HYVIA French hydrogen plant ready

Nine months after its creation, HYVIA – The Renault Group and Plug Power’s joint-venture on hydrogen mobility – is preparing its hydrogen plant at the group’s Refactory manufacturing site in Flins, France.

HYVIA (HY for hydrogen and VIA for road) is ready to start assembly and test fuel cell modules based on Plug Power’s advanced technology – the 30kW fuel cell powering the Renault Master H2-Tech portfolio (van, chassis cab and city bus).

It’s the first step in a wider industrial project.

By the end of 2022, the plant will also begin assembly of hydrogen refuelling stations and the production of low carbon hydrogen with a first electrolyser.

HYVIA’s ambition is to reach 30% of the light commercial vehicle (LCV) hydrogen European market by 2030.

“Since its creation on June 3, 2021, HYVIA is moving fast,” says its chief executive David Holderbach.

“Our plant represents a major human, technological and industrial challenge. It is a fantastic illustration of our unique joint venture: we join the expertise of Renault Group, a dominant player in the automotive industry, and Plug Power, a world leader in turnkey hydrogen and fuel cell solutions.”

Renault Group chief executive Luca de Meo says the HYVIA plant is part of the Re-energy pillar of Renault’s Refactory plant in Flins.

“Its ramp up embodies Renault Group’s strong ambitions in hydrogen mobility, complementary to electric mobility. It will contribute to increased local integration, creating value in France and Europe.”

Plug Power chief executive Andy Marsh says it’s proud to see the assembly of its fuel cell here in France.

“We have been present in Europe for more than 10 years, being a major investor in the development of the European H2 sector.”

By the end of this year the fuel cell assembly and testing line is expected to have a 1000 fuel cell annual capacity, the hydrogen refuelling station assembly line begins along with hydrogen supply from a 1MW electrolyser that will supply the plant with about 450kg of hydrogen daily, for testing fuel cells and hydrogen refuelling stations.

The plant will also operate with hydrogen powered forklifts and it will continue to develop in coming years.