Faurecia to provide high-capacity hydrogen storage system for zero-emission Green Canyon project

Faurecia, a subsidiary of FORVIA Group, has partnered with Air Flow to obtain a contract for the supply of large-capacity hydrogen storage pressure vessels for the hydrogen refueling station of the zero-emission Green Canyon project, which is jointly promoted by Hympulsion.

The zero-emission Green Canyon project aims to deploy 1,200 fuel cell vehicles and 20 hydrogen refueling stations by the end of 2024 (including several with electrolyzers for on-site production of green hydrogen), using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide .HYmpulsion is a joint venture between the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and private companies ENGIE, Michelin, Credit Agricole and Banque des Territoires, and is regulated by the French Environment and Energy Agency (ADEME). ) and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), with the aim of making the region a pioneer in hydrogen mobility in France and one of the first regions in Europe to achieve carbon neutrality, while creating A European-wide replicable profit model.Air Flow, a global leasing logistics company, will hold large-capacity hydrogen storage pressure vessels and lease them to HYmpulsion.

Air Flow's investment of €9 million involves hydrogen transport and hydrogen storage for the normal deployment of the zero-emission Green Canyon project.The project is an important initiative in the context of the decarbonisation of economic activity in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and represents a huge success for the French hydrogen sector, of which Faurecia and Air Flow are the main players participants.

Faurecia will use its advanced gas storage system and industrialized technology to provide tailor-made large, lightweight and high-capacity hydrogen storage cylinders.Lightweight gas storage systems consume less fuel during transportation, thus reducing CO2 emissions.

Faurecia's high-capacity hydrogen storage system is key to the project.These hydrogen storage pressure vessels will realize hydrogen storage and transportation between hydrogen refueling stations, parent stations and sub-stations, and provide fuel for hydrogen fuel vehicles.

These high-capacity hydrogen storage systems were jointly developed by Faurecia's research and development centers in Augsburg, Germany, and Bavin, France.The first hydrogen storage pressure vessels will be delivered in mid-2023.By participating in this project, Faurecia fully demonstrates its ambition to become a key player in the industry value chain through leading hydrogen distribution and storage solutions.

Olivier Lefebvre, Executive Vice President of Faurecia Green Mobility, said: "Faurecia is proud to be involved in the zero-emission Green Mobility Gorge project, the first transport project in France to be powered by renewable hydrogen. This project is perfectly in line with our goals. , that is, to help decarbonize the transportation and automotive industries.

Over the past 4 years, Faurecia has invested more than EUR 273 million in hydrogen and has developed expertise that is recognized by customers and the entire hydrogen ecosystem.Today, based on Air Flow's confidence in Faurecia's expertise, we can participate in this important project, confirming Faurecia's leading position as a provider of hydrogen storage solutions."

Thierry Raevel, President of HYmpulsion, said: “Our aim is to finance, design and operate a production and distribution network of 20 green hydrogen refueling stations in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This network serves both light and heavy duty Trucks. As an important logistics link between 3 hydrogen production centers and 20 hydrogen refueling stations, we chose Faurecia as a partner based on its technical expertise in gas storage and transportation systems.

This selection demonstrates the excellence of the French hydrogen industry throughout the value chain.The hydrogen industry, already well-established in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, can help our region achieve decarbonization goals, improve air quality in valleys and cities, create irreplaceable jobs and strengthen France's energy sovereignty."

Pierre Fiat ,CEO ofAir Flow ,said: "The Air Flow team is particularly excited to collaborate with Faurecia and HYmpulsion. Air Flow has been investing in hydrogen for almost 20 years, and has accumulated experience in the rental, maintenance and digitization of hydrogen storage and transport equipment. Solid experience. We are honored to have been selected by HYmpulsion and Faurecia to support their growth strategy.”