What future for hydrogen in France?

In 2021, Emmanuel Macron unveiled the plan “France 2030″ whose envelope estimated at 54 billion euros should make it possible to catch up with us in terms of ecological transition. One of the pillars of this plan was to make the country “the leader in green hydrogen”. Except that three years after these announcements, the objectives set are still far from having been achieved.

Currently, 95% of the hydrogen produced in France is called “gray”. This means that it is made from fossil fuels, such as gas or oil. Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis, from water and renewable or nuclear electricity.

However, of the 250 planned projects, which would allow the installation of a capacity of 10,500 MWh, many still remain at the planning stage. Currently, in France, only 30 MW are produced by electrolysis. As a result, the original target set for 2030, which was 6,500 MWh, was revised to just 300 MWh.

These projects concern, on the one hand, so-called “transport”lourds“, such as trucks and coaches, but also the industry, in particular that of chemistry for the production of fertilizers, or that of steel”own“, like the Gravithy project in Fos-sur-Mer.

In France, steel production still relies mainly on the use of coal, with significant environmental consequences. In fact, producing one ton of steel generates around two tons of carbon dioxide from iron ore. However, the accumulated delays in the development of projects can be explained in particular by the absence of a clear strategic vision from previous governments, essential to support project leaders. Added to this is the need for greater stability in energy prices, believes Philippe Boucly, president of the France Hydrogène association which represents all players in the sector:

“Two thirds, even three quarters of the price of hydrogen. This is the price of electricity. And therefore project leaders need visibility over fifteen years on the price of electricity. So, this will be done by concluding long-term contracts with electricity suppliers, renewable electricity or nuclear electricity At a rate which must be around 70 euros per megawatt hour. 70 euros per megawatt hour. Competitiveness is going to be very difficult to achieve.”

Indeed, to be competitive with foreign competition, a kilo of green hydrogen would have to fall below 10 euros.

So, if France has fallen far behind in the development of hydrogen, this is not the case for our German neighbor.

Germany is a locomotive in Europe. It must be said that its industry is one of the pillars of its economy, whether in chemicals, steel or automobiles. The question of its energy resources therefore represents a major strategic issue, particularly since the war in Ukraine. Indeed, with the embargo, Germany no longer imports Russian gas, whereas before the conflict, Russia was one of its main suppliers. For Berlin, green hydrogen must also make it possible to achieve, by 2045, its objectives in terms of carbon neutrality, particularly in its industry.
In order to support demand and decarbonize industrial processes, the federal government has implemented carbon offset contracts.

A key financial instrument, accompanied by a low-carbon steel standard, aims to boost demand for green steel, notably through public procurement. To achieve this goal, Germany also plans to build a distribution network of 9,000 kilometers of underground pipes.

The cost of this operation is estimated at 3 billion euros, financed in the form of a loan from the European Union. For comparison, the French distribution network currently only extends over 500 kilometers.

Finally, to realize its ambitions, the federal government plans to import 50 to 70% of the hydrogen needed, collaborating with both European countries and Maghreb nations. This includes, for example, the strategic partnership signed last June between Berlin and Rabat for the production and supply of green hydrogen.