New Yokkaichi Gas Center plant opening ceremony

On January 31, an opening ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the new Yokkaichi Gas Center plant.

Compared to previous units, this new plant will enable to avoid the emission of an estimated 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year. This is equivalent to the CO₂ emissions associated with the electricity used by around 6,000 Japanese homes in one year. This new plant will use state-of-the-art air separation technology to provide a reliable and energy-efficient method of supply.

Mr. Olivier Becht (Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs), Mr. Kotaro Tanaka (Director-General,  Chubu Bureau of Economy Trade and Industry),  Mr. Tomohiro Mori (Mayor of Yokkaichi City) ,and Mr. Yukitoshi Noro (Director General, Employment and Economy Department, Mie Prefecture) were invited to the opening ceremony, which was also attended by a total of 50 people, including facility representatives and the media.

This visit, representing the Ministry, was intended to support French companies developing or planning to locate in Japan, to promote French attractiveness and French innovation capacity in the industrial sector, and to promote cooperation with third countries and the development of trade relations between the two countries, and the objectives of the program are to maintain friendship and institutional dialogue between France and Japan.

In his congratulatory speech, Minister Olivier Becht stated that it was "Through the partnership between Air Liquide and KIOXIA Corporation, and the long friendship between France and Japan, we can bring solutions for a better future".