News & Hydrogen

Category: News & Hydrogen

24 March 2025

Why Choose a Hydrogen Car? Key Benefits, Limitations, and Real-World Applications

As climate change accelerates and the energy transition becomes increasingly urgent, hydrogen-powered vehicles are emerging as an innovative alternative to both internal combustion engines and battery-electric vehicles. While electric cars are perfectly suited for short daily trips and lightweight personal use, hydrogen vehicles offer distinct advantages for more demanding use cases—thanks to their extended range, ultra-fast refueling, and capacity to carry heavier loads.

In this article, we break down the benefits and limitations of hydrogen cars, and take a look at the real-life scenarios where they are already proving their worth.

A Critical Need in the Climate Emergency

Transportation is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, responsible for around 30% of CO₂ emissions. While industries like power and manufacturing have started cutting their emissions, the transport sector’s footprint continues to grow—driven by rising demand for road and air travel.

Decarbonising transport is therefore essential to meet Europe’s carbon neutrality target by 2050.

A Broad Scientific Consensus: Electrification Is Essential

Experts agree: the only way to decarbonise mobility at scale is through electrification.

The Draghi Report (Sept. 2024) highlights decarbonisation as critical to maintaining Europe’s industrial competitiveness. Hydrogen is identified as a key solution for hard-to-decarbonise sectors, such as heavy transport, steel and chemical industries.
The International Energy Agency recommends mass deployment of both battery-electric and hydrogen vehicles to achieve global net-zero targets.

The European Commission has legislated an end to the sale of new combustion-engine cars by 2035, accelerating the shift toward electric and hydrogen powertrains.

Why Hydrogen Has a Key Role to Play

The future of zero-emission mobility relies on two complementary technologies:

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) – ideal for light-duty use and short-range driving.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – better suited to high-mileage, intensive uses like taxis, public fleets and long-distance travel.

Hydrogen cars emit nothing but water vapor and can be refueled in minutes—offering a user experience similar to that of petrol vehicles, but with far less environmental impact. In contexts where charging time, range and payload matter, hydrogen provides a compelling solution.

Advantages of Hydrogen Cars

Hydrogen vehicles offer a range of benefits that set them apart from both combustion and electric vehicles—particularly in commercial, public service and high-demand environments.

For businesses and public authorities: operational efficiency and lower emissions

Maximised payload: Hydrogen cars require smaller batteries, which reduces vehicle weight and frees up space for cargo or passengers—perfect for taxis, utility vehicles and last-mile logistics.
Increased uptime: Refueling takes less than five minutes, meaning vehicles can remain in service virtually all day, without the extended downtime typical of battery charging.
Space-efficient infrastructure: Hydrogen stations require fewer vehicle bays and less public space than dense networks of EV chargers.
Low-carbon operation: At the tailpipe, hydrogen vehicles emit zero CO₂—only water vapor.

For drivers: exceptional range and driving comfort

Extended range: Hydrogen vehicles can travel up to 1,000 km on a single tank—offering more flexibility than most battery-electric models.
Quick refueling: A full tank takes just minutes, allowing drivers to stay on the move.
Smooth and silent driving: Like EVs, hydrogen cars are whisper-quiet and vibration-free, offering a refined experience, especially over long distances.

For communities: cleaner air and quieter cities

Electric grid stability: Unlike EVs, which depend on real-time grid charging, hydrogen can be produced off-peak—helping to balance energy demand and reduce strain on the grid.
Noise reduction: Hydrogen cars are extremely quiet, helping to reduce urban noise pollution.
Better air quality: With no tailpipe emissions or particulates, hydrogen vehicles contribute to cleaner, healthier cities—especially in traffic-heavy areas.

Where Hydrogen Vehicles Make Sense: Real-World Examples

While hydrogen cars aren’t suited to every situation, they shine in specific environments where range, refueling speed and load capacity are critical.

Taxis and ride-hailing: nonstop service with minimal emissions

Case study: Hype and HysetCo – Paris’ hydrogen taxi fleet

As of late 2024, 1,000 hydrogen-powered taxis were operating in Greater Paris, 500 of which were added for the 2024 Olympic Games.
A network of hydrogen stations has been rolled out to ensure reliable, fast refueling.
Why hydrogen? To enable taxis to stay in service longer with no need for long charging breaks.

