• This ultra-modern and automated plant will have an unprecedented annual production capacity of 30 MW in France.
• The megafactory will enable the French fuel cell manufacturer to double its industrial surface area to reach 2200m².
• The 4.0 factory will be based on digital and intelligent technologies to enhance production standardization and reliability.
HELION announces the start of construction of its advanced high-power hydrogen fuel cell plant.
The megafactory is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2024 and will have a production capacity of up to 30 MW per year, equivalent to the manufacturing capability of one fuel cell system per day.
Fuel cells plays an essential role in the decarbonation of heavy mobility sectors, such as trains, ships and construction or mining machinery. They can also replace diesel generators for data centers, low emission zones, construction sites or during events, thanks to associated hydrogen storage.
Finally, fuel cells have the capability to inject energy back into the electrical network, facilitating the balancing of electrical infrastructures during periods of high demand and effectively stabilizing the network.
A state-of-the-art automated factory
With the future 2,200 m² factory, HELION will have the opportunity to double its industrialization surface area allowing the company to better address its ever-increasing recruitment needs.
From 2024, it will employ more than 100 people, spread over 1,500 m² of production workshops and 700 m² of modern offices for the development center in charge of deploying the 6th and 7th generations of fuel cells.
The factory will have a fully automated production line, encompassing every stage from the membrane / electrode assembly to the final assembly of the complete module. In addition, the factory 4.0 will capitalize on digital and smart manufacturing technologies to improve production flows and optimize quality control. The production machines will be interconnected and digitized, facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis of manufacturing assets. Developed in close collaboration with industrial and logistics experts from the Alstom group, this innovation plays a vital role in ensuring the standardization and reliability of production.
Production of high-power systems
The new plant will be the first high-power fuel cell manufacturing unit in France. It will facilitate the assembly of hydrogen generator sets specifically designed for both stationary and maritime applications. These generators can also be integrated in parallel to exceed megawatt capacities, and thus addressing the decarbonization needs of companies and communities not only in France but also across the globe.
A factory promoting well-being at work
The initiation of this relocation project took place over two years ago.
In order to align closely with the expectations of Alstom employees, the group actively engaged them in the early stages of the project.
Volunteer-based working groups from the company’s three local entities, participated in thematic workshops focused on the future building’s tertiary and industrial developments.
Vincent Mahéo, President of HELION hydrogen Power, expresses his enthusiasm, “ This project was designed by and for the group’s employees. This is a significant milestone in the integration of HELION within Alstom. Our megafactory places us among the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of high-power hydrogen fuel cells. This investment in employee well-being will offer attractive working conditions and aligns with our ambitious hiring plan. Thanks to our automated and digital production line, we fully meet the Group’s strategic objectives and look forwards to showcasing this cutting-edge facility to our customers”.
A group project to bolster Alstom’s regional position
The HELION megafactory will be integrated into the future development center of the Alstom group in Aix-en-Provence, uniting the three existing sites located in the southern region: the current Alstom site in Aix-en-Provence, the site in Vitrolles and HELION Hydrogen Power. With this new building, the group seeks to reinforce its local presence and acquire innovative industrial resources to tackle the challenges of sustainable mobility.
In addition, Alstom will become one of the key employers in the region with nearly 300 collaborators working at its newly established site. Bringing these three entities together will harness synergies, making this place a major center of skills and expertise in clean mobility technologies.
About Alstom
Alstom contributes to a decarbonized future through its commitments, by developing and promoting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions that are appreciated by passengers. Whether it’s high-speed trains, metros, monorails, trams, integrated systems, tailor-made services, infrastructure, signaling solutions, or digital mobility, Alstom offers the widest portfolio in the industry to its diverse customers. Present in 63 countries and with over 80,000 employees from 175 nationalities, the Group focuses its expertise in design, innovation, and project management where mobility solutions are most needed. Listed in France, Alstom achieved a revenue of 16.5 billion euros in fiscal year ended on March 31, 2023. Visit www.alstom.com for more information.
About HELION
As a key player in the hydrogen industry, HELION Hydrogen Power, a subsidiary of the Alstom Group, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of fuel cells combining high power and long durability in demanding environments. The company employs around forty employees at its site in Aix-en-Provence, in addition to nearly forty subcontractors. With other 20 years of experience, the company holds more than 40 patents in hydrogen technology, along with numerous operational systems.
HELION Hydrogen Power:
Laure MARIETTI – Tél.: +33 (0) 6 52 15 50 43 [email protected]
ALSTOM
Philippe MOLITOR – Tél.: +33 (0) 7 76 00 97 79 [email protected]
Fabienne BOCCARD – Tél.: +33 (0) 6 80 59 80 63 [email protected]
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
