HSL Technologies

HSL Technologies, formerly known as HySiLabs, is a French deeptech company founded in 2015 by Pierre-Emmanuel Casanova and Vincent Lôme. The company originated from a discovery at Aix-Marseille University of a molecule capable of releasing hydrogen spontaneously. This led to the development of their core product, HydroSil, a proprietary liquid hydrogen carrier. Corine Dubruel was appointed Executive President in 2022.

HSL Technologies aims to solve the challenges of transporting and storing hydrogen safely and cost-effectively. HydroSil is a silica-based liquid carrier that allows hydrogen to be stored and transported at ambient temperature and pressure, using existing logistics infrastructure. A key feature of the technology is that while energy is needed to bind the hydrogen to the silica carrier, the release process requires no energy input, only water and a catalyst. This process is designed to be non-toxic and non-explosive, offering a safer alternative to high-pressure or cryogenic hydrogen storage. For every ton of hydrogen released, the process also creates 187 tons of silica, a byproduct that can be valorized for industrial applications, supporting a circular economy model.

The company targets industrial clients in the energy, mobility, and logistics sectors. Its business model focuses on providing solutions for several applications, including overseas hydrogen transport, strategic storage, maritime mobility, and supplying hydrogen refueling stations. HSL Technologies is deploying its technology through pilot programs across Europe with partners like the Port of Amsterdam and Helion Hydrogen Power. The company has secured significant funding, including a €15 million Series A round in 2023, with investors such as Equinor Ventures, the European Innovation Council Fund, and EDP Ventures.

Keywords: liquid hydrogen carrier, hydrogen storage, hydrogen transport, HydroSil, silica valorization, deeptech, clean energy, energy logistics, decarbonization, hydrogen refueling, green hydrogen, circular economy, non-explosive fuel, ambient pressure storage, sustainable energy, energy transition, hydrogen mobility