Rural and long-distance travel: tackling geography and grid gaps

Case study: Zero Emission Valley (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France)

A network of hydrogen stations is being deployed across rural, mountainous regions and major transport corridors.
Why hydrogen? EVs can struggle in cold weather and hilly terrain. Hydrogen vehicles offer more predictable range and reliability in these challenging environments.

Company and municipal fleets: balancing performance with sustainability

Case study: Arv’Hy project (Vallée de l’Arve, France)

Spearheaded by Atawey and local partners, Arv’Hy aims to decarbonise one of France’s most polluted valleys.
The initiative includes fleet deployment for businesses and public services, as well as a new hydrogen station in Vougy.
The vehicles are designed for regular, long-distance travel in mountainous terrain—where hydrogen is more effective than battery-electric vehicles alone.
The project showcases how hydrogen complements public transport and other low-carbon mobility solutions.

Limitations—and How Hydrogen Complements Battery-Electric

Despite its many strengths, hydrogen still faces some roadblocks. Many of these are expected to ease with industrial scale-up and increased investment in green hydrogen.

Current limitations of hydrogen vehicles

High upfront cost
Hydrogen cars remain significantly more expensive than their electric or petrol counterparts. This is largely due to limited manufacturing volumes and the cost of fuel cell components.
Running costs vary
Hydrogen fuel is currently more expensive per kilometre than electricity, but often cheaper than petrol or diesel—especially for high-mileage use.
Infrastructure still growing
Public hydrogen stations are still few and far between, unlike EV charging points. This is partly due to the later start in deploying hydrogen tech.
Green hydrogen still limited
Much of today’s hydrogen is still produced using fossil fuels (via steam methane reforming). Although green hydrogen (from renewables) is scaling up, it still accounts for a small share of global production.
Mass production of low-carbon hydrogen is essential to make the technology truly sustainable and cost-competitive.

Hydrogen and Electric: Two Solutions, One Goal

Rather than competing, hydrogen and electric vehicles complement each other—each serving different needs:

Battery-electric cars: ideal for short trips, city driving and personal vehicles, with charging at home or public stations.
Hydrogen cars: a better fit for taxis, fleets, public services and long-distance routes—where range and quick turnaround are essential.

To conclude, Hydrogen-powered cars offer a powerful, low-emission solution—especially for intensive, long-range or professional use. With their long driving range, fast refueling, and clean performance, they are the perfect counterpart to battery-electric vehicles.

Electric cars are perfect for city life and everyday use.
Hydrogen is the go-to for high-demand mobility, where time, distance and payload matter.

As refueling infrastructure expands and green hydrogen becomes more accessible, hydrogen vehicles are becoming a more viable and scalable part of the clean mobility ecosystem.

News & Hydrogen

14 March 2025

Behind The Pump: A Deep Dive into a Technological Revolution

Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a key solution for decarbonizing transportation. While it may appear straightforward, its deployment relies on a highly advanced technological ecosystem, involving a series of sophisticated processes from production to distribution. Every kilogram of hydrogen used for mobility adheres to strict regulatory protocols to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient refueling.

Compression, storage, cooling, and distribution are all critical stages that require an in-depth understanding of gas physics, materials science, and energy infrastructure. This article explores the cutting-edge technologies that make hydrogen accessible on a large scale while supporting its sustainable development.

A Simple Experience, a Complex Infrastructure

For hydrogen vehicle drivers, refueling is as seamless as filling up a conventional petrol or diesel car: connect the nozzle, press a button, and wait a few minutes for the tank to fill. However, this simplicity masks an intricate and highly engineered system designed to manage complex physical and chemical constraints.

A hydrogen fueling station is far more than just a dispenser. It must continuously monitor gas pressure and temperature, ensure a smooth and secure fill-up, and be adaptable to growing demand. This entire process relies on four key pillars: hydrogen supply, compression, storage, and distribution.

Hydrogen Supply: Balancing Production and Logistics

Before hydrogen reaches a fueling pump, it must be produced, transported, and stored. The way a station is supplied depends on its location, local demand, and the available infrastructure.

