Publication of France Hydrogène’s Annual Review on Hydrogen deployment in France for 2024
On the occasion of the Hyvolution trade show, taking place from January 28 to 30 at Porte de Versailles, France Hydrogène is unveiling key figures on hydrogen deployment in France for 2024. Drawing on data collected through its surveys, monitoring activities, and research, the association presents, through the third edition of its annual barometer, a clear and factual overview of hydrogen development across the country.
Despite a challenging economic and political environment marked by significant instability, recent figures indicate progress in the sector, supported by the opening of gigafactories for manufacturing key equipment, the deployment of vehicles, and the expansion of new distribution infrastructures.
Hydrogen Production: Slow but Steady Growth in Line with Industrial Cycles
The growth of electrolysis production capacity 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 those in Belfort, Dijon, and the Hypster project site in Etrez. The total capacity of projects in operation, under construction, or having reached a final investment decision now stands at 315 MW.
Mobility: Expansion of Hydrogen Distribution Infrastructure
In the mobility sector, hydrogen distribution stations are experiencing strong growth, with several new stations opening, bringing the total to 80 stations in operation, including 64 dedicated to road mobility. Among them, 17 stations produce hydrogen on-site, reflecting an expanding network that will soon be complemented by 91 additional planned stations.
To date, more than 2,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles are on French roads, including over 1,600 light vehicles. A total of 529 new passenger cars and 124 light commercial vehicles have been added to the 955 light vehicles already in circulation in 2023. For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, 500 hydrogen taxis have been deployed, strengthening the existing fleet of 500 taxis. Today, 1,000 hydrogen taxis operate in the capital, accounting for 5% of the total fleet of Parisian taxis.
For heavy-duty mobility, in 2024, there are 58 hydrogen-powered buses, 7 garbage trucks, and 5 heavy-duty trucks in operation in France, along with 13 coaches deployed for the first time nationwide. The approval of several vehicle models marks the transition to mass production in this segment. Additionally, in the river and maritime sectors, there are now three hydrogen-powered boats of various types in service.
Energy: Steady Growth in Hydrogen Stationary Systems
Hydrogen-based stationary systems are also seeing significant growth. In 2024, 41 new installations were commissioned, bringing the total to 124 installations in France, with a combined power capacity of 7 MW.
Economy: A Growing Sector Creating Jobs and Value
The hydrogen sector currently accounts for 16,400 jobs, including 6,300 direct jobs, and generates a turnover of €2.4 billion, with an economic impact of €1 billion on GDP. For more details, refer to the summary of the study “Socio-economic Impact of the Hydrogen Sector,” published by France Hydrogène and BDO.
Throughout the year, new projects have materialized, and additional gigafactories have opened, such as HDF Energy’s facility in Blanquefort and McPhy’s plant in Belfort. In total, 23 key equipment manufacturing plants are now operational across France, reflecting the sector’s growing industrial capabilities. The industry is now moving towards large-scale industrialization, with gigafactories capable of producing the equivalent of 1 GW of power per year in electrolyzers or fuel cells.
For more information, find the press release here.