What is HydroSil by HSL Technologies?
HSL Technologies, a deeptech company based in Aix-en-Provence, is shaking up the hydrogen and silica markets with its breakthrough HydroSil technology. Simply put, HydroSil is a safe, scalable liquid carrier that makes transporting and storing hydrogen a breeze—without the headaches of high-pressure tanks or cryogenic systems. This innovative solution uses existing infrastructure, making it easier and more cost-effective to distribute hydrogen. Plus, it’s not just about hydrogen; the process also produces low-carbon silica, turning a by-product into a valuable material for industries. It’s a win-win for clean energy and sustainable materials.
Main Benefits of HydroSil Technology
Here’s why HydroSil stands out:
- Safe and stable liquid hydrogen carrier—no explosive risks.
- Uses existing liquid-handling logistics and infrastructure.
- Eliminates the need for expensive high-pressure or cryogenic storage.
- Enables decentralized hydrogen production on-site with zero energy input.
- Drastically reduces installation and operating costs.
- Transforms silica by-product into low-carbon industrial material.
- Supports large-scale hydrogen storage and international transport by 2030.
- Backed by a €15 million Series A funding round, fueling growth and innovation.
The Story Behind HSL Technologies
Founded in 2015 by Pierre-Emmanuel Casanova and Vincent Lôme, HSL Technologies emerged from a groundbreaking discovery at Aix-Marseille University—a molecule that spontaneously releases hydrogen. This discovery sparked the creation of HydroSil, a revolutionary liquid carrier designed to optimize hydrogen logistics and help decarbonize key industrial sectors. Fast forward to 2022, Corine Dubruel stepped in as Executive President, steering the company into a new growth phase, supported by significant investment and a clear vision for the future.
How HydroSil Works in Practice
HydroSil is charged using renewable energy sources, centralizing its synthesis to create a unique power-to-liquid solution. Once charged, the carrier is distributed and hydrogen is produced on-site without any additional energy input. This means lower costs and simpler logistics. Because HydroSil behaves like conventional liquid fuels—stable, non-explosive, and easy to handle—it fits right into existing transport and storage systems. This makes scaling up the technology not just possible, but straightforward.
Meet the Team Driving Innovation
Behind HydroSil’s success is a dedicated management team combining deep scientific expertise and business acumen:
- Corine Dubruel – Executive President
- Tristan Robino – Industrial Director
- Pierre-Emmanuel Casanova – Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer
- Vincent Lôme – PhD – Advanced Research Director & Co-Founder
- Federico Folco – PhD – Chemistry Director
- Alexandre Laroche – Financial Administrative Manager
Environmental and Social Impact of HydroSil
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – enabling widespread hydrogen use.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – advancing deeptech solutions.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – valorizing silica by-products.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing carbon emissions through clean hydrogen.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with investors and organizations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hydrogen with HSL Technologies
HSL Technologies envisions a world where hydrogen is a cornerstone of the global energy system. By 2030, HydroSil aims to power large-scale hydrogen storage and international transport, while its silica solutions help decarbonize key industries. Through continuous innovation, sustainability efforts, and strategic partnerships, HSL is driving the transition toward a cleaner, more resilient planet. The journey is just beginning, but the impact is already clear—HydroSil is setting the stage for a hydrogen-powered future.