On-Site Production: Moving Toward Autonomous Hydrogen Stations

Some stations are equipped with electrolyzers, which produce hydrogen directly on-site from electricity and water. This method offers several advantages: it eliminates the need for hydrogen transportation, reducing carbon emissions, allows for strict quality control of the gas, and enhances energy independence. However, on-site production requires substantial infrastructure and can be limited by land constraints and space availability.

Tube-Trailers: A Flexible Solution

When on-site production isn’t viable, hydrogen can be delivered via tube-trailers—specialized trucks that transport the gas under high pressure. This approach offers significant flexibility, especially for stations located far from production sites. It allows stations to scale capacity according to demand and avoids the need for heavy structural investments. However, the downside is higher transportation costs and an increased carbon footprint, particularly when hydrogen is produced far from its point of use.

Pipelines: Ideal for Countries with an Established Gas Network

In regions with high hydrogen demand, stations can be directly connected to a pipeline network that transports hydrogen from a centralized production site. This setup ensures a continuous and reliable supply while reducing long-term operational costs. However, pipeline infrastructure requires substantial initial investment and largely depends on government policies and public funding.

Optimizing the Hydrogen Network: Centralized vs. Satellite Stations

Hydrogen refueling networks can be optimized through a smart combination of centralized production hubs and satellite stations. A single electrolyzer can supply multiple nearby stations, lowering equipment and maintenance costs while reducing emissions from hydrogen transport. This model also ensures greater scalability, allowing infrastructure to expand in response to market demand while improving overall station profitability.

Compression & Storage: Pressure Under Control

Once delivered to a station, hydrogen must be compressed and stored under optimal conditions to ensure efficient distribution. Unlike liquid fuels, hydrogen is an extremely light and volatile gas, requiring high-pressure storage—sometimes reaching 1,000 bar—to facilitate rapid and large-scale distribution.

High-Pressure Compression: Efficient Energy Management

Hydrogen often arrives at stations at a relatively low pressure (between 30 and 200 bar) and must be gradually compressed using specialized equipment. This process relies on:

High-performance compressors capable of minimizing energy losses,
Cooling systems that prevent excessive heat buildup during rapid compression,
Real-time monitoring sensors that analyze pressure and temperature to prevent anomalies.

By efficiently managing these parameters, stations ensure safe, reliable, and energy-efficient hydrogen storage before distribution.

Cascade Storage: Enhancing Safety and Availability

Hydrogen stations typically employ cascade storage, where gas is distributed across multiple tanks at different pressures. This setup optimizes energy efficiency andST ensures immediate availability for refueling.

Distribution: Ensuring Safe and Standardized Refueling

The final step—transferring hydrogen from storage to the vehicle—requires strict adherence to global refueling standards.

Refueling Standards: Enabling Interoperability

To guarantee safe and consistent hydrogen refueling, stations must comply with internationally recognized standards. The SAE J2601 standard, for instance, outlines specific refueling protocols for different types of vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks. Meanwhile, regulations such as ISO 14687 set requirements for hydrogen fuel quality and station safety.

One of the key challenges is interoperability, meaning that refueling infrastructure must work seamlessly across all vehicle types, regardless of manufacturer. This requires universal protocols, like SAE J2601, to standardize the refueling process and ensure smooth, secure operation at stations worldwide.

By eliminating technical barriers and promoting global standardization, interoperability accelerates hydrogen adoption and supports its large-scale deployment.

Smart and Efficient Refueling

Modern hydrogen stations integrate intelligent systems that:

Dynamically adjust pressure based on vehicle requirements,
Use advanced cooling to prevent gas overheating,
Detect anomalies in real-time, ensuring maximum safety.

Thanks to these innovations, a passenger vehicle can be fully refueled in just 3 to 5 minutes, a performance comparable to conventional fuels.

Metrology & Regulations: Paving the Way for Hydrogen Mobility

Unlike traditional fuels sold per liter, hydrogen is measured and billed by the kilogram, requiring highly precise metering systems.

