Linde to invest $400 MM to build the world-scale air separation unit
- Linde will operate the largest air separation unit on the Mississippi River, adding to the company's extensive industrial gases infrastructure in Louisiana (U.S.)
- The facility is expected to start up in 2029.
Linde, announced it is investing more than $400 million to build the largest air separation unit (ASU) in the Mississippi River corridor on the West Bank of Ascension Parish, Louisiana (U.S). The unit will supply oxygen and nitrogen essential to low-carbon ammonia production at Blue Point Number One, a joint venture between CF Industries, JERA and Mitsui & Co.
Linde’s new project is expected to create 15 direct new jobs at the new facility with an average annual salary more than 45% above the parish average wage, while also retaining over 100 current positions across the state. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will also result in an additional 50 indirect new jobs, for a total of 65 potential new jobs in the Capital Region.
“This announcement is yet another win for the West Bank as we build out the industrial base and bring high-wage job opportunities to the area,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “For more than half a century, Linde has helped make Louisiana a global energy leader. Their latest investment reflects our shared commitment to optimizing our legacy sectors while driving our entire business ecosystem toward growth, innovation and global impact.”
The ASU will enable Linde to supply both nitrogen and oxygen for the production of low-carbon ammonia at the Blue Point Number One complex— a $4-B world-scale facility currently under development and projected to become the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia plant upon completion.
Linde has supported Louisiana’s industrial growth for decades, with facilities in Geismar, St. Charles Parish, Vidalia, Lake Charles and Sulphur, as well as an extensive pipeline network across south Louisiana. This latest investment in Donaldsonville builds on the 2020 launch of a state-of-the-art syngas processing plant in Geismar, further strengthening the region’s role in large-scale energy projects.
“This project is another application of Linde’s world-scale air separation technology and we are honored to contribute to Blue Point’s vision for a low carbon ammonia supply chain,” Linde Executive Vice President North America Sean Durbin said. “We appreciate the support from Louisiana Economic Development, which enables us to strengthen our industrial gas infrastructure and increase U.S. manufacturing capacity.”
This project marks a major milestone in the ongoing development of the RiverPlex MegaPark. The addition of Linde’s advanced ASU alongside Blue Point Number One and Hyundai’s nearly $6-B steel mill signals growing momentum for the 17,000-acre site, reinforcing Louisiana’s position as a hub for next-generation energy and manufacturing investments.
“This latest investment marks a powerful affirmation of the RiverPlex MegaPark’s industrial future,” Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said. “With three major announcements in just four months, we’re witnessing a commitment to revitalize a rural area that’s long been overlooked. The Westbank is rising — this is just the beginning.”
The facility is anticipated to begin construction in 2026 and start up in 2029.
“Industrial growth like this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of smart planning, long-term vision, and people working together to create opportunity where it’s needed most,” Ascension Economic Development Corp President and CEO Kate MacArthur said. “We are looking forward to Linde’s new location in west Ascension and appreciate their continued investment in our parish.”
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