The venue of HyPEF’s latest General Assembly, ENGIE Lab CRIGEN, offered an immersive innovation experience for anyone engaged in the hydrogen sector. As ENGIE’s corporate R&D centre, Lab CRIGEN is dedicated to advancing the energy transition through innovation in green gases, emerging technologies, and new energy applications for cities, buildings, and industries. With its in-house expertise and advanced testing infrastructure, the centre plays a pivotal role in scaling up green gas technologies while driving advancements in digital solutions, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. Its primary focus on hydrogen, biogas, and liquefied gases places it at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions.
ENGIE Lab CRIGEN’s testing hall is a cutting-edge facility housing nine laboratories dedicated to green gases and emerging energy technologies. Beyond its laboratories, ENGIE Lab CRIGEN offers large-scale testing environments, including dedicated outdoor spaces for testing demonstrators and prototypes.
Hydrogen is central to ENGIE Lab CRIGEN’s research and development, with ENGIE actively engaged across the entire hydrogen value chain, from renewable energy production to its various end uses. The H2 Factory is a fully operational showroom where hydrogen-related prototypes are tested and showcased.
Welcome to HyPEF! We will deliver and test the FIRST EVER Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) for fuel cells and hydrogen (FCH) products.
The HyPEF team had the honour of touring the premises with Olivier Lefranc, the engineer overseeing the H2 Factory.
Our visit included a stop to learn about stationary fuel cells used for backup power, prime power, and combined heat and power (CHP). We were introduced to Smarthyes, the world’s first prototype for renewable power storage in buildings, which integrates a reversible high-temperature electrolyser/fuel cell with batteries. This demonstrator enables the evaluation of high-temperature electrolysers and fuel cell systems for multiple applications beyond power-to-power storage.
Continuing through the hall, we explored the grid injection prototype at the high-temperature test bench and examined a membrane bundle designed to convert ammonia into hydrogen.
In the realm of hydrogen-powered transport, we had an exclusive look at a prototype hydrogen fuelling station, which enables real-time monitoring of temperature and pressure to explore faster refuelling techniques while preventing overheating.
Last but not least, in ENGIE Lab CRIGEN’s outdoor space, we learned about the leading electrolyser in operation at the lab, though it was temporarily under maintenance. Lefranc explained how the electrolyser produces hydrogen at a purity level of 99.999%, with a built-in purifier removing oxygen and water. The group briefly discussed potential solutions to reduce the small amount of hydrogen currently vented, mitigating its environmental impact.
The prototype generates hydrogen at 30 bar, which is then transferred to an off-limits on-site gas library, where it is compressed to 200 bar before being distributed to power other prototypes on-site. Lefranc also highlighted another application of the electrolyser prototype: experimenting with diverse energy sources—including solar and wind power—to optimise the efficiency of hydrogen production.
What an inspiring way to kick off the HyPEF’s General Assembly, witnessing firsthand the future of hydrogen innovation!