Accurate Hydrogen Measurement: Precision & Compliance

Hydrogen metering devices must comply with strict international standards, including:

OIML R 139, which ensures the accuracy of mass flow meters,
The European MID Directive (Measuring Instruments Directive), regulating measurement instruments across the EU.

Regular calibration of these devices is essential to maintain accuracy and fair pricing for consumers.

Stringent Infrastructure Regulations

Hydrogen stations must also meet rigorous safety and infrastructure regulations. For instance, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) in Europe mandates that hydrogen refueling stations be located at least every 200 km along major transport routes.

These regulations play a crucial role in making hydrogen refueling more accessible and in driving the global expansion of hydrogen mobility.

In a nutshell, more than just an alternative energy source, hydrogen is revolutionizing the transportation industry through groundbreaking technological advancements. Behind the ease of refueling lies a highly sophisticated ecosystem, where every hydrogen pump relies on cutting-edge compression, storage, and distribution technologies. Governed by strict standards and continuously evolving infrastructure, this system ensures a refueling process that is safe, fast, and efficient. The expansion of hydrogen stations and the continuous improvement of equipment are meeting the growing demands of sustainable mobility. With innovations in pressure management, cooling, and real-time monitoring, hydrogen technology is advancing toward maximum efficiency. As a result, hydrogen is positioning itself as a key driver of the energy transition, offering a clean and high-performance alternative to fossil fuels.Haut du formulaire

News & Hydrogen

28 February 2025

From Matter to Energy: The Secrets of Hydrogen Production

The why of hydrogen is no longer up for debate.
Whether among scientists, policymakers, or governments—many of which have adopted dedicated hydrogen roadmaps—there’s a clear consensus: hydrogen has a crucial role to play in decarbonizing our world. Its ability to significantly cut CO₂ emissions from industry and transportation makes it a key tool in the fight against climate change.

But beyond its ecological benefits, hydrogen is also a strategic economic asset. As highlighted in the Draghi Report (2024), countries investing in hydrogen production and infrastructure will gain a competitive edge in the global energy transition.

The how, however, remains less understood.
What are the different ways to produce hydrogen? What are their advantages, challenges, and environmental impacts? Let’s break it down and explore the leading production methods, emerging innovations, and what they mean for the future of clean energy.

Why Is Hydrogen Essential for Our Energy Future?

Hydrogen is a simple yet powerful molecule, used both as a raw material and an energy carrier. When produced using low-carbon or renewable methods, it becomes a game-changer for industries and mobility sectors looking to slash their carbon footprints.

However, not all hydrogen is created equal—its environmental impact varies significantly depending on how it is produced. This has led to the classification of hydrogen by color codes, each representing a different production method.

To learn more about hydrogen colors and their environmental impact, check out our article: The Colors of Hydrogen.

Hydrogen Production Methods: From Resource to Energy Carrier

1. The Most Widespread: Steam Methane Reforming (SMR)

SMR, also known as steam reforming, is currently the dominant method of hydrogen production. It involves reacting natural gas (methane) with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen. However, it comes with a major drawback—it generates large amounts of CO₂.

Pros: Cost-effective, widely used, and technologically mature.
Cons: High CO₂ emissions, unless combined with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) to mitigate its environmental impact.

2. The Synthetic Approach: Gasification

Gasification is a thermochemical process that converts carbon-rich materials like bituminous coal, lignite, or biomass into a synthetic gas (“syngas”), which contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Pros: Can repurpose industrial and agricultural waste.
Cons: Heavy reliance on fossil fuels or organic materials, with significant CO₂ emissions (unless captured).

3. The Most Promising: Water Electrolysis

Electrolysis splits water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electricity. When powered by renewable energy sources (solar, wind, or hydro), this method produces zero-carbon hydrogen.

Pros: No direct CO₂ emissions, making it ideal for truly green hydrogen production.
Cons: High energy consumption and expensive electrolyzer technology (though costs are expected to decrease as production scales).

Several variations of electrolysis exist:

High-Temperature Catalytic Water Splitting: Uses heat (often from nuclear or concentrated solar power) to reduce the energy required for electrolysis.
Chimio-Thermal Electrolysis: A hybrid method that combines chemical and electrochemical processes to optimize efficiency.
Electrolysis Powered by Renewables: Uses electricity from wind, solar, or hydro power to ensure minimal environmental impact.

