A research-corporate collaboration for green hydrogen production

Hydrogen production currently produces over 2% of global CO2 emissions. Green hydrogen, which continues to be difficult to use on an industrial level, represents less than 1% of total global production.
Michelin, the CNRS, Grenoble Alpes University (UGA), Savoie Mont Blanc University (USMB) and Grenoble INP – UGA are pooling their expertise to develop a low-carbon and sustainable hydrogen (H2) production.
To this end, the partners hope to design a hydrogen production technology using water – electrolysis known as AEMWE, by designing next generation materials composed of elements that abound in the earth’s crust.

Michelin, the CNRS, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble INP - UGA and Savoie Mont Blanc University launched their new partnership on 14 March 2025. Over a period of four years, the research teams will strive to develop sustainable hydrogen production technology using water. The joint laboratory is the third LabCom pooling Michelin and CNRS expertise and deploying green hydrogen production technologies.

At the present time, we are still to find a method for producing hydrogen on a large and sustainable scale. To address this major challenge, the research teams at the Alcal’Hylab joint laboratory are teaming up to design next generation materials capable of boosting green hydrogen production using water, in a low-carbon and sustainable manner, and on an industrial scale.

Currently, the majority of hydrogen1 produced in the world is qualified as grey, as it is generated from fossil resources such as natural gas. Although this type of hydrogen is the least costly to produce, it is also one of the least eco-friendly. When combined with black hydrogen, obtained via coal gasification, their production generates more than 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO2)2 emissions. While less polluting alternatives exist, such as blue hydrogen, which is generated from fossil fuels with the capturing of CO₂ emissions, there is still no satisfactory method for producing hydrogen sustainably in industrial quantities. Despite the existence of different production methods for green hydrogen using solar and wind power or hydroelectricity, this currently represents less than 5% of total global production.

Water: a promising avenue for hydrogen production

There are now several methods for producing green hydrogen using water. The first is alkaline water electrolysis, known as AWE3, which was first discovered over 200 years ago. This process produces hydrogen by circulating an electrical current through a solution of potassium hydroxide and water less acidic than drinking water, using catalyzers composed of non-noble metals4 such as nickel, iron or steel. Although it is widely used in industry, this technology does not create ultra-pure hydrogen at a high speed and is difficult to couple with renewable energies.

To overcome these hurdles, a new type of water electrolyzer, which uses a polymer membrane, impermeable to gas (hydrogen and oxygen) was developed in the last few decades: PEMWE5 technology. While this results in ultra-pure gas production with a higher yield, this technology is nevertheless accompanied by new constraints: a reliance on rare and noble metals (platinum, iridium and titanium) and the generation of pollutants linked to the membrane used, such as fluorine.

Developing materials for next generation electrolyzers

With support from the Michelin R&D Center in Clermont-Ferrand, the research teams at the Electrochemistry and Physicochemistry of Materials and Interfaces Laboratory (CNRS/ Grenoble Alpes University/Grenoble INP - UGA/ Savoie Mont Blanc University), under the aegis of CNRS researcher, Frédéric Maillard, hope to develop water electrolysis technology combining the best of both worlds. The aim is to benefit both from the advantages of AWE technology (using non-noble metals that abound in the earth’s crust) and PEMWE (using a polymer membrane to achieve high hydrogen production speeds, to pressurize the gases produced, with a high gas purity and to couple the electrolyzer with renewable energies).

This new technology, called Anion-Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer (AEMWE), will require the development of nano-catalyzers comprising metals that abound in the earth’s crust including nickel, and an anion exchange polymer membrane that is more environmentally compliant.

The Michelin group has shown an interest in hydrogen for over 20 years, recognizing its potential for reducing CO2 emissions and for energy transition, in mobility and also for lowering carbon reliance in several industrial fields. This new joint laboratory with the CNRS, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble INP - UGA and Savoie Mont Blanc University, the third devoted specifically to hydrogen research, will improve our knowledge of the processes and materials that will enable its large-scale production to be less carbon reliant in the future

Christophe Moriceau VP Advanced Research for the Michelin Group

This partnership illustrates the strength of our scientific and economic ecosystem, mobilizing researchers and industrialists to accelerate innovation and technologies transfers. Together, we are asserting our commitment to a more sustainable society and low-carbon industry. With more than 80 joint laboratories currently operating, including Grenoble Alpes University and industrial partners, and as the European leader in terms of patent registrations, UGA is a pioneering university in terms of innovation, committed to digital and ecological transformation, as well as European sovereignty

Yassine Lakhnech President of Grenoble Alpes University.

