FC Lab Belfort revolutionizes Hydrogen in France

Betting on the future: 25 years of research at the FC Lab in Belfort.
retrofit-electrique-hydrogene

Partagez:

FC Lab Belfort revolutionizes hydrogen by developing innovative technology. In 1999, Belfort became the birthplace of a revolutionary research center dedicated to the fuel cell, an essential component of the hydrogen industry. A quarter of a century later, the FC Lab is still in action, working closely with major industrial players. “Here, confidential tests are carried out”, David Bouquain, deputy director of the FC Lab, smiled during a visit organized as part of the “Hydrogen business for climate” forum held in Belfort at the beginning of October.

An essential link between research and industry

The FC Lab is a research unit specializing inhydrogen-based energy systems, bringing together over 150 researchers from higher education establishments and research laboratories. It was launched in 1999 on the initiative of Jean-Pierre Chevènement, then Minister of the Interior, and Claude Allègre, Minister of National Education, Research and Technology. Mr Chevènement, a former Member of Parliament for Belfort, was convinced of the importance of connecting research and industry.

Hydrogen: The Key to Clean Energy

The decision to work on fuel cells was quickly made, as it was clear that intermittent energies such as solar and wind power, whose availability can vary, would one day require a storage vector. This is the role of hydrogen and fuel cells. Today, the laboratory is also working on the electrolyzer, a device that converts electricity into hydrogen for energy storage and transport.

Fruitful collaborations and a promising future

The FC Lab works with some fifteen SMEs and ten major groups. In particular, he has worked with Symbio, a French fuel cell manufacturer and joint venture between Michelin and Forvia, in which Stellantis recently invested. Manufacturers come to the FC Lab with technical problems, and the lab works with them over a period of six to 18 months to overcome the technological obstacles. It plays a crucial role in transferring research skills to industry.

Training for a Hydrogen Future

Marie-Guite Dufay, Socialist President of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Regional Council, sums up the importance of this research as the foundation of the hydrogen industry. The local authority is following the same vision, responding to a call for projects from the French government to obtain the “National Hydrogen School” label. This label recognizes the organization of a skills and training network designed to meet hydrogen-related skills needs, from training jobseekers to engineers.

Hydrogen: a booming sector

The stakes are clear, as the French hydrogen industry points out: 100,000 jobs by 2030. The FC Lab, with its 25 years of research and innovation, is a key player in this hydrogen revolution in France.

Final Analysis
The FC Lab in Belfort is much more than just a research laboratory. It’s an essential link in France’s drive to develop hydrogen as a clean, sustainable energy source. Since its creation in 1999, it has combined fundamental research with concrete applications for industry. As a “National Hydrogen School” in the making, it prepares tomorrow’s workforce to meet the growing needs of this fast-expanding industry. This 25-year history is a testament to France’s vision and commitment to a successful energy transition.

