On the occasion of Mines Paris Research Day 2022, GRTgaz, the main gas transmission operator committed to the energy transition, and Mines Paris - PSLa leading French engineering school, have signed a five-year partnership for research in the field of hydrogen, resulting in the creation of a joint laboratory, Défi H. Intended to study the effects of hydrogen on structural materials, Défi H will generate new thesis work and develop new technological tools through close collaboration between the teams.A partnership resolutely focused on the energy transition, consolidating France's ambitions in the field of hydrogenThrough its RICE Research and Development center, GRTgaz has maintained a close relationship with Mines Paris - PSL for several years, through Chairs, theses and projects involving doctoral students, post-doctoral students, specialized masters and interns. Recently, and after several studies on the impacts of hydrogen on steels, GRTgaz and MINES Paris - PSL have embarked on more ambitious projects: the Gas Economy Chair, the Prothycol project (Protection of pipes using Coldspray technology, winner of the 2018 Open Innovation award), the Precos project (Repair of pipes using Coldspray). An industrial ANR chair MESSIAH (Mini-Tests for the In-Service Monitoring of Structures with Application to Hydrogen Transport) has even been created.
The major role that hydrogen will play in the decarbonization of industry and transportation is being confirmed day by day. A network adapted to hydrogen by converting existing structures costs two to three times less than a new network. By enabling the interconnection between consumption and production points and access to underground storage, this dedicated network will effectively support the development of a hydrogen market in France.
With Défi H, GRTgaz and Mines Paris - PSL wish to strengthen the synergies of research and training activities related to the protection and aging of hydrogen transport networks.
The main objective of this partnership is to develop work and common actions around several axes:
GRTgaz and Mines Paris - PSL will be able to pool their research and collaborate on several test beds that make up Défi H, The RICE Fenhyx platform will also be made available for the needs of Mines Paris - PSL researchers who will be able to generate new academic knowledge. Fenhyx is a unique experimental platform for determining the effects of hydrogen, alone or in a mixture, on metallic specimens, and under pressure.
"Research has always played a key role in GRTgaz's business plan. This kind of collaboration allows us to develop knowledge sharing between the academic and industrial worlds, and to bring researchers closer to the economic challenges of the years to come, namely the development of hydrogen and its transportation by pipeline. Hydrogen is the energy of the future and it is logical that GRTgaz should surround itself with high-level researchers in order to prepare together for the energy transition of tomorrow."
Anne-Sophie Decaux, Technical Director - Head of Industrial Performance and New Technologies at GRTgaz.
"I am very pleased with this new agreement - which further strengthens the ties between Mines Paris and GRTgaz - and underscores our commitment to the benefit of industry, business and society - in the search for solutions for the energy transition and collective progress towards a carbon neutral world."
Vincent Laflèche, General Manager of Mines Paris - PSL
