T HE G RENOBLE-I SÈRE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER - F RANCE > No. 61 < FEBUARY 2013

GrenobleIsère Report

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Air Liquid places its bets on hydrogen World leader in gases for industry, health, and environment, Air Liquide (€15.3 billion in revenue and 46,200 employees worldwide) is placing its bets on hydrogen. The company’s Air Liquide Advanced Technologies Division (revenue of €100 million) is a prime example of

Xavier Vigor

CEO, Air Liquide Advanced Technologies

How and why did Air Liquide become involved in hydrogen?

For many years, Air Liquide’s hydrogen production and distribution technologies have offered solutions to a number of industries, and particularly for the glass, semiconductor, chemical, and refinery industries. We sold 11.5 billion cubic meters of the gas in 2012 for a total of €1.9 billion in revenue. Not only do we have the infrastructure needed to produce hydrogen and deliver it to our customers (pipelines, delivery trucks, etc.), but we also have the R&D capabilities to come up with innovative solutions to today’s major environmental and energy challenges. We are playing an active role in initiatives to promote hydrogen energy and develop better fuel cell and hydrogen technology. For instance, we have been heading the Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking since 2011. And in 2008 we launched the Horizon Hydrogen Energy (H2E) program to create a sustainable, competitive hydrogen-energy industry. Today 95% of the hydrogen we produce is made using natural gas, but by 2020 we aim to have at least half of our hydrogen production come from carbon-free sources. To reach this goal we have introduced the Blue Hydrogen initiative, which will cut our carbon emissions in two ways: first, by shifting hydrogen production to clean processes like water electrolysis and biogas reforming; and second, by using carbon capture and storage technology for the CO2 emitted when we do use natural gas. So hydrogen is clearly one of our top priorities.

Can you tell us a little bit about Air Liquide’s facility in Grenoble-Isère?

Our Sassenage facility has been a hotbed of innovation for over 50 years. Nearly 600 people from several different Air Liquide businesses work there,

mainly from Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, but also from Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy, Axane, and HyPulsion. Together, they cover the entire hydrogen energy value chain, from production and storage through to distribution and fuel cell applications. Our researchers also draw on the facility’s cutting-edge skills in cryogenics—developed through Air Liquide’s work for the space industry—giving them unparalleled expertise in both materials and safety. And our testing and production capabilities let us design and test customized products while continuing to make high-quality standard products.

What do you think the future holds for hydrogen?

We are convinced that hydrogen will play a major role in the new energy mix and enable us to develop near-term solutions for sustainable mobility. We have developed hydrogen filling stations for vehicles like buses, cars, and forklifts; 60 of these stations are already in use around the world, and we plan to build over a dozen more by 2015. We also supply systems that can power off-grid equipment (like cell phone towers) and portable generators for use in safety systems or at events. Although countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the United States (more specifically, California) are currently leading the way in hydrogen-powered mobility, here in France—and especially in Grenoble-Isère with so many public- and private-sector organizations active in this field—we have world-class skills that should help France become a major player. We have mature technology, France is updating its regulatory framework to meet the specific challenges of hydrogen energy, and industry-specific standards are in the works. We are at a real turning point.

> Hydrogen boasts a bright future in clean energy—especially in Grenoble-Isère

> Another side of Robert Doisneau

> Grenoble-Isère Airport, your direct connection to the Alps

> FEATURE <

Air Liquide’s core value of technological innovation. With a 50-year history in Grenoble-Isère, the division has built a unique infrastructure and a network of partners to develop viable applications for one of today’s most promising clean energy alternatives: hydrogen. Xavier Vigor, General Manager of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, spoke with us about this promising new industry.

