Document ev6ynQOVXJ6jane2qkqQzKKke

Ref. Ares(2024)6205129 - 02/09/2024 Meeting with Chemours company Wednesday, 29 March 2023 - 15h30 - 16h30 DG RTD premises - rue du champ de mars 21 Notes Participants: Chemours: European Commission RTD.C1 -Clean energy transition (remotely) RTD.C1 -Clean energy transition RTD.C1 -Clean energy transition Points discussed Chemours: Introduction of the company and informed the decision to invest over 200 million EUR in their production facility in Villers Saint Paul, near Paris, to advance the development and production capacity of our leading NafionTM ion exchange materials. Nafion's proton exchange membranes are used in the electrolysers for the production of renewable hydrogen, in the storage of excess renewable energy in flow batteries as well as in the fuel cells technology allowing to power zeroemissions vehicles like trucks, buses, trains and cars through renewable hydrogen. Chemours expressed concern regarding the recent proposal of the European Chemical Agency - ECHA to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and put a restriction on their use. While the proposal includes certain time-bound derogations, they are limited in number and focused on very specific sectors and applications - many more should be considered. The EU's high ambitions in the production and consumption of green hydrogen should be supported by a consistent and stable legislative framework while the proposal creates uncertainties and risk to jeopardise investment decisions in the sector. Chemours stated that their manufacturing of fluoropolymers-based products are very safe and do not entail risks for health and the environment. There are no emissions to air and water, and responsible manufacturing principles are applied. The product is safe and it is essential to ensure a proper end-of-life management, also in view of possible recycling. In Chemours' view, European Commission: Briefly explained the legislative process ongoing with regard to the PFAS restriction proposal and recommended to take part and provide input to it. A six-months open consultation was launched on 22.3 and it is recommended to contribute to it. Reminded that any restriction set on specific substances would enter into force progressively and will give time to adapt. It will apply in the whole EU internal market, ensuring a sizable market and a level-playing field also towards imported products. Informed about ongoing process to define topics for the 2024 annual work programme if the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (CHJU) and recommended Chemours, as member of Hydrogen Europe - member itself of the CHJU, to flag this topic if considered a priority to be tackled. Also informed of the call for proposal currently open until 18.4 under Horizon Europe - cluster 5 work programme 2023-2024 for open innovation test beds for hydrogen, which may, among other, support research and innovation related to electrolysers and fuel-cells membranes. Informed about who the other relevant EC services may be to discuss the topic (in particular RTD.E, DG GROW, DG ENV - ECHA). Asked to share scientific evidence-based information demonstrating the health and environmental performance of Chemours products relevant for the energy sector. Documents shared Cres Se EETranomy te Voe erite,rtireyrc r aei s dq e