Monday, January 11, 2021

Schlumberger New Energy et al Receive Official EC Okey-Dokey To Build Hydrogen Electrolyzers in Béziers, France

 The French are definitely making a push.

From Schlumberger's press room:

Schlumberger New Energy, the CEA and Partners Announce European Commission Approval for the Formation of Genvia, a Clean Hydrogen Production Technology Venture 

The Genvia venture will focus on the development and industrial deployment of a game-changing electrolyzer technology for clean hydrogen production

PARIS, January 11, 2021—Schlumberger New Energy, the CEA and Partners announced today the European Commission’s approval for the formation of Genvia, a clean hydrogen production technology venture. In a unique private-public partnership model, Genvia combines the expertise and experience of Schlumberger and the CEA with VINCI Construction, Vicat, and the investment vehicle of the French Occitanie Region, l’Agence Régionale de l’Energie et du Climat (AREC).

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier and a key component of the energy transition for many countries targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. The new venture will accelerate the development and the first industrial deployment of the CEA high-temperature reversible solid oxide electrolyzer technology, as the most efficient and cost-effective technology for clean hydrogen production.

Broad and deep alliances are critical to reach hydrogen production goals, evolving applications and creating a new energy infrastructure.

“We are very pleased to be working alongside such experienced and strong partners as we strive to develop technologies that enable decarbonization. Together, building on a set of technologies developed by the CEA over the last decade, we have ambitious growth plans for a technology that we expect to be a game-changer in the production of clean hydrogen. This initiative demonstrates an alignment of environmental and economic growth ambitions that is important for France and Europe in support of the government's and the Commission's recovery plan,” said François Jacq, Chairman of the CEA.

Genvia technology aims to achieve the highest system efficiency, resulting in significantly less electricity use per kg of hydrogen produced. The technology is the first of its kind that is fully reversible, giving it the flexibility to switch between electrolysis and fuel cell functions....

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Previously:

Hydrogen: France's Total Adds Fuel-Cell Truck Maker to Alternative Energy Bets
"French Hydrogen Lobby Seeks $12 Billion in Aid to Boost Use"
"France cooks up new green recipe: Nukes and hydrogen"
Is France Trying To Lift The Entire EU Out of Recession?
FrenchTech: "Hyundai opts for Faurecia systems for fuel cell trucks"
Hydrogen: Michelin—Faurecia Joint Venture To Establish Europe's Largest Fuel Cell Plant in Lyon
Meanwhile in France: "Hydrogène: Symbio choisit la métropole de Lyon pour implanter son usine de production"