NEXTCHEM (MAIRE) and Vallourec sign partnership agreement for hydrogen storage

Press release

NEXTCHEM (MAIRE) and Vallourec sign partnership agreement
for hydrogen storage

Meudon, 3 April 2024 – Vallourec, a world leader in premium tubular solutions, and NextChem Tech, NEXTCHEM’s (Sustainable Technology Solutions) subsidiary dedicated to decarbonization technologies, have signed a partnership agreement aimed at integrating Delphy hydrogen storage solution, developed by Vallourec, into hydrogen and green ammonia production projects where NEXTCHEM is involved as technology provider worldwide.

Large-scale hydrogen storage is needed to cope with intermittency in green hydrogen production based on renewable energies and to ensure continuous supply to industrial processes consuming hydrogen, especially green ammonia production.

The two partners will study the integration of the Delphy storage solution, developed by Vallourec, into green hydrogen projects NEXTCHEM is participating in. The cooperation will focus on the synergies between NEXTCHEM’s world leading proprietary green ammonia production technologies and Vallourec's high-capacity hydrogen storage.

This agreement marks a further step for Vallourec in the roll-out of its Delphy solution in the hydrogen storage market. Delphy is a large-scale vertical solution consisting of an underground system capable of storing up to 100 tonnes of gaseous hydrogen under maximum safety conditions. The system is designed for green hydrogen producers and users for industrial applications and heavy mobility. This unique solution, which combines optimized operation of green hydrogen production facilities with security of supply, establishes Vallourec as a key player in the hydrogen value chain and represents a driving force for carbon reduction worldwide.

Over the past two years, the Group has been developing Vallourec New Energies, its portfolio of solutions designed to support energy transition, including geothermal, hydrogen storage, carbon sequestration, solar and biomass markets. The Group has recently made changes to its corporate governance to further strengthen its industrial and commercial performance in New Energies. As of May 1, 2024, the leadership of the Delphy solution will report directly to Philippe Guillemot, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.