- Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) has inaugurated a new fuel cell manufacturing plant in Blanquefort, Gironde, aiming to lead in the production of high-capacity fuel cells primarily for maritime, rail transport, and electricity markets.
- The factory, set up with an investment of 20 million euros, marks a significant development in renewable energy technology, with plans to expand its production capacity and workforce significantly by 2030.
Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) celebrated the inauguration of its pioneering fuel cell factory on May 30, in Blanquefort, Gironde. This new facility represents a strategic advancement in the production of high-capacity fuel cells, with an initial investment of 20 million euros. Situated on the site of the former Ford gearbox plant, this initiative aligns with the broader reindustrialization efforts supported by public authorities.
The Blanquefort factory is set to be the first globally to manufacture fuel cells with a capacity exceeding one megawatt. Initial production is scheduled to commence in early 2025, employing around one hundred staff members. The factory encompasses over 7,000 square meters, with 5,000 square meters dedicated to production facilities that include nine assembly lines.
Hanane El Hamraoui, the deputy director of the group’s industrial activity, noted the strategic choice of Blanquefort for its proximity to essential infrastructure like ports and major roads, as well as the vibrant local industrial ecosystem which supports the company’s operations. The location was selected following a successful proposal to a call for expressions of interest by Bordeaux Métropole.
The factory’s production will focus on serving sectors that require high-capacity energy solutions, such as maritime transport, heavy rail mobility, and public electricity networks, with a significant portion of the output intended for export markets. According to El Hamraoui, the decision to produce these high-capacity fuel cells stems from a market gap in available technology suitable for non-road applications, prompting HDF to innovate and develop their own solutions.
By 2025, HDF aims to produce 100 megawatts of fuel cells annually, scaling up to one gigawatt per year by 2030. The expansion plans also include the construction of additional office space and research and development facilities, along with a reserved land area of 5,000 square meters which could potentially double the factory’s production capacity in the future.
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