Arkema inaugurates hydrogen production unit in France

Chemical firm Arkema as one of the world’s leading producers of hydrogen peroxide, with an industrial network of four production sites across Europe and North America, recently inaugurated a hydrogen production unit in Jarrie, Isère, France. The site has reached a new milestone in its reorganisation with the commissioning of a hydrogen production unit based on Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology.

As its largest hydrogen peroxide production facility, the new SMR unit marks the first phase of a major investment plan extending through 2028. Representing an investment of approximately EUR10 million, the unit supplies hydrogen to the site. It was commissioned in July 2026, on schedule, thanks to the strong commitment of the site teams and their partners, it adds.

A historic product of the Jarrie site, hydrogen peroxide is used in a wide range of applications, including pulp and paper, electronics, and chemical synthesis intermediates.

The site also produces sodium chlorate and sodium perchlorate for customers in the electronics, water treatment and aerospace sectors, notably its long-standing customer ArianeGroup.