The results of the latest barometer “The French and hydrogen”, conducted by Terega in partnership with Harris Interactive, show that the French see hydrogen as a future energy solution.
The HySoW project: a 600 km infrastructure to make hydrogen more accessible and reassure France’s energy independence
This is largely due to the HySoW project, which consists of a 600 km infrastructure linking the South West region of France to the H2Med project. This infrastructure will make hydrogen more accessible at competitive costs, which is all the more important in a context of energy crisis.
However, the results of the barometer also show that the French are increasingly worried about their rising energy bills, with nearly half of them experiencing payment difficulties. They are also concerned about France’s energy independence and the energy transition, with a perception that has deteriorated over the past 2 years.
Only 38% of French people believe that France is energy independent, while only 41% think that the French energy mix contains enough renewable energy.
The HySoW project as a lever to accelerate the transition to a more decarbonized energy
Despite these concerns, hydrogen is still seen as an energy of the future, particularly because of its “clean” nature and its usefulness in reducing carbon emissions. The French believe that the development of hydrogen research is important to strengthen France’s energy independence and avoid the risk of shortages. However, only 37% of them consider that public investments in this area are sufficient.
To accelerate the transition to a more decarbonized energy, Terega is launching the HySoW project, which consists of an infrastructure for the transport and storage of renewable, low-carbon hydrogen in southwest France. This project is a candidate for the label of Project of Common Interest under the new EU Trans-European Energy Networks Regulation. It will allow the transport of 16 TWh/year of carbon-free hydrogen throughout the South-West, thus contributing to the security of supply of the entire energy system.
In short, hydrogen is increasingly perceived as a future energy solution by the French, but concerns remain about France’s energy independence and the energy transition. Greater public investment could help boost French confidence in this energy solution. The HySoW project represents an important lever to accelerate the energy transition towards a more decarbonized energy and to respond to current energy challenges.
