French hydrogen mobility project passes major milestone
Public-private joint venture Zero Emission Valley has announced partners to construct green hydrogen filling network
One of the most ambitious zero-carbon hydrogen mobility projects in Europe, the Zero Emission Valley (ZEM) in south-eastern France, took a major step forward on 18 June with the award of equipment contracts. ZEM was initiated by the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Regional council with the aim of accelerating the large-scale deployment of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable power and electrolysis. The council is a shareholder—alongside utility Engie, tyre manufacturer Michelin and banks Credit Agricole and Banque des Territoires —in Hympulsion, an all-French joint-venture that will finance, build and operate the infrastructure. It is the largest project of its type in France. The public-
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Multiple projects have been scrapped and valuations have nosedived, but the IEA says hydrogen is no passing fad
25 March 2026
The Middle East energy shock has highlighted the value of France’s unique potential to deploy nuclear-powered electrolysers
18 March 2026
The second fossil-fuel price shock in four years can be a much-needed catalyst for investment in the sector
9 March 2026
Hydrogen has not stalled in the UK because the technology does not work. The problem is that the system around it does not yet move at the speed required






