Hydrogen: commitments must be kept

Hydrogen is the only alternative for decarbonizing sectors for which direct electrification is not possible: RTE, the electricity network manager, has just reaffirmed the centrality of the development of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in the evolution of the French energy system from 2030-2035[1]. The Regions are fully committed to this development. This is not an isolated choice by France, but an approach adopted by more than 70 countries around the world, which are accelerating the realization of their ambitions, like Germany.

Should we let go and give in today to a form of renunciation?

The time of energy transition and that of industry are long times

In France, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen is now produced using small power units (1 to 5 MW) mainly intended for mobility. Although this production is still very modest, it is crucial for the industrialization of technologies and the construction of coherent hydrogen production and distribution infrastructures. Large-scale projects[2] require several years of development, with the first commissioning at the end of 2024 in Occitanie, followed by installations of hundreds of MW in Normandy, the South region and Hauts-de-France from 2026. de-France for the decarbonization of industries such as the production of fertilizers, steel or the refining of fuels. Projects for the massive production of hydrogen and synthetic fuels for the decarbonization of maritime, air and rail transport are also increasing, and constitute a major opportunity to create or relocate industries in France, in strategic sectors. These projects aim not only to decarbonize the country's current industrial emissions, but also to reduce certain strategic external dependencies and our “relocated emissions” by replacing imports.

Of course, final investment decisions are taking a while, but all the conditions are not yet in place to secure investors and industrialists and give them the necessary visibility. While support for equipment manufacturing plants has materialized, the reaffirmation of the place of heavy and intensive hydrogen mobility as well as the support mechanism for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis are long overdue, as is the framework clear and stable regulatory framework.

Developing hydrogen means building an industrial sector with jobs in France

Manufacturing capacities[3] are now a reality with the opening of factories manufacturing electrolysers, fuel cells, tanks, vehicles, generators, revitalizing a local industry. The hydrogen mobility value chain[4] integrates French manufacturers, leaders in utility vehicles as well as railway rolling stock, major equipment manufacturers but also the distribution of hydrogen with the recharging stations which cover the territory. Beyond that, it is also the hydrogen transport and storage manufacturers, the suppliers of components, industrial processes, and all those necessary for the operation and maintenance of the installations which consolidate the robustness of the chain valuable.

With a potential of 50.000 to 100.000 jobs by 2030, the sector contributes to revitalizing certain industrial areas by providing prospects for reconversion in an energy transition sector. Local authorities, with the Regions at the forefront, have clearly identified this potential, and actively support the sector.

Building a robust French hydrogen industry strengthens the energy and industrial sovereignty of France and Europe. Developing a French hydrogen market also means securing a place on future global markets. So, for manufacturers in the sector to prove themselves, the government must quickly put in place the promised favorable starting conditions. In September 2020, France was one of the first countries to launch a hydrogen strategy. The movement is underway. Now is not the time for doubt but for the efforts made to come to fruition. It is essential that the State keeps its commitments and that we do not waste time in order to succeed in the energy transition and reindustrialize the country.

[1] Forecast assessment for 2035 – chapter 11: hydrogen component, RTE, July 2024, RTE: Reference scenario: need for 24TWhe in 2030 and 65TWhe in 2035

[2] Hyd'Occ in Port la Nouvelle (Qair – 20 MW in 2024), Normand'hy in Port-Jérôme (Air Liquide – 200 MW by 2026), Masshylia in Fos (Engie and TotalEnergies – 120 MW in 2027 ), Lhyfe in Le Havre (100 MW in 2028), GH2 Ambès in Ambès (GH2 - 100MW by 2028) for the decarbonization of fertilizers, or even projects in 2028 for the decarbonization of steel in Dunkirk (H2V - 1st phase at 200 MW by 2027) or in Fos (GravitHy – 700 MW in 2028).

[3] McPhy electrolyser plants near Belfort, Symbio battery plants near Lyon, HDF Energy in Blanquefort and HELION Hydrogen Power in Aix en Provence followed very soon by Genvia in Béziers, Bulane in Fabrègues, John Cockerill in Aspach-Michelbach , Elogen in Vendôme or Gen-Hy in Allenjoie,…

[4] HYVIA, Stellantis, SAFRA, IVECO, GCK, Hyliko, Symbio, OPMobility, Forvia, HySetCo, Atawey, HRS, MADIC, Air Liquide,…

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.