4. The Most Innovative: Emerging Technologies

Several breakthrough technologies aim to produce low-carbon hydrogen with greater efficiency:

Methane Pyrolysis: This process heats methane to over 1,000°C in the absence of oxygen, producing hydrogen and solid carbon, instead of CO₂.

- Pros: No CO₂ emissions, and solid carbon can be used in industries.
- Cons: Still at an early stage, requiring further research and investment.

Biological Hydrogen Production: Uses microorganisms (derived from wastewater or organic waste) to break down biomass and generate hydrogen.

- Pros: A potential solution for turning waste into clean energy.
- Cons: Requires further development for large-scale deployment.

5. The Most Natural: White and Orange Hydrogen

Hydrogen also occurs naturally through long-term geological processes, giving rise to:

White Hydrogen: Formed over thousands of years through natural chemical reactions underground.
Orange Hydrogen: Produced by injecting saltwater into iron-rich rocks, triggering reactions that generate hydrogen.
Pros: No CO₂ emissions—white hydrogen is naturally occurring, while orange hydrogen involves simultaneous CO₂ sequestration.
Cons: Extraction techniques are still experimental, requiring years of research before large-scale deployment.

🔍 To learn more, check out our dedicated article on White Hydrogen.

Environmental Impact of Hydrogen Production

The sustainability of hydrogen depends entirely on how it is produced. Each method carries a different environmental footprint:

Production Method	Environmental Impact
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR)	High CO₂ emissions unless CCUS is used.
Gasification	Generates CO₂, but emissions can be captured.
Electrolysis	Zero emissions if powered by renewables.
Emerging Technologies	Promising, but require further testing and development.
White/Orange Hydrogen	Naturally occurring or involves CO₂ sequestration.

Challenges & Future Outlook for Hydrogen Adoption

1. Reducing Costs

Today, low-carbon hydrogen remains more expensive than traditional hydrogen. However, prices are expected to fall as technologies improve and renewable energy scales up.

2. Infrastructure Development

For hydrogen to reach its full potential, massive investments in pipelines, hydrogen refueling stations, and storage are needed.

3. Policy & Government Support

Public policies, subsidies, and long-term investment strategies will play a crucial role in accelerating hydrogen adoption in industries and transportation.

Hydrogen: The Future of Clean Energy?

Hydrogen—especially when produced sustainably—has the potential to transform our energy landscape. Advancements in electrolysis, carbon capture, and alternative production methods will pave the way for a truly green hydrogen economy.

In a nutshell, hydrogen is much more than just an energy carrier. With sustainable production methods, the right infrastructure and strong political support, it can become an essential pillar of the energy transition.

News & Hydrogen

18 February 2025

ICPE 1416: Deciphering and future developments

An Installation Classified for Environmental Protection (ICPE) refers to a strict French regulatory framework that governs industrial or agricultural facilities likely to pose risks to the environment, safety, or human health. Recognized for its comprehensive and rigorous standards, the ICPE framework serves as a benchmark in other European countries. It ensures that facilities minimize their environmental impact and adhere to the highest safety protocols, setting a model for sustainable industrial practices.

Understanding ICPE and Its Classifications

What are the criteria for being classified as an ICPE?
Facilities are classified as ICPE based on:

Nature and activity: Type of production or storage (e.g., hydrogen storage, chemical production).
Quantitative thresholds: Hydrogen storage volume, facility power, etc.
Associated risks: Potential environmental impacts, substance hazards.

What are the different ICPE categories?
ICPEs are divided into three main categories:

Authorization (A): Facilities with significant risks requiring prior authorization and comprehensive impact studies. Example: A hydrogen station with a storage capacity exceeding 10 tonnes.
Registration (E): Facilities with moderate risks requiring registration with simplified studies. Example: Smaller facilities with limited storage capacity.
Declaration (D): Low-risk facilities requiring only a declaration to authorities. Example: very small or temporary installations.

What are some relevant ICPE rubrics for hydrogen?

1416: Hydrogen distribution in stations.
3420: Hydrogen production through electrolysis.
4715: Hydrogen storage.
2910: Hydrogen combustion (e.g., in engines or turbines).

