ArcelorMittal Lozère to Decarbonize with Haffner Energy's Renewable Gas and Hydrogen

Haffner Energy's proprietary HYNOCA® solution has been chosen for a major project aimed at producing renewable syngas and hydrogen for industrial and mobility applications in the Nord Lozère industrial area of the Occitanie region, France. One of the primary objectives of this project is to meet the energy needs of ArcelorMittal’s plant in Saint-Chély-d’Apcher, enabling it to transition away from fossil fuels.

According to the full project forecast report by consulting firm Elcimaï Environnement, "Haffner Energy's process, which relies on biomass thermolysis, has been identified as the most appropriate technology for the area's needs and available resources."

The project is set to unfold in two phases. In the first phase, renewable syngas will be produced to replace the fossil natural gas currently used at ArcelorMittal’s facility. In the second phase, part of this syngas will be converted into renewable hydrogen, designed to serve both industrial requirements and future mobility demands. The shift to cleaner energy sources is a key part of the strategy to decarbonize the area, making the plant more sustainable and reducing its carbon footprint.

Philippe Haffner, Chairman and CEO of Haffner Energy, expressed pride in the selection of their HYNOCA® technology for this initiative, stating, “We are proud that our solution can meet the needs of this project.” He emphasized that the company's goals align with the broader objectives of the project: promoting regional development, supporting reindustrialization efforts, and advancing decarbonization across both industrial and mobility sectors. Haffner views the project as an opportunity to contribute to the creation of a sustainable local ecosystem while demonstrating confidence in their technology.

To move the project forward, a steering committee has been formed, which has recently issued a Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI). The goal of the AMI is to identify industrial stakeholders who will take on financial and operational leadership roles within the project, ensuring its successful implementation. This collaborative approach seeks to bring together key players in the industry to support the project's development and create a model for sustainable energy use in the region.

Overall, this project represents a significant step in the region’s efforts to transition to renewable energy, decarbonize industrial processes, and pave the way for future hydrogen-based mobility solutions.

Haffner Energy is a family-run business specializing in designing, manufacturing, supplying, and operating solutions that generate renewable energy from biomass residues. Their innovative, patented biomass thermolysis technology is the result of 30 years of expertise in converting biomass into energy, backed by substantial R&D investments. This technology is tailored to meet the decarbonization challenges and economic demands of industries, land, air, and sea mobility sectors, as well as the needs of national and local governments.