distributed power portfolio also includes GE’s aeroderivative gas turbines, Jenbacher gas engines, and Clean Cycle waste heat recovery solutions.

Ecomagination is GE’s commitment to provide innovative solutions that maximize resources, drive efficiencies, and make the world work better.

The Howard Energy project is the latest example of how GE’s gas engine technology is being used to support the oil and gas industry’s increased deployment of more efficient, cleaner on-site power and water solutions that promote the development of North America’s shale and other unconventional resources.

Unconventional gas is quickly becoming the most abundant source of natural gas in the US and now accounts for about a quarter of US natural gas production. By 2035, half of US natural gas will come from unconventional sources, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The boom in unconventional gas, up from just 2 percent of the total in 2000, has cut gas prices to record levels, reduced energy imports, and set the country on a path to energy independence. It also is a major force driving the job market.

The gas engines are a key part of GE’s unconventional resources portfolio that is addressing fundamental industry challenges by helping customers improve their operational performance and reduce their environmental footprints. GE’s unconventional resources solutions, consisting of more than 40 technologies from across the GE portfolio, are addressing fundamental industry challenges, helping customers to improve operational performance, reduce their environmental footprint, increase resource recovery, and drive demand for natural gas.

The Department of Labor’s VPP Star Program recognizes the very best workplaces in the nation for operating outstanding safety and health management systems for employee protection. It is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have created exemplary worksite safety and health management systems. These worksites are self-sufficient in identifying and controlling workplace hazards. To be recognized as a VPP Star worksite, an employer must operate a comprehensive safety and health management system that is integrated into a worksite’s operations.

The four Hypertherm facilities recognized join two other worksites, located at 21 Great Hollow Road in Hanover and 100 Etna Road in Lebanon, which received OSHA’s VPP Star recognition two years ago. Hypertherm’s recognition as having multiple “Star” Worksites is based on an integrated management systems approach to health and safety.

“The cornerstone of our program is Hypertherm’s culture which promotes associate involvement and teamwork at all levels of our organization,” said Hypertherm founder and CEO Dick Couch. “All team members work together to design workplace enhancements that will improve the overall well-being of all Hypertherm associates with an ultimate goal of zero workplace accidents.”

Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes handheld and mechanized plasma systems and consumables, as well as fiber laser and now waterjet products, in addition to CNC motion and height controls and CAM cutting software.