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.
74 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, a publication
is 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.
THE WORKING GROUP EXPERTS
EIGA’S BEATING HEART
Experts from all over Europe and beyond gather in EIGA working groups. On average such group comprises around 7 experts, and meets quarterly.
The Market
THE EU IS THE THIRD LARGEST
IG MARKET IN THE WORLD
In 2024, the global industrial gas market’s value stood at €86.9 billion, being mostly flat comparing to the previous year. The market remained largely flat in terms of volume, with fluctuations across regions largely attributable to inflation and energy pass-through costs. In 2024, the EU market held steady at nearly the same level as in 2023, with only a modest decline driven mainly by macroeconomic indexes.
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
4.9% PER YEAR IN 2014-2024
The EU market has witnessed a steady increase in value over the past decade. In 2023, this growth was moderate at 2%, compared to the significant 32% surge observed in 2022.
THE MODE OF SUPPLY, IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, HAS been stable 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
Altogether O2 (including medical) and N2 account for about 56% of the gas market.
AVERAGE MEDICAL OXYGEN DEMAND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN 2020-21
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased oxygen demand in 2020/21. Although demand declined in 2022, it still added approximately 500 tonnes per day to the total. In 2023, this additional demand dropped sharply due to a reduction in severe cases requiring intensive oxygen support. COVID-related oxygen demand is expected to remain low and gradually disappear by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, homecare oxygen demand continues to grow steadily, driven by age-related diseases in an ageing population, while hospital demand is slowly declining due to a reduction in the average number of hospital beds.
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 straditional sectors of growth inthe long term.
INTERNATIONAL
HELIUM TRADE
The helium market in the EU is growing at an annual rate of approximately 2.1%. Europe’s overall market share (including both EU and non-EU countries) remains steady at around 34%. However, the EU’s share is gradually declining due to faster growth in other regions. As expected, NoPac leads the market, followed by a collective group of non-EU European countries and South Asia.
TRADE IN
SPECIALTY GASES
Decarbonisation
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN EUROPE
The EU27 traditional hydrogen business is currently the 5th largest market worldwide. Current low carbon & renewable installed capacity in EU27 is 6%.
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
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.
