Arkema has inaugurated a new hydrogen production unit at its Jarrie site in Isère, marking the first step in a major restructuring and investment programme at the facility.

 

The €10 million unit uses Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology to produce hydrogen for the site. Commissioned in July 2026, the project was completed on schedule and was officially inaugurated on Sept. 22.

 

The investment is the first phase of a broader transformation programme running through 2028, as Arkema refocuses the Jarrie site on its strategic hydrogen peroxide, chlorate and perchlorate operations.

 

“The transformation of the site will continue with the commissioning of new projects in 2026 and 2027, aimed in particular at optimizing hydrogen flows and the supply of raw materials," said Matthieu Brisson, Director of the Jarrie site.

 

Jarrie is Arkema’s largest hydrogen peroxide production facility and one of four hydrogen peroxide production sites in the company’s industrial network across Europe and North America.

 

Hydrogen peroxide produced at the site serves industries including pulp and paper, electronics and chemical synthesis. Jarrie also manufactures sodium chlorate and sodium perchlorate for customers in electronics, water treatment and aerospace.

 

Among the site’s long-standing customers is ArianeGroup, which uses its products in the aerospace sector.

 

The new hydrogen unit comes as Arkema carries out a wider reorganization announced in January 2025. Further projects are planned for 2026 and 2027, with the company targeting improved hydrogen flows and raw-material supply as the transformation progresses.