The hydrogen market in France

Although hydrogen is mainly derived from fossil fuels, its production and consumption represent a real challenge for the development of a greener, more sustainable economy. A renewable gas that emits only water when consumed, hydrogen is today used mainly for chemical and petrochemical applications, notably in fertilizer production or in the oil refining process.oil refining process. Bhile not a source of energy, hydrogen is an energy carrier that must be produced and stored before use. Its energy can be recovered in two ways:

by combustion, where one kilo of hydrogen releases three times more energy than one kilo of gasoline, and produces only water ;

by using a fuel cell, where hydrogen is coupled with an air supply to produce electricity, releasing only water.

The global market is growing fast, estimated at $170.14 billion in 2022, and is set to expand at a CAGR of 9.3% to 2030. It is made up of major players such as the French group Air Liquide, world leader, McPhy and Hélion. TheEuropean Union and the United States are the main players in the development of policies for this sector.

In France, this market is seen as one of the future, even if the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is limited for the time being. Its production cost still makes it uncompetitive compared with other types of energy, especially when we're talking about green hydrogen, i.e. produced from renewable energies or emitting very little CO2. However, the French government, in collaboration with the European Commission, is considering long-term strategies for financing private projects to develop the hydrogen industry. In particular, hydrogen-powered mobility is a major issue, with the development of hydrogen filling stations throughout France.

Thanks to advances in electrolysis technology, hydrogen can be produced in a low-carbon, cost-effective way. This energy carrier could play an important role in the renewable energies sector for a variety of uses, such as :

to store solar or wind energy, via a fuel cell, and release it ;

to power zero-emission vehicles, with the added advantage of a long range;

for industrial applications: to decarbonize industrial processes such as fertilizer manufacture, refining, steel and cement.

Research and development are dynamic, supported by the French National Research Agency and the Atomic Energy Council.