Linde plc announced it has expanded its existing long-term agreement for the supply of industrial gases with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Linde currently supplies oxygen, nitrogen and argon to SAIL's Rourkela steel plant in Odisha, eastern India, from two on-site air separation units (ASUs), which are operating at full capacity. Under the terms of the new agreement, Linde will now build, own and operate an additional 1,000 tons per day ASU, nearly doubling Linde's on-site production at Rourkela.

Linde's investment is expected to be approximately $60 million. Linde's energy-efficient ASU will supply oxygen, nitrogen andargon to support SAIL's expansion and modernization program at Rourkela. Expected to come online in 2026, Linde's new facility will also supply industrial gases to Linde's existing and new local merchant customers in the region.