What are the obligations for ICPE facilities?
Obligations vary by category but generally include:

Developing risk prevention plans.
Conducting regular compliance audits.
Installing appropriate safety measures (fire extinguishers, containment systems).
Monitoring environmental impacts (emissions, discharges).

Understanding ICPE 1416 and Its Upcoming Changes

The ICPE 1416 regulation governs hydrogen distribution stations in France, focusing on safety, environmental compliance, and operational reliability. It provides detailed guidelines for the safe operation, storage, and distribution of hydrogen, tailored to mitigate risks associated with hydrogen’s flammability and high energy content. For example, the regulation mandates that hydrogen storage tanks must maintain a minimum safety distance minimum 10 to 20 meters from sensitive or residential areas, depending on specific site assessments and operational features like containment and venting systems, for storage volumes exceeding 1 ton and below 5 tons.

To meet safety standards, stations must be equipped with reliable leak detection systems. These systems promptly alert operators in the event of a hydrogen release, triggering emergency protocols such as automatic valve shutdowns or the activation of fire suppression systems. Firefighting resources, such as water-based or inert gas suppression systems, are mandatory to control potential hydrogen fires.

In addition, the regulation requires adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of gas in enclosed spaces, which could lead to explosions. Storage tanks and associated equipment must be located in open areas or equipped with high-performance ventilation systems. These infrastructures are subject to regular maintenance and thorough inspections to ensure their proper functioning. Operators must document these inspections and confirm that all components meet current technical standards.

Finally, the environmental impact of hydrogen stations is carefully considered. Operators are required to implement measures to prevent accidental releases and minimize emissions’ impact on air, soil, or water. Emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures, are mandatory to protect surrounding communities.

Set to change in 2025, the regulation will introduce new safety standards and technological updates to accommodate the growing scale of hydrogen infrastructure. For example, stations will need advanced leak detection systems capable of real-time monitoring and triggering emergency shutdown protocols. These updates aim to simplify the implementation of hydrogen mobility projects while addressing key safety and operational challenges. For stakeholders in the hydrogen mobility sector, understanding these changes is critical to ensuring the success and compliance of their projects.

Atawey’s Key Role in Shaping Hydrogen Standards

As a leader in hydrogen mobility, Atawey plays a crucial role in shaping the regulatory framework. Our experts actively participate in France Hydrogène working groups, contributing to the refinement of ICPE 1416 and related standards. These collaborations bring together manufacturers, installers, and policymakers to address challenges, remove regulatory barriers, and ensure hydrogen projects meet high safety and efficiency standards.

Our involvement goes beyond advisory roles. By working closely with public bodies and industry stakeholders, Atawey ensures that evolving regulations reflect real-world needs, fostering sustainable growth in the sector. Through ongoing dialogue and expertise, we help shape standards that make hydrogen solutions more accessible and scalable.

Atawey’s Commitment to Compliance and Excellence

Atawey’s hydrogen refueling stations are already compliant with the upcoming 2025 regulatory changes. Our systems are designed with advanced safety features, rigorous quality controls, and modular configurations to anticipate future expansions or updates. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to delivering reliable, future-ready solutions that meet the highest safety standards.

Our customers benefit from solutions that are not only compliant but also optimized for ease of use and long-term sustainability. With Atawey, you have a partner who combines technical expertise with a forward-looking approach, ensuring your hydrogen mobility projects thrive in an ever-evolving regulatory environment.

News & Hydrogen

4 December 2024

Natural Hydrogen: A Promising Revolution for the Energy Transition

In a world seeking clean and sustainable energy alternatives, natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, is emerging as a revolutionary solution. Unlike green, blue, or gray hydrogen, its production requires neither renewable electricity nor intensive chemical processing. This energy carrier, naturally generated through geological processes, holds significant potential to decarbonize strategic sectors while reducing costs and environmental impacts. This article delves into the promises and challenges of white hydrogen, highlighting initiatives in France, Europe, and globally, as well as its role in the energy transition.

