Ghent — DOMO Chemicals, one of the leading producers of technical polyamide plastics, and Hynamics, a 100% subsidiary of the EDF Group specialising in the production of low-carbon hydrogen, have signed a partnership project to decarbonise 100% of the hydrogen needs of the Belle-Étoile industrial site in Saint-Fons (France, 69), in the heart of the Chemistry Valley.
The first in France, the “HyDom” project will enable the installation of an 85 megawatt (MW) water electrolysis hydrogen production plant on the Belle-Étoile industrial site, in the heart of the Chemistry Valley, south of Lyon, for the production of 11,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per year. This installation will be powered by the French low-carbon electricity mix. By 2027, it will supply the entire annual production of hexamethylene diamine, a component necessary for the production of plastics.
Ultimately, the project will avoid the emission of 84 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide (CO).2) annually. Hexamethylene diamine, and ultimately, sustainable, low-carbon polyamides, will be used for several applications in dynamic sectors, such as automotive, electronics, heating and cooling.
This project represents a major step for the decarbonization of industrial sites consuming grey hydrogen (of fossil origin). The establishment in the Chemistry Valley and near mobility axes opens up prospects for the creation of a more complete hydrogen ecosystem.
The first phase of the project will consist of strengthening the technical avenues and the integration of the low-carbon hydrogen production plant into the industrial process for the production of hexamethylene diamine.
In addition, and given the power of the future electrolytic hydrogen production plant, the development of “HyDom” is carried out in close collaboration with RTE, to overcome the connection issues. This is a priority project for the industry’s decarbonisation strategy and for the investment plan “France 2030”. It thus benefits from the support of the French State and has been presented to the European Commission for public funding.
Ms Christelle Rouillé, CEO of Hynamics: “Hynamics is proud to support large hydrogen consumers in their decarbonisation trajectory, in line with the ambitions expressed in the investment plan France 2030 for a strong and decarbonised industrial sector. This project developed in partnership with DOMO Chemicals illustrates by its scope the expertise built by Hynamics in the development of industrial projects for the production of electrolytic hydrogen with a high environmental impact. By replacing the current unit for the production of hydrogen from natural gas, it represents an important step towards industrial sovereignty and the achievement of our climate objectives.”
Mr. Yves Bonte, CEO of DOMO Chemicals: “The reduction of CO2 remains a major challenge in the industry, and DOMO’s low-carbon solutions are designed to help customers achieve their own carbon emission reduction goals. This co-investment in a low-carbon hydrogen unit to replace the current natural gas-based production unit will provide the first hydrogen infrastructure in the Lyon region. This strategic partnership will help us – but hopefully an entire ecosystem in the Chemistry Valley – to achieve DOMO’s ambitious 2030 targets, focused on decarbonisation, renewable energy consumption and customer solutions.”
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