In this issue: Discover the smart move to grow your hydrogen-energy business in video

> ACCESS MULTIMEDIA CONTENT <

G r e n o b l e I s è r e R e p o r tT HE G RENOBLE-I SÈRE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER - F RANCE > No . 61 < FEBUARY 2013

PaxiTech develops a new fuel cell for portable labs

PaxiTech has developed a new fuel cell to power high-performance modular portable biological testing labs. The passive fuel cell—the result of a collaborative project backed by the Lyonbiopôle biotech cluster—can generate 250 W of power and was developed and successfully tested in real-world conditions. The new fuel cell extends PaxiTech’s product lineup to small portable generators that produce just a few hundred watts. For the past year PaxiTech has also been testing a new fuel-cell-operated USB charger that lets users charge mobile electronic devices wherever they are. One of the first models of this charger stores hydrogen in aerosol form, which allows it to operate at extreme temperatures. The charger will go into production in the coming months for a market launch in the spring of 2013.

Hydrogen production: so long platinum, hello cobalt!

Scientists at the CEA, CNRS, and Joseph Fourier University have created two new cobalt-based materials that can replace the costly platinum currently used in the production of hydrogen from water (electrolysis). The first material can operate in pH-neutral aqueous solutions—a vital condition for being able to replace platinum. The second is the first noble-metal-free catalytic material ever created. It is also switchable, meaning it can switch between two forms to catalyze both chemical reactions essential for water electrolysis: hydrogen production and oxygen production. These groundbreaking new materials open the door to affordable, stable hydrogen production systems for the storage of renewable energy.

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Symbio FCell builds Europe’s first fuel-cell production line

Until now fuel cells have been expensive to manufacture, which has limited their production in Europe to small runs made at research centers. But 2013 marks the start of a new era thanks to Symbio FCell’s new production line in Grenoble, developed in association with the CEA and inaugurated just a few months ago. This new, state-of-the-art facility can churn out 1,000 fuel cells a year with capacities ranging from 5 kW to 20 kW. Symbio FCell is working

with R&D partners like car manufacturers, truck, excavator and snow groomer manufacturers to develop more powerful systems for silent and nonpolluting vehicles. Fuel cells provide a greater

range than electric-only batteries, are quick to charge, have a small form factor, generate heat that can be recirculated to the passenger cabin, and are made from 95% recyclable components. Symbio FCell has equipped three different vehicles with electric motors ranging in power from 5 kW to 300 kW: a Renault Kangoo (200 km–300 km range and zero carbon emissions); a Renault Trucks Maxity; and the Green GT H2 race car that will be entered in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race this year.

McPhy Energy, France’s bright young hydrogen-storage star

France’s McPhy Energy, a fast-growing provider of stationary storage systems that recently raised €10 million of fresh capital, is active in a number of hydrogen-energy R&D programs including GDF Suez’s GRHYD project. GRHYD brings together a dozen French R&D partners to develop flexible energy solutions combining electricity and gas management via the hydrogen vector. The basic idea is to recover surplus

energy generated by wind turbines and convert it into hydrogen, a storable fuel gas. The gas will then be reinjected into existing gas networks based on demand in a technique known as Power to Gas. McPhy Energy brings to the project its expertise in hydrogen storage, and will aim to smooth production in order to reconcile supply and demand. In Germany, McPhy is helping to drive the country’s energy transition as part of a consortium to develop a hydrogen energy station at Berlin’s Schönefeld airport. Renewable energy from a nearby wind farm will be converted into green hydrogen and serve as a fuel for zero-emission mobility. McPhy Energy will provide a next-generation solid hydrogen storage system that will enable the combined heat and power plant to provide electricity when it is needed. And in Italy, the firm recently acquired Piel, an Italian pioneer in water-electrolysis-based hydrogen generators. This acquisition marks an important milestone in the deployment of McPhy Energy’s innovative systems. The company will now be able to sell the market’s first-ever combined generation and storage system.

McPhy Electrolyzer and MgH2 disk

The American School of Grenoble celebrates 20 years of quality education

Founded in 1993, the American School of Grenoble (ASG) offers English-language instruction to children aged 10 to 18 from English-speaking expatriate families. Its core curriculum is based on the American model and can be tailored to meet students’ individual needs. ASG aims to provide high-quality instruction that will enable students to successfully return to English-speaking school systems and pursue a wide range of higher education options. ASG is well-positioned to serve a growing community of international families and is accredited with the Council of International Schools—meaning its diploma is recognized worldwide.

