The Association
Improving
Safety Record
Lost Time Incidents (LTI) from across our industry show the effectiveness of our safety campaigns since the late 1970s with a tenfold reduction in LTI frequency.
71 PUBLICATIONS HAVE BEEN
GLOBALLY HARMONISED
The American, Asian, European and Japanese IG associations form the International Harmonisation Council to develop and promote a globally unified industry best practices. These harmonised publications enhance safety consistently, wherever Industrial Gases are produced, distributed or used.
On average, one or two publications
are published every week
The combined expertise of EIGA members is captured in over 500 publications. The largest portion is made available for all on our website.
325 individual experts populate
57 working groups
Experts from all over Europe and beyond gather in EIGA working groups. On average such group comprises around 8 experts, and meets quarterly.
The Market
THE EU IS THE THIRD LARGEST
IG MARKET IN THE WORLD
In 2022, the global industrial gas market achieved a market size of €91 billion. Although moderate volumes growth and normalising medical oxygen sales, the market has been experiencing a significant impact from energy prices, inflation, and currency exchange rates. This led to a record-breaking increase in sales for industrial gas companies worldwide.
Source: gasworld Business Intelligence
THE EU27, USA AND CHINA ARE
THE THREE LARGEST IG MARKETS
Germany, France, Italy and UK are the largest European Industrial Gas markets.
EU27 MARKET GROWTH AVERAGED
4.4% PER YEAR IN 2012-2022
The EU market has experienced an increase in value over the last decade. In 2022, this growth was unprecedented and reached an all-time high.
THE MODE OF SUPPLY, IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, HAS NOT CHANGED OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS
The EU gas market (by value) appears mature with packaged gases remaining the largest mode of supply.
OXYGEN AND NITROGEN REMAIN THE MOST WIDELY USED GASES IN THE EU27
AVERAGE MEDICAL OXYGEN DEMAND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN 2020-21 BUT DROPPED IN 2022
The COVID pandemic significantly influenced the rise in demand in 2020/21 but dropped in 2022. Homecare oxygen continues to grow versus hospital uses.
FOUR INDUSTRIAL SECTORS ACCOUNT FOR OVER 70% OF THE IG MARKET
Chemicals, Refining/Energy, Metallurgy and Food sectors have all driven growth in the EU over the past 20 years. Electronics sector is a new driver, which potentially will be stronger than the traditional sectors of growth.
INTERNATIONAL
HELIUM TRADE
Total worldwide demand is approximately 174 Nm3 in 2022 of which Europe accounts for 35%. New large capacity (55 Nm3) due on-stream by 2025 is expected to change the flow/trade in Helium.
TRADE IN
SPECIALTY GASES
There are many types of special gases and electronic gases traded across the globe. The EU both manufacturers and trades special gases and is the third largest special gases market in the world.
Decarbonisation
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN EUROPE
The EU27 traditional hydrogen business is currently the 3rd largest market worldwide. Current blue & green installed capacity in EU27 is 15%.
THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY – THE NEW OPPORTUNITY
The EU is speedily embracing the energy transition and hydrogen is expected to play an ever-increasing role – especially in mobility within Europe. The transition has already begun but the most growth is expected to take place post 2030.
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION WILL SWING FROM GREY TO GREEN
Aiming for Net Zero by 2050 – Europe will invest in alternative and cleaner hydrogen production methods over the next 3 decades.
SOURCING OF QUALITY CO2 IS A GROWING ISSUE
Energy
THE IG INDUSTRY
IS ENERGY INTENSIVE
Higher energy costs are impacting on the industrial gases sector within the EU.
Source: gasworld Business Intelligence
2022 is estimated.
Source: Company Reports/gasworld Business Intelligence estimates
LOWERING OUR
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Likewise, our industry is increasing efforts to lower their own carbon footprint – cutting emissions since 2000 with the further with a downward trend.