France Hydrogène responds to the Cour des Comptes report published on June 5, criticising an incomplete reading of updated targets and the economic impacts of decarbonised hydrogen development.
France Hydrogène responds to the Cour des Comptes report published on June 5, criticising an incomplete reading of updated targets and the economic impacts of decarbonised hydrogen development.
The Belfort Commercial Court has opened a judicial reorganisation procedure for McPhy, while a renewed call for tenders for its asset sale is now set to close on 13 June.
The Belfort Commercial Court has opened a judicial reorganisation procedure for McPhy, while a renewed call for tenders for its asset sale is now set to close on 13 June.
Plug Power CFO Paul Middleton acquired 650,000 shares on the market, affirming his support for the long-term strategy of the hydrogen-focused company.
Plug Power CFO Paul Middleton acquired 650,000 shares on the market, affirming his support for the long-term strategy of the hydrogen-focused company.
The Canadian government is funding an initiative to support 40 SMEs in British Columbia’s hydrogen sector, aiming to increase foreign investment and expand international market share.
The Canadian government is funding an initiative to support 40 SMEs in British Columbia’s hydrogen sector, aiming to increase foreign investment and expand international market share.
Developer CWP Global has paused its $40 billion AMAN project in Mauritania due to a lack of buyers for green ammonia despite favourable local conditions.
Developer CWP Global has paused its $40 billion AMAN project in Mauritania due to a lack of buyers for green ammonia despite favourable local conditions.
A study reveals that the profitability of African green hydrogen exports to the European Union depends on political support from Europe, despite the abundance of ongoing projects on the continent.
A study reveals that the profitability of African green hydrogen exports to the European Union depends on political support from Europe, despite the abundance of ongoing projects on the continent.
Plug Power expands its partnership with Allied Green through a new 2 GW electrolyzer deal tied to a $5.5bn chemical plant in Uzbekistan.
Plug Power expands its partnership with Allied Green through a new 2 GW electrolyzer deal tied to a $5.5bn chemical plant in Uzbekistan.
Stargate Hydrogen launches 140 MW factory in Estonia with modular expansion model amid cautious hydrogen investment climate.
Stargate Hydrogen launches 140 MW factory in Estonia with modular expansion model amid cautious hydrogen investment climate.
The European Commission is considering legal action over RED III delays, as regulatory uncertainty slows renewable hydrogen projects and Union-wide investment.
The European Commission is considering legal action over RED III delays, as regulatory uncertainty slows renewable hydrogen projects and Union-wide investment.
The Cour des comptes warns of the gap between France’s hydrogen ambitions and the reality of funding and available industrial capacity.
The Cour des comptes warns of the gap between France’s hydrogen ambitions and the reality of funding and available industrial capacity.
Ballard Power Systems will supply 12 fuel cell modules to Sierra Northern Railway to convert three diesel locomotives into hydrogen-powered units. Delivery is expected during 2025.
Ballard Power Systems will supply 12 fuel cell modules to Sierra Northern Railway to convert three diesel locomotives into hydrogen-powered units. Delivery is expected during 2025.
Vallourec announces the official qualification of its vertical hydrogen storage solution Delphy by DNV, marking a decisive step towards the commercialisation of this innovative technology.
Vallourec announces the official qualification of its vertical hydrogen storage solution Delphy by DNV, marking a decisive step towards the commercialisation of this innovative technology.
Chinese group Envision Energy has signed a strategic agreement with Marubeni to supply green ammonia, marking a major milestone in energy trade between China and Japan.
Chinese group Envision Energy has signed a strategic agreement with Marubeni to supply green ammonia, marking a major milestone in energy trade between China and Japan.
HDF Energy signed two protocols with Indonesian public partners to support the financing and deployment of 23 green hydrogen power plants during Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Jakarta.
HDF Energy signed two protocols with Indonesian public partners to support the financing and deployment of 23 green hydrogen power plants during Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Jakarta.
Plug Power’s plant in Georgia reached a record output of 300 tonnes of liquid hydrogen in April, marking a key milestone in the company’s industrial deployment of its GenEco electrolyser technology.
Plug Power’s plant in Georgia reached a record output of 300 tonnes of liquid hydrogen in April, marking a key milestone in the company’s industrial deployment of its GenEco electrolyser technology.
Austrian group OMV has confirmed a major investment in a green hydrogen production unit in Lower Austria, aimed at securing its Schwechat refinery operations by the end of 2027.
Austrian group OMV has confirmed a major investment in a green hydrogen production unit in Lower Austria, aimed at securing its Schwechat refinery operations by the end of 2027.
With 80% of its projects still in early stages, Australia struggles to realise its hydrogen ambitions, according to Wood Mackenzie, which warns of lost competitiveness against Europe and the Middle East.
With 80% of its projects still in early stages, Australia struggles to realise its hydrogen ambitions, according to Wood Mackenzie, which warns of lost competitiveness against Europe and the Middle East.
RIC Energy and Siemens have signed an agreement to develop industrial projects in Spain focused on renewable hydrogen, green ammonia and e-fuels, including technical solutions and financing mechanisms.
RIC Energy and Siemens have signed an agreement to develop industrial projects in Spain focused on renewable hydrogen, green ammonia and e-fuels, including technical solutions and financing mechanisms.
Verdagy will supply hydrogen to Mainspring Energy to power a linear plant in Moss Landing, with operations expected to begin by summer 2025.
Verdagy will supply hydrogen to Mainspring Energy to power a linear plant in Moss Landing, with operations expected to begin by summer 2025.
European Energy has begun commercial e-methanol production in Denmark and reported an EBITDA of €45.9mn, while accelerating its international expansion, particularly in Australia.
European Energy has begun commercial e-methanol production in Denmark and reported an EBITDA of €45.9mn, while accelerating its international expansion, particularly in Australia.