Hydrogen production currently s for more than 2% of global CO2 emissions. In this context, Michelin and several French universities have announced a strategic alliance to develop green hydrogen production technologies in a sustainable and industrially scalable manner. 6p1o3d

The agreement, signed on 14 March 2025, brings together Michelin, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Grenoble Alpes University (UGA), Savoie Mont Blanc University (USMB), and Grenoble INP - UGA. Over the next four years, researchers from the t Alcal’Hylab laboratory will work on deg next-generation materials to enable sustainable and low-carbon hydrogen production from water.

The challenge of sustainable hydrogen production u166g

Currently, the majority of hydrogen produced worldwide is classified as 'grey', generated from fossil fuels such as natural gas. While this type of hydrogen is the least expensive to produce, it is also the most polluting. Alternatives such as 'blue' hydrogen, which captures some CO2 emissions, or 'green' hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, remain marginal, representing less than 5% of global production.

Among the existing methods for producing green hydrogen from water, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) and proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMWE) each have advantages and disadvantages. While AWE uses abundant metals such as nickel, its efficiency and gas purity are limited. On the other hand, PEMWE allows the production of ultra-pure hydrogen with high efficiency but depends on scarce metals and generates polluting waste.

Towards a new generation of water electrolysis 193k1i

To overcome these limitations, the research team, ed by Michelin’s R&D Centre in Clermont-Ferrand, aims to develop a hybrid technology called Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE). This innovation would combine the advantages of both existing systems: the use of abundant metals such as nickel and the efficiency of a polymer membrane that allows high-speed, high-purity, and high-pressure gas production, facilitating integration with renewable energy sources.

Christophe Moriceau, Vice President of Advanced Research at the Michelin Group, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "Michelin has been investing in hydrogen for over 20 years, recognising its potential to reduce CO2 emissions and the energy transition, both in mobility and in reducing carbon dependence across various industrial sectors. This new t laboratory will enhance our understanding of the processes and materials needed for large-scale hydrogen production with a lower carbon footprint."

Meanwhile, Yassine Lakhnech, President of Grenoble Alpes University, stated: "This partnership reflects the strength of our scientific and industrial ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to a more sustainable society and low-carbon industry."