- The French government grants €149 million for a hydrogen plant near Le Havre.
- The plant aims to produce 34 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2029.
- Initial €18 million advance by June 2025, with further payments based on milestones.
- The project is part of the EU's IPCEI initiative for hydrogen.
Government Support for Hydrogen Plant
The French government has confirmed a €149 million subsidy for a green hydrogen production plant near the Grand Canal of Le Havre. This project, selected by the European Commission as part of the IPCEI initiative, aims to produce up to 34 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2029. The funding will be disbursed in phases, with an initial €18 million advance by June 2025, followed by further payments contingent on achieving specific milestones.
Decarbonizing Industrial Port Areas
The plant will contribute to the decarbonization of one of Europe's largest industrial port areas, supplying green hydrogen to meet regional industry and mobility needs. Located near the Yara site in Le Havre, the project aligns with Yara's decarbonization roadmap, which includes the use of green hydrogen. The facility will be one of the first large-scale production sites for decarbonized hydrogen via water electrolysis in France and Europe.
Strategic Importance and Future Goals
This initiative is crucial for demonstrating the technical and economic viability of green hydrogen as a complement to direct electrification. It supports France's and Europe's hydrogen and decarbonization strategies, targeting 4.5 GW of installed electrolysis capacity by 2030. The project was selected through a French government call for expressions of interest in hydrogen, integrated into the third wave of IPCEI, and validated by the European Commission in 2024.
Project Progress and Infrastructure
For this project, the building permit and environmental authorization request have been submitted, with grid connection and power availability secured. The plant will primarily deliver hydrogen by pipeline, directly connecting to industrial sites.
