Agfa-Gevaert launches production green hydrogen technology at Mortsel site
Some years ago, Belgian multinational Agfa-Gevaert announced an investment of 40 million euros in its site in Mortsel, Antwerp province. Following an initial pilot line, production of the green hydrogen technology “Zirfon” will be running at full capacity from Monday. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever was present at the launch, as was European Commissioner for climate action Wopke Hoekstra.
Zirfon is a membrane that can produce up to four times more green hydrogen than traditional membranes. Green hydrogen is an energy carrier that consists of renewable energy. Specifically, the membrane is used to safely separate hydrogen and oxygen. The membranes are sold worldwide.
“This is our largest investment in Antwerp in the last three decades,” stated CEO Pascal Juéry. “It shows that we want to keep industry in Belgium – even in difficult times. But I am concerned. We see that Europe is tarrying. The rules are complex, and hydrogen projects are being cancelled. China and India are jumping into the gap.”
In his speech, prime minister De Wever called the site in Mortsel “a symbol of the concept of legacy and the birth of prosperity”. “This is sacred ground for me,” he declared, and added that there was no market for green hydrogen ten years ago, “but Flanders was already working on it”.
In recent years, Agfa-Gevaert has not always been able to present positive figures. Cost-cutting measures were announced and the company had to change tack. One of the potential future gold mines for the company is the production of Zirfon membranes. According to the company, turnover in the membrane technology division is expected to “grow exponentially”.
Europe is contributing 11 million euros to the total investment of 40 million euros.
#FlandersNewsService | Launch of Agfa-Gevaert's production of the green hydrogen technology “Zirfon” at its Mortsel site © BELGA PHOTO & BELGA VIDEO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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