A booming sector
The recent study conducted by BDO and France Hydrogen highlights the central role of hydrogen in the current French economy and its medium -term potential. In 2023, this sector generated almost a billion euros of added value and supported more than 16,400 jobs, including 6,300 direct jobs. These figures reveal an expanding sector, with significant repercussions on the territories thanks to diversified projects in the production, transport and uses of hydrogen.
Each direct job in the sector perpetuates two others indirectly, via local suppliers and household expenditure. This dynamism illustrates an already structured and promising ecosystem to support the energy transition while reindusting the country.
Prospects 2035: a major contribution to GDP
By 2035, the economic potential of hydrogen could increase tenfold. The study estimates its contribution to 13 billion euros to national GDP, with more than 66,600 jobs created throughout the value chain. The mobility sectors, especially road, rail and air, will become the main axes, representing 54 % of the added value generated by the sector. In addition, synthetic industry and fuels would concentrate 70 % of the production activity, strengthening the strategic place of hydrogen in the effort of decarbonation and industrial competitiveness.
Strategic benefits for the French economy
One of the strongest arguments put forward by the study is the lever effect for public finances. Each euro invested by the State could generate 4 euros in tax benefits, thanks to taxes, taxes and social contributions from the activities of the sector. In addition, the development of hydrogen could help reduce France by 8 %, by generating a surplus of 6 billion euros via exports of technologies and products linked to this strategic sector.
Challenges to release this potential
Philippe Boucly, president of France Hydrogen, stresses that to achieve these ambitious objectives, it is imperative that the State gives a clear course via a revision of the national strategy and a reinforced mechanism of support for production. The competitiveness of the supply of hydrogen, the development of pilot markets for industry and the acceleration of hydrogen mobility is also essential to maintain France in the international leading peloton.
A unique opportunity for reindustrialisation
In conclusion, the hydrogen sector appears as a historic opportunity to transform the technological and industrial assets of France into lasting richness. If the adequate political and economic conditions are met, this sector could contribute to 7 % of the national reindustrialisation effort, while consolidating the energy independence and the competitiveness of France internationally. ′
To find out more, find the full study on the French Hydrogen website: https://rebrand.ly/0d3nhyq
