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 2023, the global industrial gas market achieved a market size of €87 billion.
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 2012-2023
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
WITH COVID, AVERAGE MEDICAL OXYGEN DEMAND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED
The COVID pandemic significantly influenced the rise in demand in 2020/21. 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 182 m Nm3 in 2023 of which Europe accounts for about 34%. 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 second 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. Low carbon & renewable 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
There is a demand for over 3.6 million tons of CO2 in many different applications across the EU. While there is an apparent over-capacity, the demand at peak times and reliance on ammonia has resulted in tight supply markets. Share of bio-ethanol as a source has grown in 2022, while ammonia share dropped.
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.