An untapped natural potential

Natural hydrogen, or white hydrogen, is emerging as an innovative and strategic resource in the global energy transition. Formed through geological processes such as the oxidation of ferrous minerals or water radiolysis, it is continuously produced by the Earth over periods ranging from a few thousand to several million years, depending on specific geological conditions. Unlike other types of hydrogen, its production neither depends on intermittent electricity sources nor requires complex CO2 capture technologies, significantly reducing associated costs. Additionally, white hydrogen extraction boasts several environmental advantages:

No fossil fuel dependency: Unlike gray or blue hydrogen, it does not rely on natural gas reforming, eliminating a major source of emissions.
Continuous natural production: The Earth’s natural hydrogen generation processes provide a low-energy alternative to high-input methods like electrolysis.
Minimal land and water use: Unlike green hydrogen, which requires significant water and land for renewable energy installations, white hydrogen extraction involves a smaller operational footprint.

Recent projections estimate that white hydrogen production costs could range between €1 and €1.5/kg in the coming years, well below the €2 to €9/kg expected for hydrogen produced by electrolysis by 2030. By comparison, gray hydrogen from fossil fuels currently costs between €1.5 and €3/kg but has a significantly higher environmental impact. These figures highlight the competitive advantage white hydrogen could represent for the energy and industrial sectors.

Natural Hydrogen: Promising initiatives in France and globally

In France, five exploration permits have been granted, targeting regions such as the Pyrenees, the Albigeois Plain, and French Guiana. These areas have been identified for their favorable geological potential, particularly due to the presence of rock formations rich in iron and magnesium, which facilitate natural hydrogen generation. Preliminary estimates suggest that these areas could supply up to 20% of France’s national hydrogen demand by 2050, depending on technological developments and exploration progress.

In the Pyrenees, projects are exploring magmatic rocks and active serpentinization zones, while in French Guiana, studies focus on Precambrian formations rich in iron. In the Albigeois Plain, promising geochemical indicators reveal significant amounts of dissolved hydrogen in deep aquifers. These deposits could be exploited to power local industries, reduce fossil fuel imports, and support the decarbonization of heavy transport. Initial results from exploratory drilling, expected by 2025, should confirm the commercial potential of these projects.

Across Europe, several emblematic projects are advancing the understanding of natural hydrogen:

Kosovo: The “Banja Vuca” project in the Dinarides region covers 57 km², with feasibility results expected in 2024.
Finland: Exploration in the Outokumpu Belt, supported by Bluejay Mining, is targeting formations known for their hydrogen generation potential.
Poland: Preliminary studies in Lower Silesia focus on serpentinization in magnesium-rich formations.
Ukraine: In the Donetsk Basin, researchers are investigating hydrogen generation under specific geothermal conditions.
United Kingdom: The Scottish Highlands host studies of ultramafic zones where rock-water interactions produce hydrogen.

Globally, key initiatives further underscore the growing interest in white hydrogen. In Mali, the pilot project at Bourakébougou has already proven the existence of exploitable deposits, generating hydrogen directly usable for local energy production. In the United States, exploratory drilling has begun in Nebraska and Kansas, targeting areas such as the Nemaha Ridge, where preliminary geological studies indicate promising potential. In Australia, the Yorke Peninsula hosts pilot projects investigating serpentine-rich formations conducive to natural hydrogen generation .

According to a 2020 study by Zgonnik, over 465 geological occurrences of hydrogen have been identified worldwide, demonstrating a largely untapped global potential. These deposits include areas in Latin America (such as Colombia), Eastern Europe (notably Poland and Ukraine), and Africa (for example, Namibia). While many of these projects are still in exploratory stages, they could pave the way for commercial exploitation by 2030, supported by technological advances and investments estimated at several billion euros.

A ckey lever for the energy future

Despite its promise, white hydrogen faces several challenges, including the development of dedicated infrastructure for extraction, transportation, and storage, as well as the establishment of harmonized regulatory frameworks at the international level. Geological hydrogen storage offers a natural complement to its exploration and production, leveraging underground formations such as salt caverns and aquifers to store surplus hydrogen efficiently. This approach aligns with the development of hydrogen as an energy vector, enabling flexible supply for industrial needs and buffering seasonal energy demands. Projects like the HyGéo Project in Germany are already repurposing salt caverns for hydrogen storage, showcasing the feasibility of large-scale geological systems. In France, the potential for coupling natural hydrogen exploration with geological storage could create a resilient hydrogen ecosystem, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and stabilizing energy markets.

