French green hydrogen firm Lhyfe has launched its first UK operation with the aim of creating large-scale decarbonisation facilities in the country.
The company is building a UK team in North East England to identify opportunities to deploy production facilities to support the country’s net zero ambitions.
In 2021, Lhyfe inaugurated the world’s first plant supplying a renewable green hydrogen produced using wind power to customers in western France, it said.
The company is developing more than 90 projects across Europe, including a hydrogen rail demonstrator in Germany and a partnership with supermarket giant Lidl for a fleet of more than 100 hydrogen-powered forklift trucks.
The UK entry is its latest step in its drive toward carbon reduction.
Lhyfe has ambitions for more than 3GW of electrolytic hydrogen in operation by 2030.
Lhyfe’s unit in Bouin, France, produces up to 300kg per day, ramping up to 1,000kg per day in 2023 – enough to run a fleet of around 25 buses.
Production units are currently being deployed onshore, but Lhyfe has an aim to take electrolysis offshore – making use of the huge offshore wind potential the UK has on offer, particularly in the North Sea.
Lhyfe is preparing to launch the world’s first offshore renewable hydrogen production demonstrator, off the coast of Saint-Nazaire in France.
Organisations in the UK looking to decarbonise are encouraged to contact Lhyfe to discuss opportunities to collaborate.
Lhyfe UK country manager Colin Brown said: “Renewable green hydrogen production at scale is one of the key solutions to help the UK reach its net zero targets.
“It’s an enabler that offers a solution to all sectors and parts of society, and the good news is it’s available to be deployed today.
“We are exploring exciting opportunities across the UK to enable local decarbonisation.
“Lhyfe has a strong ethos of working with partners to deliver projects that create real local value, and this is a key focus for the newly formed UK business.
“The UK can become a global leader in the production of green hydrogen, moving away from our reliance on fossil fuels, improving energy security, contributing to net zero and helping drive the economy.
“Our mission is to deploy green hydrogen production at scale and grow our operations in line with demand.
“We encourage any UK industry or organisation seeking to decarbonise to get in touch with us.”
Matthieu Guesné, chief executive and founder of Lhyfe, added: “The opening of our UK subsidiary is in line with our international deployment plans.
“The speed with which this deployment is taking place – this is our sixth European subsidiary in two years – confirms the growing enthusiasm of European countries for renewable hydrogen, while our position as leader naturally amplifies the interest for Lhyfe.
“Through this subsidiary, we will be able to offer decarbonisation solutions that meet the specific uses and constraints of the British market.”