TRANS-HY-SION

This project is part of the District Cleantech dynamic, perfectly in line with European and regional strategies. The "Charleroi - District Cleantech" project aims to transform a former disused industrial site in Charleroi (the Porte Ouest) into an innovative ecosystem dedicated to three major cleantech themes: (i) energy transition, (ii) renovation and sustainable construction, and (iii) circularity. Over the decade, the District Cleantech's ambition is to become a Walloon, Belgian and European economic and innovation hub, bringing together, in a "campus" approach, players from training, universities, research centers, startups and the business world around concrete projects designed to help companies in Charleroi Métropole and the Walloon Region cope with the social, economic and environmental consequences of the climate transition.

In this vision of collaboration and innovation, these players will exploit shared infrastructures and facilities (the "Upscaling Labs"), conducive to the emergence of new startups, collaborations, cleantech pilots, job creation and the development of apprenticeship training programs in constantly evolving professional fields. Two portfolios of projects linked to this cleantech ecosystem are presented as part of the FTJ.

Two portfolios of projects linked to this cleantech ecosystem are presented as part of the FTJ. The TRANS-HY-SION projects led by ULB are included in the 'Creation of a Cleantech ecosystem in Charleroi Métropole - Energy transition and research' portfolio.

The latter focuses on developing an ecosystem dynamic around the Energy Transition. One of the major projects is the creation of an 'Upscaling Lab' around hydrogen (the VKHyLab, supported by the von Karman Institute), enabling industrial companies, startups and research centers to test, innovate and industrialize their H2 processes under real-life conditions. This tool will also be used as part of training courses geared towards new professions and/or the evolution of existing professions.

Associated with this Upscaling Lab, the aim of ULB's TRANS-HY-SION project is to offer a panel of test facilities linked to the use of hydrogen in Charleroi's industrial fabric, and to carry out an initial experimental campaign on each of the systems in order to demonstrate their interest. The installation of this equipment is in line with the development ambitions of the Region and the Fonds de Transition Juste with regard to the use of hydrogen.

Via TRANS-HY-SION, three cutting-edge hydrogen facilities will be brought together on a single site and integrated into the VKHyLab platform located in Charleroi's Cleantech District.

A 250 kWth semi-industrial burner;

A 30 kWth pressurized burner;

∙€ A gas turbine/fuel cell cycle demonstrator.

They will be complemented by low- and high-rate laser diagnostics (PIV and PLIF) and a pollutant analyzer.

From an energy point of view, hydrogen offers the best way of transforming renewable energy for use in high-temperature processes or for chemical storage. TRANS-HY-SION aims to ensure an efficient transition to hydrogen, with minimal impact on industrial processes, greater short-term flexibility and long-term energy efficiency. These are key elements in maintaining industry's competitiveness during the transition to the new energy paradigm.