Press releases

IFP Energies nouvelles is reinforcing its drivers for the industrial development of its R&D in the field of industrial processes

11 April 2011

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) has sold a 60% majority shareholding in its Prosernat subsidiary - previously wholly owned - to Heurtey Petrochem, via its subsidiary IFP Investissements, the objective being to create a benchmark group in the field of refining and petrochemicals furnace engineering and gas treatment processes, as well as a leading player in the eco-efficient processes market.

This reinforces the transfer strategy of technologies developed by IFPEN, particularly in the fields of hydrogen and CO₂ capture. It is also in line with the objectives of the 2011-2015 performance contract drawn up between the French State and IFPEN, which further confirms the need for IFPEN to support the development of the subsidiaries in its portfolio in growth markets.

To develop the results of its R&D, IFPEN creates companies or acquires shareholdings in companies that serve as technology transfer links in its fields of activity. The objective is to make them benchmark industrial players, as is reflected by the development of Axens, a company created by IFPEN in 2001, which has now become a significant player in the supply of refining technologies and catalysts for the production of clean fuels.

It is against this backdrop that IFPEN has held a 100% stake in Prosernat, an engineering company specializing in the construction of natural gas treatment units, since 2001. Now one of the leading providers of natural gas sweetening licenses, Prosernat has been supported by IFPEN expertise in the development of gas treatment processes. Prosernat and IFP Energies nouvelles have recently extended their partnership to include CO₂ capture technologies, a key technology for reducing CO₂ emissions as part of the energy transition.

In 2008, IFPEN also became the reference shareholder in Heurtey Petrochem (with IFP Investissements holding a 38.8% stake in its capital), the world’s leading supplier of process furnaces in the fields of refining, petrochemicals and hydrogen production. Heurtey Petrochem’s expertise extends from feasibility studies to the delivery of turnkey projects. IFPEN brings its renowned expertise and solid skills base in the energy and environmental optimization of industrial processes.

By fostering closer relationships between these two companies, IFPEN therefore has a dual objective:

• Create a consolidated group with revenues of over €300 million with a greater development capacity. This new industrial player will have the critical size required to be competitive in traditional growth markets of hydrocarbon conversion processes as well as emerging markets for CO₂ capture and energy efficiency.
   
• Increase the industrial development potential of innovations resulting from its R&D, particularly in new energy technologies: hydrogen production technologies, with a reduction in CO₂-related emissions, capture technologies minimizing energy consumption, etc.