Plastic Omnium - Integrated report 2020

27 Christian COSTE, Development Manager, ω -Omegatech site, Wuhan Opened in June 2019 in the heart of Optics Valley, “China’s Silicon Valley”, ω -Omegatech is the clean energy systems testing and development center for Asia. Specializing in prototyping fuel systems, emission reduction systems and new energies, this is Plastic Omnium’s pilot R&D center in Asia. What were the developments in 2020? “New Energies” activity saw a real uptick this year. We installed a production line for prototype high-pressure hydrogen vessels. To reduce costs, we identified and tested local fibers, resins and components. While waiting for certification from the Chinese authorities for the hydrogen vessel for passenger cars customer requests were focused on truck and bus applications. Chinese auto manufacturers enquired about passenger cars prototypes in order to evaluate our technology on their concept cars. How is ω -Omegatech assimilating the transformation program? To improve efficiency, we integrated some activities in Asia, such as validation of Japanese projects and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) emission reduction systems formerly carried out in South Korea. We are also beefing up our teams with the formation of an Asia-wide pool of experts dedicated to product-process simulation. Last of all, our Chinese mechatronics team is integrating experts from α -Alphatech (France) to make it even stronger. The aim of all these actions is to make ω -Omegatech the go-to center of expertise in Asia. Questions for Christian Coste, Development Manager China & ω -Omegatech site Manager (Wuhan, China). Key data €30 million investment 155 employees 50 projects for 15 Chinese auto manufacturers 29,000 square meters Focus on ω-Omegatech Accelerating innovation in hydrogen systems Plastic Omnium is increasing its investment in hydrogen, which it believes is a key lever for the future of the electric car. As the first OEM in Europe to obtain the European EC79 and international R134 certifications for high-pressure vessels, the Group has partnered with MissionH24 to create a hydrogen electric vehicle category in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance car race, in a project that boosts innovation in partnership with manufacturers. But hydrogen also involves the fuel cell stack. Plastic Omnium will invest €100 million in the coming years in its new joint venture, EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, formed with the automotive supplier ElringKlinger to accelerate this innovation. The aim is leadership of the entire hydrogen chain: high-pressure storage vessels, fuel cell stacks and integrated hydrogen systems.