Sichem: circular innovation for the hydrogen industry

This article is part of a series dedicated to exploring the journey of the winners of the second edition of Go Circular. In this series, we highlight the inspiring initiatives of these laureates. One of them, Sichem, in the "starter" category, is developing a model based on eco-design to optimize equipment use and extend the lifespan of hydrogen production and storage systems.

Through its SiTemp project, SICHEM offers two technical coatings that extend equipment lifespan while eliminating the use of toxic substances such as hexavalent chromium. The challenge is twofold: reducing the environmental impact of industry and limiting the generation of hard-to-treat industrial waste.

Two coatings to extend equipment lifespan In hydrogen production, one of the main issues is the corrosion of reactors (where hydrogen is obtained through chemical processes), which requires regular treatment with toxic products. SICHEM has developed an anti-corrosion coating, resistant to chemical attacks, that protects reactors over the long term without using compounds harmful to health and the environment.

On the other end of the value chain, storing and transporting hydrogen at high pressure poses a risk of damaging the tanks. Hydrogen tends to diffuse through materials and create microcracks in metal walls, compromising the integrity of tanks and pipelines. To address this challenge, SICHEM has designed a bio-based polymer interior coating to be applied inside tanks and transport systems. Free of organic solvents, this solution stands out for its safety and reduced environmental impact, while improving the durability of these infrastructures.

Low-impact materials for durable equipment SICHEM’s solutions rely on clean and circular processes. The coatings are water-based, free from toxic solvents that are harmful to the environment and health. Waste generated is minimal—mainly water vapor and small product surpluses that can be reused or easily recycled. Most importantly, by extending equipment lifespan, the project reduces the need for maintenance and full infrastructure replacement, avoiding the production of new equipment and reducing waste at the source.

In terms of raw materials, SICHEM focuses on locally available, low-impact resources such as PEEK (a European technical polymer) and a polymer derived from castor oil, avoiding petroleum-based plastics. Finally, the coatings can be applied to existing installations, avoiding reconstruction and promoting infrastructure reuse.

A patented technology with strong deployment potential SICHEM doesn’t stop at lab innovation. The company has already secured a patent for its technology, carried out pilot projects, and signed promising contracts in several strategic sectors. Its anti-corrosion coating, in particular, is attracting growing interest beyond the hydrogen sector, demonstrating its potential for large-scale deployment.

Driven by the momentum of the energy transition, SICHEM is establishing itself as a pioneering player in clean hydrogen.