Lhyfe inaugurated its first commercial site in Germany, marking a major step in the decarbonization of mobility and industrial sectors.
The 10 MW facility in Schwäbisch Gmünd, developed on a one-hectare site, can produce up to four tons of renewable hydrogen per day through water electrolysis powered entirely by renewable electricity. This volume is sufficient to fuel approximately 100 heavy-duty trucks over 400 kilometers daily without generating CO₂ emissions.
The project, Lhyfe’s fourth production site and its first outside France, integrates modular containerized units that handle the full hydrogen production chain—from water treatment and electrolysis to purification, compression, and refueling. Hydrogen is distributed via tube trailers and on-site filling stations, supporting regional industrial and mobility applications, including an agreement with H2 MOBILITY to supply local hydrogen refueling stations.
Lhyfe’s site also targets industrial decarbonization in sectors such as steel, chemicals, and glass, offering a carbon-free alternative to grey hydrogen and natural gas. The facility could support the planned hydrogen-powered “H2-Aspen industrial zone,” underscoring the role of green hydrogen as a scalable solution for heavy industry.
State and EU backing underpinned the development, with €2.1 million from Baden-Württemberg and €4.3 million from the European Regional Development Fund through the “H2-Wandel – Model Region for Green Hydrogen Baden-Württemberg” initiative. The site received RFNBO certification in September 2025, confirming that its hydrogen production meets the EU’s stringent standards for renewable fuels of non-biological origin, ensuring compliance with environmental and traceability criteria under the EU Taxonomy.
Lhyfe has been active in Germany since 2020, initially supporting Deutsche Bahn’s “H2goesRail” project and delivering hydrogen commercially from 2023. The company operates a high-performance logistics network with 70 tube trailers ranging from 380 to 1000 kg, achieving a 99% service rate in 2024 and over 470 deliveries across Europe. The Schwäbisch Gmünd site expands this network, enabling continuous supply to regional mobility and industrial customers without requiring on-site production units.
Government officials emphasized the strategic significance of the facility. Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, described it as “an important step forward in ramping up hydrogen technology” and a strong signal for a sustainable future. Thekla Walker, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Energy of Baden-Württemberg, highlighted the role of such projects in establishing Germany as a leader in the international hydrogen market, while European Commission representative Nicolas Gibert-Morin underscored the potential for green hydrogen to drive innovation, job creation, and growth across the EU.
Richard Arnold, First Mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd, noted that the site positions the city as a key hub for green hydrogen in southern Germany, creating opportunities for new products and economic value. Luc Graré, Lhyfe’s Head of Central & Eastern Europe, confirmed that the company is poised to expand its operations in Germany, leveraging advanced logistics and operational experience to deliver increasing volumes and potentially develop on-site production units in the future.
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