Lhyfe, a producer and supplier of renewable hydrogen, has officially launched the construction of its production plant located in Le Cheylas, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This project represents a production capacity of 4 tons of renewable hydrogen per day, doubling the initial design of the installation.
The site, installed on the former waste storage location of the Ascométal steelworks, covers an area of 7,000 m². With an installed electrolysis capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), it will become Lhyfe’s largest renewable hydrogen production site in France. This development is part of the company’s European strategy, which now includes 11 sites under construction or operational across the continent.
Expansion of Production Capacity
Initially planned to produce 2 tons per day (5 MW), the Le Cheylas site has doubled its capacity to meet growing local demand. This increase will significantly decarbonize regional mobility and industry by replacing grey hydrogen with a renewable alternative. The construction launch was marked by the presence of Mr. Kovacs, Deputy Vice-President for Environment and Positive Ecology of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
Contribution to Energy Transition
The renewable hydrogen produced by Lhyfe has two main purposes: decarbonizing heavy and intensive transportation, such as trucks and buses, and supporting local industry. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the leading industrial region in France in terms of employment, positions itself as a leader in hydrogen deployment in Europe. Projects such as Zero Emission Valley (ZEV) and IMAGHyNE (Investment to Maximise the Ambition for Green Hydrogen iN Europe) illustrate this commitment.
Partnerships and Financial Support
Lhyfe has signed a ten-year sales contract with HYmpulsion to supply hydrogen stations on the Alpine arc network, with a volume of 600 tons per year. Additionally, the project benefits from support from the Just Transition Fund (FTJ) and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, with subsidies totaling €6.25 million. These European funds are essential for the realization of ambitious projects like that of Le Cheylas.
Regional Objectives and Future Perspectives
With this new site, Lhyfe aims to meet the significant needs of local industries, particularly in sectors such as metallurgy, microelectronics, and chemistry. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region aims to promote the development of clean mobility and decarbonized industry, thereby contributing to the improvement of air quality in the Alpine valleys.
Engagement of Local Actors
The leaders of Lhyfe, HYmpulsion, and SLS ACTIPARC have expressed their satisfaction with this strategic partnership. Matthieu Guesné, President of HYmpulsion, emphasized the importance of this collaboration to supply hydrogen stations and support the regional energy transition. Meanwhile, Matthieu Janin, President of SLS ACTIPARC, highlighted the commitment to sustainable development and green innovation.
A Vision for the Future
Matthieu Guesné, founder and CEO of Lhyfe, stated that this project will allow meeting with local industries to discuss their needs for renewable hydrogen. Lhyfe thus intends to strengthen its role in the renewable hydrogen value chain, supporting an energy-sustainable and carbon-neutral economy.
