SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 18, 2024 – The Port of Le Havre is poised to become a major hub for green hydrogen production and import, thanks to two significant developments spearheaded by industry leaders Air Products and Qair. These projects, representing a combined investment of €1.6 billion, will contribute significantly to the decarbonization of maritime transport and various industrial sectors.
Air Products' €1.1 Billion Hydrogen Import Hub
Air Products, a global leader in industrial gases, is investing €1.1 billion to establish a hydrogen import hub at the Port of Le Havre. The terminal, expected to be operational by 2030, will play a crucial role in facilitating the import and distribution of green hydrogen, supporting the growing demand for clean energy in France and beyond.
Qair's €500 Million Renewable Hydrogen and Methanol Production Facility
Qair, a prominent renewable energy producer, is investing €500 million to develop a facility for the production of renewable hydrogen and e-methanol. The facility is projected to produce an impressive 200,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for various industrial applications.
Government Support for Green Hydrogen Development
The French government has expressed strong support for these projects, recognizing their importance in advancing the country's clean energy agenda. The government has committed to providing funding to support the creation of hydrogen production and import facilities at the Port of Le Havre, further solidifying the region's position as a key player in the green hydrogen economy.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Qair will be collaborating with the Le Havre port manager, Haropa Port, to establish the e-methanol facility. This partnership aims to position the industrial port area as a central hub in the green corridors of future maritime transport, contributing to the decarbonization of the shipping industry.
Leadership Perspectives
Guirec Dufour, CEO of Qair France, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the collaboration with Haropa Port:
"This demonstrates the confidence that Haropa Port has placed in us to implement our hydrogen and e-molecule strategy and to participate in the decarbonisation of maritime transport and the chemical industry, particularly on the Seine Axis."
A Major Boost for the Green Hydrogen Economy
The development of these projects at the Port of Le Havre marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the green hydrogen economy in France and Europe. The combined efforts of Air Products, Qair, and the French government are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, with Le Havre at its forefront.