Green hydrogen company Lhyfe and regional energy and climate agency AREC Occitanie have officially launched a significant green hydrogen initiative in the Occitanie region of France. The Lhyfe Occitanie site stands as a crucial component of the broader Occitanie H2 Corridor project, designed to drive the decarbonization of both goods and passenger transport in the region.
Ownership of the Lhyfe Occitanie production site is divided between Lhyfe (80%) and AREC Occitanie (20%). Set to commence commercial operations in the first half of 2024, the facility, located at the Triangle business park in Bessières near Toulouse, will utilize a 5MW electrolyser to produce up to two tonnes of green and renewable hydrogen daily.
This production capacity translates to approximately 25,000km of travel for a hydrogen truck, boasting the advantage of zero carbon dioxide emissions throughout the journey.
The Occitanie H2 Corridor project, coordinated by the Occitanie region, has received financial support from the European Union, contributing a €14.6 million grant under the Transport segment of the Connecting Europe Facility. Additionally, the European Investment Bank has extended a €40 million loan secured by the region.
The Occitanie region's commitment to the initiative includes a contribution of €6 million, comprising a €4.1 million repayable advance and €1.9 million in grants. The site's selection in late 2021 followed a call for projects under the Occitanie H2 Corridor program.
The collaborative effort between Lhyfe and AREC Occitanie underscores the region's dedication to advancing sustainable hydrogen solutions, aligning with broader European objectives for a low-carbon future. The project's timeline and financial backing emphasize its strategic importance in driving green hydrogen adoption and fostering regional decarbonization efforts.
