Two large developments within the hydrogen industry will be occurring soon and these will come in the form of a hydrogen import hub and the establishment of the production of renewable hydrogen and methanol. The hydrogen import hub will be worth 1.1bn euros and it is being set up by Air Products, the oil and gas major, whilst Qair Group is behind the other part of the project. Behind this project, there is an investment of 500m euros and it is planned that the product will produce 200,000 tonnes of e-methanol.

It is understood that Air Products’ hydrogen and derivatives terminal will be commissioned by 2030. Plus, it has been suggested that there is potential for the terminal to complement the hydrogen supply deal that was signed with TotalEnergies earlier in 2024.

In order to assist with the development of this project, the French Government has agreed to provide funding which will go towards the creation of hydrogen production and import facilities at the port of Le Havre. It has been suggested that this investment will be worth an estimated 1.6bn euros.

It was stated that, ‘Qair will work with Le Havre port manager, Haropa Port, to set up the e-methanol facility, positioning the industrial port area as “a pivotal hub on the green corridors of tomorrow’s maritime transport.”’

CEO of Qair France, Guirec Dufour, commented, “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.”