Preliminary estimates suggest that ongoing projects in France and across Europe could significantly contribute to climate objectives by providing a competitive and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. If public and private initiatives continue at this pace, natural hydrogen and its associated storage infrastructure could become a major pillar of the global energy transition, particularly in industrial sectors and heavy mobility.

News & Hydrogen

6 October 2023

H2 ecosystems: a new step for Atawey

With more than ten years’ experience and expertise in the design, manufacture and distribution of hydrogen refueling stations, Atawey, a key player in the hydrogen mobility sector, has in just a few years become the French leader in hydrogen refueling stations (with more than 40% of stations installed by the end of 2022). Thanks to its expertise, its wide range of modular and scalable stations, and its in-depth knowledge of H2 ecosystems, Atawey is also as a partner for hydrogen mobility players.

From initiating H2 ecosystems

HYVIA, the joint-venture equally owned by Renault Group and Plug dedicated to hydrogen mobility, announced on 29 September that it had chosen Atawey to co-develop a new hydrogen refueling station : “HYWELL^TM by HYVIA”. This station is part of a much bigger project, as HYVIA been able to deploy a complete and unique offer of H₂ ecosystems on the European market.

« I’m delighted and proud of the work accomplished with the ATAWEY team since we decided on this partnership last year. We share the same vision. Our teams are working on a key solution to initiate H₂ ecosystems, ready to support the rapid deployment of intensive H₂ mobility. » – says Franck Potel, Director of Partnerships at HYVIA.

The latest addition to the range of compact stations designed and manufactured by Atawey, this hydrogen refueling station has been sized and designed to support the successive phases of decarbonisation of professional LCV fleets.

« This compact station joins our portfolio of hydrogen refueling stations, a portfolio that is adapted to the different needs of the market. It is the fruit of our expertise and industrial know-how, and reflects our ability to support hydrogen players from the earliest stages of their projects, offering them a solution tailored to their specific needs. », says Pierre-Jean Bonnefond, co-founder and Managing Director of Atawey.

Thanks to its Compact and Plug & Play architecture, this station can be deployed quickly and easily on the most constrained installation sites, requiring little civil engineering and simplifying administrative procedures.

Thanks to the integration of the MC Formula system to optimise filling time for users, and a bigger compression and storage capacity than previous versions of compact stations, this new hydrogen refueling station has been designed to optimise the user experience. The station has a distribution capacity of 100 kg/day of H₂ and can refuel 20 to 25 vehicles.

Another advantage is that the investment and operating costs of this new station make it possible to initiate carbon-free mobility H₂ ecosystems very easily.

« This station once again demonstrates Atawey’s ability to support hydrogen players. We had already proved this with our mobile station, which was deployed as part of the ‘Hynova’ project. Because for regulatory reasons relating to port areas, no other type of hydrogen refueling station could be installed. This mobile station was also adapted to Hyliko’s needs in terms of initiating heavy mobility ecosystems, thanks to a solution that includes trucks and stations ». – says Jean-Michel Amaré, co-founder and chairman of Atawey.

Towards mass deployment of intensive mobility

These projects demonstrate Atawey’s determination to become one of the key players in the French and European H2 ecosystems. From vehicle tests to the initiation of the decarbonization of professional fleets, Atawey is accelerating the deployment of hydrogen mobility.

This acceleration is also reflected in its range of high-capacity hydrogen refueling stations (the evolutive stations), deployed in particular along major European routes by project owners such as HYmpulsion, to support the rise of hydrogen applications.

« Because if there’s one thing to remember about our compact stations, it’s that they’re just the beginning of tomorrow’s mobility. Mobility that will require large-capacity stations, and who today can predict how large they will be ? In any case, Atawey will be there to answer », concluded Pierre-Jean Bonnefond when he spoke at the opening of the HYVIA H₂ Ecosystem Event on Monday 2 October.

More than just a manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, Atawey is the partner of choice for accelerating hydrogen mobility all over the world.