July 6, 2022 - Domo Chemicals, a leading producer of engineered polyamide materials, and Hynamics, a 100% subsidiary of EDF Group specializing in the production of low-carbon hydrogen, have entered into a partnership project with the objective of achieving zero-carbon for 100% 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 (“Chemistry Valley”).

For the first time in France, the “HyDom” project will enable the installation of an 85-megawatt (MW) hydrogen production plant using the water electrolysis process at the Belle-Étoile site, with a production capacity of 11,000 metric tons of low-carbon hydrogen per year. The plant will be powered by the French low-carbon electric power mix. By 2027, it will supply 100% of the annual production of hexamethylene diamine, a key component used in the production of plastics.

According to the two companies, the project will eventually prevent the emission of 84 kilotons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. Hexamethylene diamine, and ultimately, durable and low-carbon polyamides, will be used in various applications in major industry sectors, such as automotive, electronics, and heating & cooling.

This project is a major step towards the decarbonization of industrial sites that use grey hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels). The location in the Vallée de la Chimie within the vicinity of major transport routes opens up opportunities for the creation of a more complete hydrogen ecosystem.

The first phase of the project will consist of building up and ascertaining technical concepts and integrating the low-carbon hydrogen production plant within the larger production process of hexamethylene diamine.

Considering the high-power scale of the future electrolytic hydrogen production facility, the HyDom project is being developed in close collaboration with RTE (an organization in charge of managing the French power grid), to solve connection issues. As a priority project for the industry's zero-carbon strategy and for the “France 2030” investment plan, HyDom is supported by the French government and has been presented 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.”

Domo Chemicals offers polyamide-based engineered materials solutions and services for a diverse range of markets, including the automotive, consumer goods, industrial goods, electricals and electronics industries. Based on the company’s upstream and downstream integration, Domo also serves the agriculture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fibers and textiles sectors. The company´s complete portfolio of polymer-based products and services includes chemical intermediates, resins, engineering plastics and performance fibers. Headquartered in Belgium, the family-owned international group generated 2021 sales of over EUR 1.9 billion and employs approximately 2200 people across our global production sites and sales offices.

Hynamics is a subsidiary of the EDF group that offers industry and mobility players a turnkey offer for the production, storage and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, ensuring the investment, operation and maintenance of hydrogen production and distribution structures.

Source: Domo