Beyond AI and Crypto: The Unsexy Industry Quietly Draining the Power Grid
1Hackers Who Don’t Know! 
- ASU = big machines that freeze air and eat up a lot of electricity.
- REC = fake “green” paper that says they’re using renewable energy when they’re not.
- Emission intensity = pollution per product, not total pollution. So, they can still pollute more.
- Biogenic CO₂ = using CO₂ from plants instead of fossil fuels to look green.
One-Line Flow:
Three quiet gas giants use more power than Google, pretend it’s “green,” and nobody’s calling them out.
The Secret Power Hogs
While tech bros build data centers, industrial gas companies burn even more electricity.
They make nitrogen, oxygen, and helium — the stuff that keeps hospitals and factories running.
But they also quietly drain the grid like it’s an open bar.
Why It Matters
Everything from toothpaste to MRIs depends on these gases.
Making them takes huge energy.
Three companies — Linde, Air Liquide, and Air Products — own most of the $120B market.
Their “green” plans? Mostly paperwork and excuses.
The Green Trick
Here’s how they fake it:
- Linde says half its power is clean. Truth? Only 14% is real renewable energy. The rest are green certificates.
- Air Products claims 90% renewables by 2030 — but won’t say how.
- Air Liquide is doing better — 90% of its plants now run on electricity — but it still leans on those fake credits.
Investors Are Losing Patience
Big investors are pushing back.
They say these companies are:
- At risk from carbon taxes in Europe and China.
- Still tied to fossil fuel prices that make costs swing hard.
Basically — the green image isn’t matching the bill.
The Weak Promises
Their climate goals sound good — until you read them:
- Linde: Will only cut pollution per product, not overall.
- Air Products: Loud promises, zero proof.
- Air Liquide: A bit better, but still not aligned with the 1.5°C global target.
What They’re Trying Now
To be fair, they’re testing real fixes:
- Turning more plants electric.
- Buying actual renewable power instead of paper credits.
- Using cleaner CO₂ sources.
- Storing energy and managing power use better.
Why You Haven’t Heard of Them
Their customers aren’t you — they’re steel mills, refineries, and chemical plants.
No consumer ads = no public anger.
“Cool, They’re Burning Power — So What Now, Genius?”
Okay, now you know, so here’s what you do with it, hear me out…
Bet on Hidden Risks
Short the stocks of Linde, Air Liquide, and Air Products — their “green” claims won’t survive the carbon tax storm coming. The penalties are looming, and their stocks should drop… eventually. 
But here’s the kicker: Linde barely dipped 2.7% despite beating earnings, Air Products is already at 52-week lows, and Air Liquide’s just cruising with a small drop. No panic in the market yet. So don’t bet your life savings on a stock crash, just yet. 
Short sell a few shares — maybe 1 or 2 at $200 each. If the carbon penalties trigger a drop, you could pocket $20–$40. If they rise, you’ll lose a little. Keep it small, use a stop-loss, and treat it like a low-risk gamble. Let the greenwashing play out, but don’t bet the farm! 
The Crazy Numbers
- All three companies together use as much electricity as Belgium.
- Linde alone uses more power than Amazon, Google, or Microsoft.
The Real Problem
If they don’t go truly green:
- Europe’s new carbon laws will hit them hard.
- Investors will pull out.
- Power grids will keep suffering under their “clean” act.
Read more → Bloomberg: The World’s Secret Electricity Superusers Revealed
Also see: ShareAction Report | Energy Connects
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