While the global context is characterized by increasingly pressing climate and economic emergencies, highlighting the imperative need to fight climate change, hydrogen remains more essential than ever to achieve carbon neutrality, but is also emerging as a lever strategic for the future of our industry. International projections, like those of the IEA and McKinsey, estimate that renewable and low-carbon hydrogen could play a major role in the energy transition. However, this development still remains uncertain, and France finds itself in a delicate position facing nations like the United States and China, already leaders in this area with considerable and growing progress.
The French sector has made significant progress in recent years, creating real industrial dynamics. Collaboration between manufacturers and communities has made it possible to structure the sector across its entire value chain. Emblematic projects, such as the construction of gigafactories, the development of charging stations in the territories and the supply of vehicles, the first production-use ecosystems are significant advances. Projects emerge, come to fruition, and contribute to transforming this dynamic into a true industrial reality. 2024 testifies to the constancy and will of the players in the sector, who, despite an unstable political situation, continued to mobilize. However, these first successes are fragile. To deploy the full potential of the sector, it is imperative that a clear political course is reaffirmed and that the commitments made are kept.
At the end of the year, the legislative and regulatory framework remains insufficient and major uncertainties persist. The revised National Hydrogen Strategy which could have been published, for example, following the meeting of the National Hydrogen Council last March is essential to enable the sector to accelerate its deployment. The regulatory framework must be clarified and simplified, competitively priced access to the electricity necessary for hydrogen production must be guaranteed, while transport, storage and distribution infrastructure must be planned. Furthermore, stimulating demand, particularly in the mobility sector, and supporting research and innovation are essential levers for maintaining our competitiveness on a global scale.
Already creating value and jobs*, the sector remains an emerging sector that needs to be supported. France cannot afford to slow down its efforts. A strong political signal and total mobilization are necessary to realize the National Hydrogen Strategy for 2030, and thus transform this opportunity into sustainable added value for industry and employment.
At the end of the year, it is crucial to remember that time is running out. Hydrogen represents a unique opportunity for France to reindustrialize its economy while responding to climate challenges. Let us mobilize together to succeed in this challenge, with consistency, cohesion and confidence.
I wish you all an excellent end-of-year celebration, hoping that the start of 2025 will see the realization of the efforts undertaken and demonstrate clear public support to enable the sector to realize its full potential.
*The study carried out by BDO and France Hydrogène on the socio-economic impacts of the sector highlights the potential for value and job creation. More details in the “Zoom on”.
