(AOF) – Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) announces the launch of the construction of the world’s first factory for the mass production of high-power hydrogen fuel cells. It will be located on the site of the former Ford factory in Blanquefort near Bordeaux. The laying of the first stone of the factory took place this Friday in Blanquefort. A major technological and industrial advance for France, this factory, pre-notified PIIEC, will supply the national and international markets for heavy mobility (rail and maritime) and electricity production for the networks.
This plant will contribute to the reindustrialisation of the national and European territory, to the development of the local industrial fabric and to the export of French technology.
HDF Energy is setting up its 7,000 m² factory on a 4 ha plot purchased in Bordeaux Métropole. Delivery of the building is scheduled for the end of 2023. The company’s head office will then be transferred to Blanquefort.
HDF plans to manufacture 1.5 MW fuel cells there when production starts in 2024, to gradually reach 10 MW of unit power. It is the world’s first mass production plant for high-power fuel cells. The export activity will represent 80% of the production volume.
In 2024, the production capacity will reach 100 MW of fuel cells per year, representing more than 100 direct jobs. HDF plans to build 70% of its supply chain at regional, national and European levels.
These high-power fuel cells will serve the heavy mobility, maritime and rail markets, and the production of electricity for the networks.
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