Messer, the world’s largest privately held industrial gases company, is investing more than 50 million U.S. dollars in the construction of a large air separation unit in McGregor, Texas. The production plant for air gases will be operated substantially with energy from an on-site solar farm. That will make it the first Messer air separation unit to have its energy needs covered by a nearby renewable energy source in order to reduce CO₂ emissions.

“With our expansion in Texas and the inclusion of solar energy, Messer is focused on sustainability and environmental protection,” says Jens Luehring, CEO of Messer Americas. “As we move to a renewable-based future, this investment is integral to our green energy initiatives as we continue to serve our customers with a reliable source of supply.”

The new plant will produce gases that fuel growth in central Texas, supporting burgeoning industries in the area including aerospace, chemical, electronics, food and beverage as well as healthcare, metals and oil and gas. The ASU is slated for completion in Q2, 2024.