Michelin has announced a significant advancement in its pursuit of sustainable energy solutions by launching a new joint research laboratory, AlcalHylab, in collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and prominent academic institutions including the University of Grenoble Alpes, the Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble, and the University of Savoie Mont Blanc. This four year initiative aims to develop innovative technologies for the sustainable production of green hydrogen, a crucial component in the transition to clean mobility and industrial decarbonisation.
Building on over two decades of hydrogen research, Michelin's latest venture focuses on overcoming current limitations in hydrogen production methods. The project seeks to combine the advantages of existing technologies such as Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) and Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) while mitigating their respective drawbacks. The goal is to create an Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyser (AEMWE) that utilizes abundant, non precious metals and operates efficiently with renewable energy sources, producing high purity hydrogen without harmful emissions.
Christophe Moriceau, Vice President of Advanced Research at Michelin, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration: “Hydrogen technology holds immense potential for reducing CO₂ emissions and advancing the energy transition, not only in mobility but across various industrial sectors. The establishment of AlcalHylab will enhance our expertise in processes and materials essential for large scale decarbonisation.”
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The joint research efforts at AlcalHylab aim to address the challenges associated with scaling up green hydrogen production. Currently, green hydrogen produced using renewable energy accounts for less than 5 percent of global hydrogen output. By developing a more efficient and sustainable production method, the collaboration seeks to make green hydrogen a viable alternative to fossil fuels on an industrial scale.
The AEMWE technology under development is expected to offer several benefits including the use of cost effective, readily available materials, compatibility with renewable energy sources, and the ability to produce high purity hydrogen efficiently. These advancements could significantly reduce the environmental impact of hydrogen production and support the broader adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
Jacques Maddaluno, Director of CNRS Chemistry, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: “The creation of AlcalHylab exemplifies the productive partnership between industry and research institutions. Working together with our academic partners, we aim to make significant strides in mastering hydrogen technology for a sustainable future.”
Michelin’s involvement in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to sustainability and innovation in mobility solutions. By investing in cutting edge research and fostering collaborations with leading scientific institutions, Michelin continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.