Global green hydrogen firm eyes North East base

Global green hydrogen company Lhyfe has launched its first UK operation in the North East with the aim of large-scale decarbonisation.

The France-based company is building a team in Newcastle to identify opportunities and create facilities that will support the country’s Net Zero aims.

The major international company is currently 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 company produces its renewable green hydrogen by using water and wind or sun to power its electrolysers and has ambitions for more than 3GW of electrolytic hydrogen in operation by 2030.

Colin Brown, UK country manager of Lhyfe, 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.”

He added: “The UK can become a global leader in the production of green hydrogen, moving away from 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.”

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.”