Lhyfe, a global leader in renewable hydrogen production, is set to launch its largest green hydrogen site in France at Le Cheylas, doubling its initially planned capacity. This facility, located on a former steelworks waste storage site in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, will produce up to 4 tonnes of green hydrogen per day with 10 MW of electrolysis capacity. The project aims to decarbonize both mobility, particularly through HYmpulsion’s hydrogen fuel stations, and local industry by replacing grey hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen Production to Power Mobility and Industry
The Le Cheylas facility is part of Lhyfe’s expanding network, which includes 11 green hydrogen production sites across Europe. Originally planned for 5 MW of capacity, the plant’s output has been increased to meet the high demand of the region, making it Lhyfe’s largest site in France, surpassing others in Bessières and Buléon. The facility is expected to begin operations by early 2026.
Decarbonizing the Region’s Heavy Transport and Industry
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a pioneer in green hydrogen, has been at the forefront of projects aimed at decarbonizing transport and industry. Lhyfe’s hydrogen will support Zero Emission Valley (ZEV) and IMAGHyNE projects, addressing high-emission sectors such as heavy transport, metallurgy, and chemicals. A 10-year contract has been signed to supply HYmpulsion’s hydrogen stations in the Alps, with 600 tonnes of hydrogen to be delivered annually.
European Support and Funding
The Le Cheylas project has received €5.5 million in subsidies from the European Regional Programme’s Just Transition Fund, and an additional €0.75 million from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, as part of the IMAGHyNE project. These funds underscore the importance of hydrogen in achieving the region’s sustainability goals, particularly in improving air quality and promoting low-carbon industry.
