In February 2023, FuelCellsWorks covered a compelling story regarding the commencement of construction on HDF Energy’s pioneering high-power hydrogen fuel cell plant near Bordeaux, France. This facility is touted as the first of its kind worldwide. For the latest developments on the factory’s construction progress, kindly refer to the updates provided at the end of the article.Bordeaux (France) – HDF Energy (Hydrogène de France) is delighted to announce the start of construction work on the world’s first mass production plant for high-power hydrogen fuel cells.
Representing a major technological and industrial breakthrough, the plant, which has been pre-notified as an IPCEI, will supply the French domestic and international markets in heavy marine and rail mobility and electricity generation for energy grids. Located on the site of the former Ford factory in Blanquefort near Bordeaux, the new plant will contribute to the reindustrialisation of France and Europe, the creation of local jobs and the exportation of French technology.
The foundation stone ceremony for the high-power fuel cell plant took place on Friday, 24 February 2023 in Blanquefort near Bordeaux (France) in the presence of Damien Havard, CEO and founder of HDF Energy, Hanane El Hamraoui, VP Industry, and local public authorities.
A bold industrial project
HDF Energy is building its 7,000 m² plant on a four-hectare plot of land located on the site of the former Ford factory. Delivery of the building is scheduled for late 2023, after which the Company’s headquarters will be transferred to Blanquefort.
When production begins in 2024, HDF initially plans to manufacture 1.5 MW fuel cells before gradually ramping their unit capacity up to 10 MW. Blanquefort will be the world’s first mass production plant for high-power hydrogen fuel cells. 80% of production volume will be exported.
In 2024, production capacity will reach 100 MW of fuel cells per year, representing over 100 direct jobs. HDF plans to establish 70% of its supply chain at regional, national and European level. As such, the HDF Energy plant will contribute to the industrial renewal of this regional landmark by installing cutting-edge technology.
The high-power fuel cells manufactured here will serve the markets in heavy marine and rail mobility and electricity generation for energy grids. The Company has already signed a number of strategic partnerships for projects involving hydrogen-powered freight locomotives and large vessel propulsion and auxiliary power systems.
To coincide with this occasion, HDF Energy also signed a memorandum of understanding with Teréga Solutions and Hype to cooperate on the development of hydrogen mobility in the Bordeaux region. Under the agreement, the parties will review the possibility of launching a joint venture tasked with deploying green hydrogen distribution stations in order to accelerate and scale up the use of heavy and light hydrogen mobility in the region.
Project pre-notified as an IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest)
In October 2022, after two years of cooperation with government departments, the French government selected the HDF Energy project as an IPCEI and pre-notified the application to the European Commission. The Company is awaiting the Commission’s approval due this summer in order to step up its industrial project and transform the plant into a gigafactory, thereby generating over 500 jobs in this regional industrial area.
Moreover, HDF Energy has received since 2018 significant financial support from the Regional Council of Aquitaine which allowed the Company to start its industrial activity.
An environmentally sustainable plant
For its construction and operation, the plant is subject to BREEAM certification, an international standard for assessing the environmental impact of a building in order to promote greener architecture. The following criteria will be monitored during plant operation: energy management, water management, waste recovery, access to sustainable transport and occupants’ health and well-being.
Moreover, the fuel cell is a clean technology whose sole emission is steam. Fuel cells have a 20-year lifespan and the Company has already provided for their future recycling.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
ABOUT HDF ENERGY
HDF Energy is a global pioneer in high-power hydrogen power plants. The Company designs and develops power plants that generate non-intermittent, non-polluting renewable energy, day and night. In addition, HDF Energy organises the financing, construction and operation of these power plants through SPVs.
HDF is the designer of Renewstable®, its flagship model of multi-megawatt power plants producing firm power from an intermittent renewable energy source (wind or solar) and massive energy storage in the form of green hydrogen generated on site.
HDF Energy is also an industrial company which will mass produce, from 2024, the most strategic component of its power plants – high-power fuel cells – in its plant near Bordeaux. Already a major supplier of electricity for energy grids, this industrial activity will also allow HDF Energy to serve the heavy marine and rail mobility markets. Alongside its strategic partners, the Company develops projects involving hydrogen-powered freight locomotives and large vessel propulsion and auxiliary power systems.
The Company operates on five continents and is developing a business portfolio currently worth over €5 billion.
HDF Energy is listed in Euronext Compartment B.
UPDATE to this story as of 5/17/2323
Construction of World’s First High-Power Hydrogen Fuel Cell Factory Progresses in Bordeaux
HDF Recently updated everyone on the work being conducted to the Factory.
“Our teams in Bordeaux are diligently continuing the construction of the future HDF Energy factory in Blanquefort. Upon completion, this will be the world’s first facility for the mass production of high-power hydrogen fuel cells, with a capacity of 1.5 MW.
The structural work on this site is managed by our dedicated team, which is currently wrapping up the construction of the office area and starting work on the high walls of the second floor. The scope of this operation is substantial, with the floor area created encompassing 8000 m² indoors and 1400 m² of exterior paving.
In the upcoming phases, our colleagues from CASTEL ET FROMAGET will be overseeing the installation of the metal frame on the production hall, marking yet another milestone in this ground-breaking project.
This project is a testament to the strong synergy within the FAYAT Group, demonstrating our collective commitment to driving innovation in clean energy technologies. We’re excited about the significant role this factory will play in accelerating the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells, and we look forward to updating you on further progress in the near future.”
