Around twenty hydrogen stations for the general public are now open in France. But the major players in the French hydrogen sector estimate that between 1,000 and 1,700 stations should open by 2030. For comparison, the study “Global Market for Hydrogen Fueling Station”, published by the Trends firm, counted nearly 600 hydrogen service stations across the world at the end of 2020.
Hydrogen seems set to play a determining role in low-carbon mobility in France. Mobilities that most need high power and long autonomy (so-called “heavy” mobility) are classified as priorities by the national strategy for the development of carbon-free hydrogen in France. This strategy was presented on September 8, 2020. It provides public support of 7.2 billion euros over 10 years. This funding must be used in particular to deploy a capacity of 6.5 GW of electrolysis by 2030. This would also prevent the emission of 6 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
The envisaged scenario provides for a base consumption set at 680,000 tonnes of renewable or low-carbon hydrogen per year, including 70% for the industrial sector and 23% for the mobility sector. If the various environmental regulations are confirmed, the objective could be raised to 60%, including 325,000 tonnes for mobility. The French government has also set the development of professional hydrogen mobility as a second priority, or 27% of the 3.4 billion euros for the period 2020–2023.
Hydrogen is suitable for public transport, especially in cities, with long lines. It is also suitable for trucks. For 500 kilometers of autonomy, a 40-ton truck will have a 1.7-ton hydrogen pack with an estimated recharge time of between 10 and 15 minutes.
The study “Trajectory for a great hydrogen ambition”, published in September 2021 by France Hydrogène, forecasts 300,000 hydrogen-powered light utility vehicles (LCVs) (“Ambition 2030” scenario). In the “Ambition+ 2030” scenario, 450,000 LCVs are planned for 2030 in France. For comparison, 400 hydrogen-powered LCVs are currently on French roads.
The “Ambition 2030” scenario provides for 5,000 heavy goods vehicles, 65 boats and ships, and 100 hydrogen trains. The “Ambition + 2030” scenario provides for 10,000 heavy goods vehicles, 135 boats and ships and 250 hydrogen trains.
The emphasis must nevertheless be placed on the stations. The France Hydrogène study indicates: “This ambition assumes the deployment of a hydrogen supply chain by 2030: 6.5 to 10 GW of production units, 685 km of pipelines, 800 to 1,000 transport logistics units and 1,000 to 1,700 charging stations, 90% of which are public – towns, major roads – and 10% deposit for captive fleets of heavy vehicles. »
