The Aster Energies group, through its subsidiary R-GDS — a natural gas and biomethane distributor based in Strasbourg — has chosen to support and test Eifhytec’s thermochemical hydrogen compressor. This innovative alternative to mechanical compression simplifies maintenance while enhancing performance.
A first in eastern France:
This next-generation compressor has been installed at the R-GDS site in Strasbourg, at a hydrogen refuelling station currently being commissioned. It is designed to supply a range of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Developed by Eifhytec, the system marks a significant technological breakthrough. With a compression capacity of 240 kg per day, it meets the needs of both industrial and mobility applications. Crucially, it also addresses common issues in hydrogen installations, such as vibration, noise, and high maintenance demands.
Eifhytec highlights that the thermochemical compressor contains no moving parts. Unlike traditional systems, it consumes heat rather than electricity — a heat source that can be recovered from an electrolyser or industrial process — thereby generating energy and cost savings.
A similar system deploed in Touraine
“Supporting and working alongside a local start-up from Haguenau aligns perfectly with the goals and mission of R-GDS and Aster Energies — namely, to contribute to the energy transition and promote sustainable mobility in our region,” said Martine Mack, Managing Director of R-GDS.
“This project allows us to jointly demonstrate the feasibility of a new energy value chain that generates local economic benefits, with our compressors being manufactured right here in Alsace,” added David Colomar, President of Eifhytec.
A similar compressor has already been deployed by Eifhytec in Sorigny, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is installed at the Sorigny hydrogen station, owned by Touraine Vallée de l’Indre (TVI), as part of the Cosmhyc Demo project. David Colomar is set to attend the project’s official handover ceremony this Thursday.
The project is co-funded by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) and the Ministry of Research, via the I-Lab innovation competition organised by Bpifrance.
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