The American chemist Chemours announced on Thursday 12 January, an investment of some 200 million dollars (about 185 million euros) in France for a second plant. “This is one of Chemours’ most important investments since its inception”underlined the CEO of the group, Mark Newman.
The 40-hectare chemical site, located in Villers-Saint-Paul, near Creil (Oise), has existed since 1917. With 60 employees, this factory produces water-repellent molecules for textiles, pots or fire-fighting foams for firefighters. . The second plant will make it possible to manufacture by 2025 thes electrolyser membranes necessary for the industrial production of carbon-free hydrogen. Chemours expects the employment of 80 employees.
state aid
The American group’s investment will include state aid, supported by the France 2030 investment plan and the Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe). The amount of this public aid, part of which comes from the region, particularly for training, is still under discussion.
Hydrogen is crucial to decarbonize heavy industry such as the chemical or steel sector and to enable the continued production of steel by reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.