PARIS - French energy company Air Liquide announced on Friday a long-term deal to supply industrial gas to the private Chinese group Fujian Shenyuan.

"Under the terms of the contract, Air Liquide will invest in an industrial gases complex of eight units including an Air Separation Unit of 2,000 tons of oxygen per day, a Gasification unit, a Purification unit of synthesis gas and an ammonia plant to supply hydrogen, nitrogen and ammonia," Air Liquide said.

The due plants to be located in Lianjiang Kemen Economic and Development Zone in south-east China will purify synthesis gas and avoid sulfur emissions, notably responsible for acid rain, according to the group's statement.

Expected to start works in 2016, Air Liquide's new units will produce 75,000 Nm 3/h of hydrogen and 250,000 tons per year of ammonia, it added without giving details on the investment's value.

"This project enables to valorize natural resources using our technologies to increase the competitiveness of our customer. Our cutting-edge technologies allow us to open new markets," said Jean-Marc de Royere, senior Vice-President Asia-Pacific and a member of Air Liquide Executive Committee.

Operating in 80 countries across the world, Air Liquide posted 1.6 billion euros (2 billion US dollars) of net profit in 2012, up from 1.53 billion euros a year earlier. (1 euro = 1.296 US dollar)