EU Approves French Subsidy Scheme to Support 1GW Hydrogen Electrolysers

The European Commission has given the green light to France’s ambitious state-aid plan designed to accelerate the country’s hydrogen production. The scheme will support up to 1GW of electrolyser capacity, offering 15-year fixed payments to help producers cover the higher costs of green and pink hydrogen compared with fossil-based alternatives. France is putting €800 million toward the first 200MW phase, aiming to encourage hydrogen use in sectors where electrification is not feasible, such as heavy industry, chemical production, and certain transport applications. By backing both green hydrogens, produced from renewable electricity, and pink hydrogen, produced using nuclear power, the initiative strengthens France’s position in Europe’s low-carbon transition and contributes to meeting broader EU climate targets. Analysts see the program as a significant step in scaling up domestic hydrogen infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fostering innovation and investment in clean energy technologies