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G r e n o b l e I s è r e R e p o r tT HE G RENOBLE-I SÈRE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER - F RANCE > No . 61 < FEBUARY 2013

Grenoble-Isère stands behind hydrogenAEPI, Grenoble-Isère economic development agency, is now a member of HyER, a hydrogen-industry association that promotes hydrogen energy to stakeholders and decision makers across the public and private sectors. Comprised of EU regional and municipal governments, HyER creates a cohesive, easily-identifiable, and influential representative body allowing members to play a key role in developing policies and strategies that encourage the widespread adoption of hydrogen, fuel cells, and electric-powered mobility. HyER also coordinates efforts among its members. When it was founded in 2011, HyER counted 32 regional and municipal governments including Amsterdam, Hamburg, London, Rotterdam, Lombardy, Aragon, Scandinavian regional governments, and Wroclaw, Poland, just to name a few. As a HyER member, AEPI—which leverages in-depth knowledge of Grenoble-Isère’s research and industry ecosystem—represents local hydrogen-industry stakeholders.

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Hydrogen boasts a bright future in clean energy—especially in Grenoble-IsèreOur planet is under increasing environmental pressure. Energy is a major part of the problem—and the solution. To combat climate change we must reduce the use of fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and shift to renewable energy. Today, hydrogen is bringing fresh hope for sustainable energy generation and storage. Produced from readily-available resources like water, electricity, biomass, biogas, and natural gas, hydrogen will play a starring role in the energy transition. And among the solutions that have already been tested and commercialized are a few that are made right here in Grenoble-Isère.

Mobile applications also at the forefront

When it comes to hydrogen, the energy-thirsty transportation industry will not be left behind. Here fuel cells will spearhead the move to cleaner, quieter cities. Hydrogen-powered vehicles produce zero CO2 locally; their only emission is water. Symbio FCell is convinced that hydrogen is the way forward and can now make large-scale production runs of its low-power fuel cells designed to improve the range of electric vehicles. The company will provide fuel cells for 1,000 Renault HyKangoo hybrid vehicles in 2014, and also makes higher-power fuel cells (up to 300 kW) that demonstrate the technology’s potential for heavy vehicles like buses, trucks, and snow groomers. In other news, Hypulsion—a joint venture between Axane and Plug Power—is leading an interesting initiative at the Northern Isère logistics platform, where several forklifts will be equipped with hydrogen power. This growing market has gotten a boost from plunging fuel-cell manufacturing costs, which have shrank by a factor of six over the past ten years. Finally, mobile devices are creating new energy needs that fuel cells are perfectly capable of meeting. Paxitech (see opposite) sells portable fuel cells with a planar architecture that stand to compete with primary and rechargeable batteries in a slate of applications. Ad-Venta is also focusing its pressurized gas-handling expertise on mobile systems, developing integrated high- and very-high-pressure tank bulkheads.

Grenoble-Isère’s hydrogen industry is also being driven by the global-caliber research being conducted at centers like Institut Néel-CNRS, Grenoble Institute of Technology, and CEA-Liten (Laboratory for Innovation in New Energy Technology and Nanomaterials). This active scientific research community carries out joint projects with manufacturers—the key to getting innovation to market fast. Liten is one of Europe’s largest new energy technology R&D centers and France’s

only institute whose work covers the entire hydrogen-energy value chain from production, storage, and conversion through to regulatory issues.

The Tenerrdis energy cluster stands out for the quality and effectiveness of its projects spanning the public and private sectors. The cluster has backed 49 hydrogen and fuel cell projects for a total of €162 million. And government funding at the national and local levels also plays an important role, proof that our elected officials believe in hydrogen’s future and its capacity to spur the emergence of high-growth markets.

Come to Grenoble-Isère and take part in building a HyER (Hydrogen Energy) future!

Grenoble-Isère’s hydrogen industry boasts businesses of all sizes and research centers at the leading edge of the latest hydrogen technology. And it is safe to say that Grenoble-Isère has the entire hydrogen value chain covered, from production, fuel cells, and storage all the way to distribution. The Tenerrdis energy cluster plays a key role in coordinating efforts to overcome today’s environmental challenges and build a cleaner energy future.