A historic player founded by and for companies, Grenoble INP - UGA is delighted with the creation of this joint laboratory – a strong symbol of the public-private collaboration and a strategic lever for innovation. Committed to broad transitions, in particular as an operator of the Carnot Energies du Futur Institute, the establishment plays a central role in this hydrogen project, with 40% of the public employees drawn from its ranks. This initiative consolidates the long-standing collaboration between Grenoble INP - UGA and Michelin, combining training, research and innovation to offer far-reaching and impactful programs, both locally and internationally

Vivien Quéma General Administrator of Grenoble INP - UGA

Addressing the challenges of the energy transition is one of the three fundamental pillars defining research at Savoie Mont Blanc University (USMB). We are therefore eager to get involved with this multi-stakeholder collaboration, which led to the creation of Alcal’HyLab. This initiative perfectly illustrates the synergy between academic research and industry to serve our regions. Alongside our partners, we support the activities of the Electrochemistry and Physicochemistry of Materials and Interfaces Laboratory (LEPMI) for developing next generation materials to be used in AEMWE electrolyzers. This strategic project reinforces our commitment to innovation for a more sustainable and competitive hydrogen production

Philippe Briand President of Savoie Mont Blanc University

A multi-faceted research-company collaboration for innovation in hydrogen production

Alcal’Hylab is the third laboratory to pool the expertise of the CNRS and Michelin devoted to developing green hydrogen production technologies:

LabCom HydrogenLab to develop next generation core of the fuel cell and alkaline water electrolyzer materials, in partnership with the French National School for Chemistry in Montpellier and Montpellier University (Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier Institute).
Further information: HydrogenLab, a joint laboratory with Michelin to design the future(French only)
LabCom SpinLab to optimize nanofibrous materials using the electrospinning process, in partnership with Strasbourg University (Institute for Chemistry and Processes, Energy, Environment and Health).
Further information: Michelin, the CNRS and Strasbourg University are working together to develop innovative nanofibrous materials

Notes:

1- Whose real chemical name is dihydrogen, or H2.

2- According to the International Energy Agency (AIE).

3- Alkaline Water Electrolyzer.

4- Metals that are not resistant to corrosion. In particular, they dissolve when immersed in an acidic solution.

5- Proton-Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer.

About the CNRS

A major stakeholder in fundamental research on a global level, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is the only French body active in all scientific domains. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to combine various scientific disciplines to shed light on and grasp the challenges of the modern world, in conjunction with public and socio-economic players. Together, science is serving sustainable progress to benefit society. (www.cnrs.fr)

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin operates in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people. (www.michelin.com)

About Grenoble Alpes University (UGA)

The leading European University in terms of innovation for the number of patents registered, featuring in the world’s top 150 best universities in the Shanghai rankings and deeply-rooted in its region, multi-disciplinary and with an international outlook, UGA is one of the 9 French universities to carry the Excellence Initiatives label (IDEX). Since 2020, UGA has incorporated 3 component institutions - Grenoble INP, Engineering & Management Institute UGA, Science Po Grenoble-UGA, the French National Architecture School of Grenoble ENSAG-UGA and 3 academic components, Faculté des Sciences-UGA, Technology University -UGA & Humanities, Health, Sport & Companies Faculty-UGA.

57,000 students, including 10,000 international students and 3,000 PhD students and over 7,700 employees are spread across several campuses in Grenoble and Valence. The French national research bodies CEA, CNRS, INRAE, Inria and Inserm are working even more closely with Grenoble Alpes University to develop a common policy in terms of research and promotion on an international level. Ties with the IRD and Grenoble Alpes University Hospital are also prioritized.

(www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr)

About Grenoble INP - UGA

Grenoble INP - UGA, a component institution of Grenoble Alpes University, is a public higher education and research establishment that, for more than one hundred years, has supported developments in the socio-economic world. Thanks to its renowned scientific excellence, its historic culture of innovation and a clear social access policy, it plays a key role in tackling major societal and environmental challenges; thereby helping to build a sustainable world. At its 8 engineering and management schools, it trains specialized, responsible students who boast the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow. Preparing for the future, its teachers-researchers carry out groundbreaking research at some forty labs, both in France and overseas. (www.grenoble-inp.fr)

About Savoie Mont Blanc University (USMB)

With 15,000 students, this establishment offers rich and multidisciplinary training, with 18 internationally recognized research laboratories, USMB is a human-scale establishment which combines the proximity of its region with a European and international outlook.

Featuring in the Shanghai rankings for the 7th consecutive year, thanks to the excellence of its research, it is also one of the top 10 French universities in terms of student success, and is one of the best public higher education establishments in France (data from December 2023).

On its three campuses: Annecy, Le Bourget-du-Lac and Jacob-Bellecombette, the USMB offers particularly attractive study conditions in an exceptional environment, among lakes and mountains. (www.univ-smb.fr)