On August 21, Sanoat Energetika Guruhi LLC (Saneg) and the American company Air Products signed a deal to acquire Saneg assets worth $140 million, in Tashkent.

At the event, which marked a significant milestone, Deputy Director General of Saneg Azizbek Nazarov and President and CEO of Air Products Seifi Ghasemi underscored the importance of this strategic cooperation.

As noted, the deal aligns with the company’s global modernization process and is essential in expanding and optimizing its production capacity. The project opens up opportunities for wider commercial use of hydrogen in Uzbekistan’s industrial markets.

“In 2019, cooperation was established between Air Products and Saneg. We have now completed the installation of hydrogen production equipment at the plant. In September, the enterprise will be launched, and we will be able to produce 100 million tons of pure hydrogen annually. The agreement with Air Products marks the completion of another stage in implementing long-term plans to modernize the Fergana Oil Refinery with the world leader in hydrogen production. Saneg has a strong relationship with Air Products, whose commitment to high technology and experience will help us achieve our goals of maximizing the potential of the oil and gas sector, while contributing to the country’s economic development. Joint work under the agreement will be an important factor in achieving one of the main priorities of the Government of Uzbekistan – strengthening the energy security of the state by increasing domestic supplies of hydrogen”, Mr. Nazarov said.

“Air Products is the world’s largest hydrogen supplier and a leader in hydrogen fuel infrastructure – offers safe and reliable solutions for hydrogen installations worldwide. Our advanced technologies and experience will expand the refinery’s capabilities and support the growth of the oil and gas industry in Central Asia, which, in turn, will help Uzbekistan achieve a higher level of sustainability and energy independence while contributing to an environmentally friendly future for the country”, Mr. Ghasemi noted. 

At the event, Bakhtiyor Fazilov, founder of Sanoat Energetika Guruhi LLC, and Seifi Ghasemi, President and CEO of Air Products, signed a document that solidifies the strategic partnership and outlines the shared goals and responsibilities of both parties.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA