Publication of France Hydrogène’s Annual Review on Hydrogen deployment in France for 2024: An Industrial Transformation for Decarbonization and French Sovereignty

On the occasion of the Hyvolution trade show, taking place from January 28 to 30 at Porte de Versailles, France Hydrogène unveils key figures on hydrogen deployment in France for 2024. Through data collected from its surveys, monitoring activities, and collections, the association presents a clear and factual overview of the evolution of hydrogen across the national territory in its third annual barometer.

Despite a specific economic and political context marked by significant instability, the recent figures reflect the sector’s progress, supported by the opening of gigafactories for key equipment manufacturing, the deployment of vehicles, and new distribution infrastructure. 

The growth of electrolysis production capacities continues at a slow pace. In 2024, the installed production capacity reached 35 MW, thanks to the commissioning of refueling stations integrating on-site production, such as in Belfort, Dijon, and the Hypster project site in Etrez. The capacity of projects in operation, under construction, or that have reached the final investment decision increased to 315 MW. Hydrogen production projects follow the long-term cycles of industrial processes, and this figure, below the capacity identified by the sector, reflects the lack of visibility among industrialists and investors. The delays in the publication of texts and support mechanisms slow down the development of industrial projects. However, these projects are essential for decarbonizing the basic industries (chemicals, steel, or fertilizer production) and for producing synthetic fuels. They are emblematic of European industrial sovereignty and necessary for the start of reducing the costs of decarbonized hydrogen. 

The deployment of hydrogen distribution stations has gained significant momentum, with several new stations opening, primarily in Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, bringing the total to 80 stations in service, 64 of which are dedicated to road mobility. These infrastructures, 17 of which produce hydrogen on-site, demonstrate an expanding network, which will be complemented by 91 stations in project.

To support the development of this network, it is crucial to ensure the concurrent presence of hydrogen vehicles. To date, over 2,000 vehicles are on the roads in France, including more than 1,600 light vehicles. In 2024, 529 new passenger vehicles and 124 light utility vehicles were added to the 955 light vehicles already in circulation in 2023. For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, 500 hydrogen taxis were deployed to reinforce the existing fleet of 500 taxis, making the total 1,000 hydrogen taxis in the capital, representing 5% of the Parisian taxi fleet. 

In the heavy mobility sector, in 2024, 58 buses, 7 waste collection trucks, and 5 heavy goods vehicles were operating in France, in addition to 13 coaches, deployed for the first time in the country. The certification of several vehicles marks the transition to mass production in this segment. Furthermore, in the river and maritime sectors, there are now three very different types of boats in service, including, a significant milestone in 2024, the launch of the fishing vessel Alba in Corsica and the Zulu 06 H2 river motor vessel by Sogestran for transporting goods on the Seine. 

These vehicles represent a key link in the development of hydrogen mobility. To ensure the optimal use of distribution stations and prevent underutilization during this early stage, support for hydrogen vehicle deployment is essential. 

Hydrogen stationary installations are also showing significant growth. In 2024, 41 new installations were put into operation, bringing the total number of installations in France to 124, with a total capacity of 7 MW. These installations, primarily consisting of hydrogen-powered generators but also full energy systems, meet the growing demand for decarbonized energy and open new prospects for the industrial sector. 

The hydrogen sector currently represents 16,400 jobs, including 6,300 direct jobs, and a turnover of 2.4 billion euros, contributing 1 billion euros to GDP. 

Throughout the year, ongoing projects have taken off, and new gigafactories have opened, such as those of HDF Energy in Blanquefort and McPhy in Belfort. In total, 23 key equipment manufacturing plants are operational across the territory, reflecting the growing manufacturing capacities of the sector, which is moving toward massive industrialization with the opening of gigafactories capable of producing the equivalent of 1 GW of power per year for electrolyzers or fuel cells. 

Philippe Boucly, President of France Hydrogène, explains: “Hydrogen is now a key player in France’s reindustrialization and energy transition. While industrialists and local authorities maintain their efforts, it remains crucial to remove regulatory barriers to accelerate the sector’s growth. In 2024, progress has been made in a difficult context, characterized by budgetary tensions and governmental instability, which have delayed the publication of the revised National Hydrogen Strategy. Nevertheless, the launch of the Production Support Mechanism at the end of December sends a strong and promising signal,” he says, and warns: “To succeed in this transition, it is essential to maintain the momentum and ensure the promised financial support.” 

Jean-Michel Amaré, First Vice-President of France Hydrogène and hydrogen mobility expert, adds: “Incentive regulations, such as the ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets for heavy trucks (45% by 2030, 65% by 2035, 90% by 2040), set essential foundations for decarbonizing transport. However, the urgency of decarbonizing is coupled with the need to scale up French industries, a critical challenge to achieving these targets and securing our industrial sovereignty. 

Today, public support is insufficient given the additional cost of hydrogen mobility compared to fossil fuels. To ensure the sector scales up, it is essential to provide visibility and strengthen this support. This requires three priority actions : facilitating access to decarbonized hydrogen through incentive mechanisms like TIRUERT, supporting the use of all types of hydrogen vehicles, and accelerating the deployment of infrastructure, with the AFIR regulation being only the first step. Stronger public support, combined with fiscal incentives for low-carbon and renewable energy in transport, is necessary to meet this dual environmental and industrial challenge.”  

See the press release