DOMO Chemicals, a leading manufacturer of engineered polyamide materials, and Hynamics, a subsidiary of EDF Group specializing in the production of low-carbon hydrogen, have entered into a partnership with the goal of achieving zero-carbon for 100 percent of the hydrogen used at the Belle-Étoile industrial site in Saint-Fons (south of Lyon, France), in the heart of the French Vallée de la Chimie.
For the first time in France, the “HyDom” project will enable the development of an 85-megawatt (MW) hydrogen production plant at the Belle-Étoile site using the water electrolysis process, with an annual output capacity of 11,000 metric tons of low-carbon hydrogen. The plant will be fueled by the French electricity mix with low carbon emissions. By 2027, it will provide 100 percent of the yearly output of hexamethylene diamine, a critical component used in the plastics manufacturing process.
Eventually, the project will prevent the annual production of 84 kilotons of carbon dioxide (CO2). Hexamethylene diamine, and eventually durable and low-carbon polyamides, will be utilized in a variety of applications in significant industry sectors, including automotive, electronics, and heating & cooling.
This research is a significant step towards the decarbonization of grey hydrogen-using industrial facilities (produced from fossil fuels). The proximity of key transport routes to the Vallée de la Chimie provides prospects for the development of a more comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem.
The initial phase of the project will involve developing and validating technological concepts and integrating the low-carbon hydrogen generation facility into the broader hexamethylene diamine production process.
Due to the high-power scale of the prospective electrolytic hydrogen production facility, the HyDom project is being developed in close coordination with RTE (the entity responsible for maintaining the French electrical grid) in order to address connectivity concerns. As a priority initiative for the industry’s zero-carbon strategy and the “France 2030” investment plan, the French government supports HyDom and has offered it to the European Commission for public funding.
According to Christelle ROUILLÉ, CEO of Hynamics: “In line with the goals set out in the France 2030 investment plan for a resilient and decarbonized industrial sector, Hynamics is proud to support leading hydrogen-consuming industrialists in their decarbonization efforts. The scope of the project launched in partnership with DOMO Chemicals reflects Hynamics’ expertise in developing industrial electrolytic hydrogen production projects with a strong environmental impact. In replacing the unit that currently produces hydrogen from natural gas, our project represents an important step towards industrial sovereignty and reaching our climate objectives”.
According to Yves BONTE, CEO of DOMO Chemicals: “The reduction of CO2 emissions remains a major challenge for the industry, and DOMO’s low carbon footprint solutions are designed to help customers achieve their own CO2 emission reduction targets. This joint investment in a low-carbon hydrogen unit to replace the existing natural gas-based production unit will provide the first hydrogen infrastructure in the Lyon area. This strategic partnership will help us – and hopefully an entire ecosystem in the Vallée de la Chimie – achieve DOMO’s ambitious goals for 2030, focused on decarbonization, the use of renewable energy and delivering customer solutions.”