Hydrogen, a pillar of the new energy mix for stationary applications

Renewable energies like solar, wind, and hydropower will play a key role in the new energy mix. However, since most renewables are produced intermittently it is hard for energy suppliers to match supply and demand—with all of the problems this raises for power grids. Energy storage is the answer. Hydrogen provides a viable method for storing renewable energy for use at a later time. France-based McPhy Energy has developed a hydrogen energy storage system combining an electrolyzer (hydrogen generator) and a unique patented technology for storing hydrogen in solid form (using metal hydrides). The start-up can also work with manufacturers—whatever their energy usage patterns—to produce their own hydrogen for a multitude of applications. Air Liquide sells stationary power systems for off-grid equipment like cell phone towers and is developing a system to produce green hydrogen from biogas purification and reforming. The multinational has also developed hydrogen distribution stations for hydrogen-powered vehicle charging.

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> TIME OFF <

French photographer Robert Doisneau, known for his iconic Paris street scenes like The Kiss, would have turned 100 in 2012. Since last November, Grenoble’s Musée de l’Ancien Evêché has been showing a lesser-known body of Doisneau’s work. The exhibit, to run until mid-

April, focuses on the photographer’s images of the Alps. The artist once said, “I have spent my whole life having fun. I’ve made my own little theatre.” And for more than 30 years, Doisneau immersed himself in the Alps, not to photograph the grandiose landscapes like many of his peers, but for the larger-than-life playground the mountains offered him.

A photographer, reporter, and illustrator, Doisneau returned time and time again to the Alps on assignment—from a story on family vacations for Paris Match magazine, an ad for Simca cars, or a photo essay on labor conditions and trade union activities at several large companies in Grenoble for an article in Regards magazine. In the Mont Blanc massif, he created a wonderful surrealist setting for a series of burlesque sketches featuring his friend and cellist Maurice Baquet, which he captured on film. This little-known side of Robert Doisneau’s career is yours to discover in Grenoble-Isère. Visit the museum’s website, www.ancien-eveche-isere.fr, for information.

G r e n o b l e I s è r e R e p o r tT HE G RENOBLE-I SÈRE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER - F RANCE > No . 61 < FEBUARY 2013

Grenoble-Isère Airport caters to vacationers each winter by getting them just a short drive away from their favorite ski destinations. With connections from 18 European cities including London, Rotterdam, Dublin, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, and Warsaw, plus 17 airlines running charter flights from Russia, Israel, Denmark, and Sweden, the Alps are within just about anyone’s reach. Just a few hours from some premier ski resorts, Grenoble-Isère airport makes it easy to take a winter break in the Alps!

Another side of Robert Doisneau

Grenoble-Isère Airport, your direct connection

to the Alps

Le Rêve du petit Michel, Megève, 1936 © Robert Doisneau / Rapho

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AEPI, the Grenoble-Isère Economic Development Agency, provides businesses seeking to move to Grenoble-Isère with economic data and information on available commercial and industrial real estate. We also set up meetings with local decision-makers, help identify grants and other sources of funding, and provide comprehensive project support. Contact us today!

Editor: Joëlle Seux, Director, AEPICoordination: Anne Giraudel

Written by AEPI and Françoise Laurent - Layout by AEPI

Translated by SFM Traduction - Printed by Numérica - ISSN 1968-7052

AEPI - Agence d’Etudes et de Promotion de l’Isère

1, Place Firmin Gautier - 38027 Grenoble Cedex 1Tel: +33 476 709 703 - Fax: +33 476 709 719Email: aepi@grenoble-isere.com - www.grenoble-isere.com

US: Sharon RehbinderTel: +1 310 473 2818: sharon@france.com

China: Caroline Say Tel: +86 10 8531 2343: caroline.say@investinfrance.org

UK: Pauline Bourcet Tel: +44 208 457 4304 : pbourcet@frenger.com

Germany: Maeva PratlongTel: +49 69 962176-30: maeva.pratlong@acsan-consulting.com

Saint-Véran, Hautes-Alpes, 1947 © Robert Doisneau / Rapho

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