Le Havre Port to Host Major Green Hydrogen and E-Methanol Projects

In a significant move toward sustainable energy, the French government has allocated land at Le Havre Port—one of France’s largest ports—for two major renewable energy projects focused on green hydrogen production and e-methanol manufacturing.

The projects, spearheaded by Air Products and Qair, promise to advance France’s energy transition while leveraging Le Havre’s robust infrastructure and strategic location.

Air Products to Invest €1.1 Billion in Hydrogen Import Hub

US-based industrial gases giant Air Products is set to invest €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) to develop a renewable hydrogen import terminal at Le Havre. This terminal will primarily handle green ammonia imports, which will be converted back into hydrogen for distribution across France.

Key features of the hydrogen terminal:

• Utilizes pipelines and dedicated trailers for hydrogen transport.

• Aligns with the timeline of the 2.2GW Neom green hydrogen project in Saudi Arabia, expected to start shipping green ammonia by 2027.

• Supports France’s goal of scaling up renewable hydrogen infrastructure.

The terminal is projected to begin operations by 2030, positioning France as a key player in Europe’s hydrogen economy.

Qair’s €500 Million E-Methanol Plant for Hard-to-Abate Sectors

French renewables company Qair is investing €500 million to build an e-methanol production facility at Le Havre. The plant aims to produce 200,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually, derived from renewable hydrogen, to support industries with high emissions and the maritime transport sector.

Qair’s project aligns with global efforts to decarbonize sectors that are otherwise difficult to electrify, such as shipping and heavy manufacturing.

Le Havre: A Strategic Hub for Renewable Energy

Both projects are set to benefit from Le Havre’s existing infrastructure, which includes:

• Accelerated project approval procedures.

• Strong grid connections for energy distribution.

• Direct financial aid for initial feasibility studies provided by Haropa Port, which manages the Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris ports.

Haropa Port’s strategic vision underscores its commitment to fostering renewable energy innovation and sustainable industrial growth.

These investments by Air Products and Qair represent a major step in advancing France’s renewable energy capabilities and contributing to the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors. By leveraging Le Havre’s infrastructure and strategic location, these projects underscore the port’s role as a critical hub for Europe’s green energy future.