Lhyfe Lands €149 Million French Government Grant for Major Green Hydrogen Initiative in Normandy

Lhyfe (EURONEXT: LHYFE), a frontrunner in green and renewable hydrogen production in Europe, has proudly announced the signing of a €149 million subsidy from the French government. This unprecedented funding will bolster the company’s flagship hydrogen facility in Gonfreville-l'Orcher, located near Le Havre, Normandy – a site poised to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions in heavy industry and transportation throughout the region.

The Green Horizon project was chosen by the European Commission as part of the IPCEI Hydrogen programme (Important Projects of Common European Interest). The grant was officially announced by Marc Ferracci, Minister for Industry and Energy, during the launch of France’s National Hydrogen Strategy (SNH II). This grant stands out as the largest of three announced at the event.

A Significant Leap Towards 100 MW Installed Capacity

With the Green Horizon initiative, Lhyfe is set to exceed 100 megawatts in installed electrolysis capacity, with the facility expected to generate up to 34 tonnes of renewable hydrogen daily. The first tranche of €18 million is slated for release by June 2025, with the remaining funds to be distributed over the next four years, contingent on meeting annual targets.

Support Agreement with Bpifrance

Lhyfe has entered into a phased support agreement with Bpifrance, detailing the structured release of funds. After the initial advance, subsequent reimbursements will be based on verified and justified investments, covering infrastructure, equipment, and operational costs associated with hydrogen production.

Decarbonising One of Europe’s Largest Industrial Ports

Nestled near the Grand Canal du Havre, the Green Horizon plant is set to deliver green hydrogen, playing a crucial role in helping local industries, like the Yara chemical site, transition to cleaner energy. This facility will occupy a 2.8-hectare area and is anticipated to be up and running by 2029.

This initiative is poised to make a significant impact on France and the EU’s net-zero ambitions, demonstrating how electrolysis can serve as a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels. It’s also in line with the targets of the Paris Agreement and supports national and EU plans to achieve 4.5 GW of hydrogen capacity by 2030.

“This project represents a pivotal moment – one that is vital for large-scale decarbonisation of our industrial sectors,” stated Matthieu Guesné, founder and CEO of Lhyfe. “With this endeavor, Lhyfe will exceed the 100 MW milestone in installed electrolysis capacity: a remarkable leap forward for the industry!”

A Proven European Innovator in Green Hydrogen

Since 2021, Lhyfe has been at the forefront of renewable hydrogen production, currently operating four production sites in France and Germany, with many more in the pipeline across Europe. In 2024 alone, Lhyfe completed over 470 deliveries to around 50 clients in eight countries, backed by one of the largest modern hydrogen transport fleets in Europe – nearly 70 bulk containers boasting a 99% service reliability rate.

Hydrogen from the Green Horizon site will mainly be transported through pipelines, ensuring a direct supply to nearby industrial partners. This continues Lhyfe’s legacy of innovation, which includes two world firsts:

• A hydrogen site directly linked to wind turbines and utilizing seawater, and
• An offshore hydrogen production pilot.

Matthieu Guesné, founder and CEO of Lhyfe : ‘We are proud to receive this grant, which reflects a strong vote of confidence from the French government and the European Commission in a SME that is capable of innovating, meeting complex technological challenges and rapidly turning its ambitions into reality. It also recognizes our ability to invest heavily and rally renowned international partners to our side. By contributing to the decarbonization of Le Havre industrial-port area starting in 2029, the Green Horizon project marks a real turning point – one that is essential if we are to decarbonise our industrial uses on a large scale. With this project Lhyfe will surpass the 100 MW milestone in installed electrolysis capacity: a true industrial leap forward!’

The announcement aligns perfectly with France’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims for a remarkable 4.5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. This ambitious goal is backed by specific subsidies and a robust long-term support framework.

“The unveiling of the French National Hydrogen Strategy is fantastic news for both the French and European markets,” remarked Guesné. “It now offers the clarity and long-term perspective that stakeholders throughout the hydrogen ecosystem need to make informed choices and progress.”

France is setting its sights on becoming a European leader in green hydrogen, leveraging its industrial capabilities to enhance production and distribution infrastructure across the continent.

Project Status and Next Steps

The Green Horizon project has already received its environmental authorization and grid connection, with planning permission now submitted. It was among the first initiatives to be part of France’s 2021 hydrogen call for interest, later incorporated into the 2022 third IPCEI Hydrogen wave, and officially validated by the European Commission in February 2024.

This achievement places Lhyfe at the forefront of Europe’s clean energy transition, solidifying its role in decarbonizing high-emission sectors and supporting the EU Green Deal and Hydrogen Strategy.