Chemours Invests in Ion Exchange Materials
US specialty chemicals and materials company Chemours will spend $200 million to increase capacity for its Nafion ion exchange membranes at its site in Villers-Saint-Paul, France.
The investment will support growing demand for generating clean hydrogen using water electrolyzers, energy storage in flow batteries and hydrogen conversion to power fuel cell vehicles, Chemours said. As part of the investment, the site will also be expanded to advance technology and develop new products for the global hydrogen economy.
The Delaware-headquartered group stated that its Nafion technology represents “one of the most promising solutions” for green hydrogen technology, adding that despite solid growth in deploying such technologies, the scale-up of hydrogen supply chain capability and capacity remains critical in realizing the full potential of hydrogen energy and meeting escalating demand.
“Advancing the hydrogen economy is a winning formula for people and the planet, but its success requires product performance, innovation, scalable supply and responsible, sustainable manufacturing,” said Denise Dignam, president of advance performance materials. “Adding production capability in France provides direct, domestic access for Europe to our Nafion ion exchange materials while extending our global capacity to help our customers grow and fast-track implementation of hydrogen solutions.”
President and CEO Mark Newman explained that Chemours had chosen the site in France because of the strong alignment between its sustainable growth vision, the French government’s goal to create a reliable and strong hydrogen economy, and the EU’s ambition to deliver a clean energy transition.
The company did not disclose a timescale for the project, which remains subject to obtaining all customary permits and licenses. The expansion is expected to create about 80 full-time jobs.
Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
