Lhyfe secures €149 million grant for green H2 plant

3D modelling of a Lhyfe green hydrogen production site (onsite). (Image: Lhyfe)

Green hydrogen producer Lhyfe is moving forward with one of France’s most ambitious renewable energy projects, securing a €149 million grant to build a large-scale hydrogen production facility in Le Havre’s industrial port zone. The project, dubbed Green Horizon, is expected to reach a production capacity of up to 34 tonnes of green hydrogen per day when completed by 2029.

The facility will be located on a 2.8-hectare site in Gonfreville-l’Orcher, near the Grand Canal du Havre — a region recognized as one of Europe’s largest industrial ports. Once operational, the plant will supply low-carbon hydrogen to regional industries and mobility sectors, including neighboring companies like Yara, whose decarbonization plans rely heavily on access to renewable hydrogen.

Supported by public financing as part of Europe’s Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) hydrogen program, the Le Havre project was selected by the European Commission in 2022. The newly finalized funding agreement with Bpifrance outlines a phased grant disbursement: an initial €18 million by mid-2025 to cover investments already made and kick-start upcoming construction phases, followed by additional payments based on annual progress milestones through 2029.

As part of its rollout, hydrogen will be delivered primarily via pipeline, directly connecting to industrial clients. “By contributing to the decarbonization of Le Havre’s industrial-port area starting in 2029, the Green Horizon project marks a real turning point — one that is essential if we are to decarbonize our industrial uses on a large scale,” said Matthieu Guesné, founder and CEO of Lhyfe. He noted that the project will push the company past 100 MW of installed electrolysis capacity, representing a significant industrial milestone.

Green Horizon plays a key role in supporting France’s newly announced National Hydrogen Strategy, which targets 4.5 GW of domestic electrolysis capacity by 2030. The project is also positioned to help demonstrate the commercial viability of large-scale renewable hydrogen production in Europe, providing a vital complement to direct electrification in industries difficult to decarbonize.

Lhyfe, which began producing green hydrogen in 2021, currently operates four sites in France and Germany, with more in development across Europe. The company’s experience with onsite hydrogen production — including world-first projects directly connected to wind farms and offshore pilots — positions it as a pioneer in the renewable hydrogen sector.

With grid connections secured, permit applications submitted, and financial backing in place, Green Horizon stands as one of the most advanced large-scale hydrogen infrastructure projects in the region.