France: Inauguration of the world’s first fuel cell plant

Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) inaugurates a pioneering plant in Blanquefort, aiming to mass-produce high-power fuel cells by 2026.

Share:

The hydrogen industry has reached a major milestone with the inauguration by Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) of the world’s first plant dedicated to the production of high-power fuel cells. Located in Blanquefort, Gironde, this facility marks a turning point for the decarbonization of the heavy mobility sector and the global energy transition. The Blanquefort site, built on the former Ford factory grounds, covers an area of 7,000 square meters, with the potential to expand by a further 5,000 square meters. The construction, completed in 14 months at a cost of 20 million euros, includes nine assembly lines. HDF Energy is planning an initial production capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) of batteries per year, with a planned ramp-up to 1 gigawatt (GW) per year by 2030.

An ambitious industrial project

Once the industrial process has been finalized in the coming months, the pre-production phase and fuel cell testing will begin in 2025. Series production of 1.5 to 10 MW batteries will begin in 2026. These cells will play a crucial role in power generation for applications such as hydrogen-powered freight locomotives and ships, markets where batteries are unsuitable. HDF Energy’s batteries, when connected to wind or solar power sources, will also be able to replace coal- or oil-fired power plants to supply electricity grids. This technology is already in use with partners such as Captrain, a subsidiary of SNCF, and ABB Marine International.

Expansion and global outlook

HDF Energy is currently involved in some fifteen projects worldwide, representing investments of over five billion euros. The countries concerned include Guyana, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines and Cambodia. At Blanquefort, the company plans to increase its workforce from 100 to 500 by 2030, with 70% of supplies coming from local and European suppliers. Supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and selected by the European Commission as part of a joint funding program for hydrogen, HDF Energy is one of 11 companies to benefit, alongside giants such as Airbus and BMW. This support translates into 1.4 billion euros in public funding from seven EU member states, with an expected leverage effect of a further 3.3 billion euros in private investment.
The inauguration of this plant in Gironde symbolizes a significant step forward in the energy transition. By producing high-power fuel cells, HDF Energy is helping to decarbonize key mobility sectors and strengthen power grids worldwide. This initiative is part of a global drive to move away from fossil fuels, supported by substantial public and private investment.

The first European citizen funding campaign dedicated to green hydrogen enabled Lhyfe to collect €2.5mn from nearly 1,200 investors, strengthening the development of new sites in France and Germany.
In the face of renewable energy intermittency, Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power (PtP) technology could revolutionize energy storage. However, its adoption still depends on cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
South Korean company YPP and Kazakh Invest have signed a framework agreement for the development of a green hydrogen production project in Kazakhstan, with investments potentially reaching $3.1 billion.
ACWA Power has signed several agreements with European partners to develop a green energy export chain between Saudi Arabia and Europe, as part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project.
Manufacturer Stellantis halts production of its hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, citing a lack of commercial prospects and an insufficient market, according to a statement released by the automotive group.
Malaysia reaches a decisive milestone in its energy roadmap with the launch of a hybrid floating hydro-solar project and the first large-scale green hydrogen hub in the state of Terengganu.
Hynamics UK and Hy24 have signed an exclusive agreement to develop the Fawley Green Hydrogen project, backed by the UK HAR2 scheme, to supply green hydrogen to ExxonMobil's petrochemical complex.
China has approved the construction of a strategic pipeline to transport green hydrogen from Inner Mongolia to Beijing, facilitating supply to industrial zones around the capital and boosting a rapidly expanding energy economy.
The European Commission introduces a greenhouse gas emissions methodology for low-carbon hydrogen, establishing a long-awaited regulatory framework for the sector and paving the way for new industrial investments.
French company Lhyfe has carried out its first successful green hydrogen combustion tests in Spain, delivering three tonnes over three weeks to the Valencian ceramic industry, opening a new potential alternative to industrial fossil natural gas.
Envision announces the official commissioning of the world's largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant in China, powered by an autonomous renewable energy system and entirely AI-driven, with exports planned from late 2025.
Sumitomo Corporation announces a strategic investment in Independence Hydrogen aimed at developing new decentralized hydrogen production and distribution projects in the United States, targeting industrial, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.
80 Mile announces that it has increased its stake in Hydrogen Valley to 49% and signed a memorandum of understanding with Tecnoparco for the supply of 40,000 tonnes of biofuel per year, aiming to reduce palm oil dependency.
The Hive Coega project, South Africa’s most ambitious green ammonia initiative, enters its operational phase with the release of tenders for essential infrastructure, marking a major step forward for the country in renewable energy production.
The Belfort commercial court has approved the sale of McPhy to John Cockerill Hydrogen, a €600,000 transaction involving majority retention of staff and an industrial project partially funded by European subsidies.
The City of Fresno becomes the latest member of First Public Hydrogen, the first US public authority dedicated to hydrogen development, thus strengthening its energy infrastructure and municipal bus fleet.
The official confirmation in June 2025 by the French government regarding the detection of significant natural hydrogen reserves in Lorraine, the Pyrenees, and Aquitaine could represent a major strategic turning point for national and European energy sovereignty. However, the technical, economic, and environmental challenges associated with its exploitation might slow its large-scale implementation.
Stanwell announces the end of its participation in the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project, a major international hydrogen production initiative, raising questions about the sector's outlook in the region.
Lhyfe becomes the first French producer to obtain European RFNBO certification, delivering the first batches of certified hydrogen and opening access to new support mechanisms for the industrial sector.
Tree Energy Solutions and CPC Finland will produce 125,000 tonnes annually of e-NG at the Finnish port of Rauma, targeting European and international markets with a significant investment.