Bercy’s announcement this Thursday morning of three industrial projects in Le Havre worth 2.6 billion euros contrasts with the different social plans envisaged by Michelin or even Auchan. Three companies, Livista Energy, Air Products and Qair, will develop a lithium refinery in the Normandy city, a renewable hydrogen import site and a hydrogen and methanol production and storage project by 2026-2029, according to the ministry.
And three ministers, Antoine Armand, François Durovray and Catherine Vautrin, respectively responsible for Economy, Finance and Industry, Transport and Decentralisation, are expected in the city tomorrow morning to greet these future installations.
By 2028-2029 these three companies will settle in the port basin on an area of 60 hectares. Livista Energy, based in the capital of Luxembourg, will invest €1.2 billion, across 30 hectares, in a chemical refinery to produce battery-grade lithium from primary and recycled materials. An activity that is currently dominated by Asian countries. In total, this facility is expected to accommodate 220 jobs.
For its part, Air Products, the American world leader in industrial gases, will import renewable hydrogen. The planned investment is 1.1 billion euros on fifteen hectares and should employ almost 270 people. Air Products is already French company TotalEnergies’ main supplier of green hydrogen for its decarbonisation projects at its European refineries.
Qair, the Montpellier (Hérault) company, will invest 500 million euros in a renewable hydrogen and methanol production and storage unit to supply maritime and air transport customers. Furthermore, 150 jobs should be created.
A new future for brownfield sites
For several years now the government’s idea has been to reuse industrial wasteland in port areas for projects that promote the energy transition. These three companies responded to a tender launched by the river-sea port on the Seine axis, Haropa, which brings together the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris.
In France, according to the Ministry of Territorial Partnership, almost 1,500 hectares of industrial land are available in Le Havre, Marseille and Dunkirk. “As part of France 2030, we are mobilizing land on 50 sites to make so-called turnkey land available to businesses, with state support for simplified procedures,” the ministry specified.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Energy Transition Expert
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Isabelle Moreau, an expert on energy transition and industrial development. We’re here to discuss the recent announcement from Bercy regarding significant industrial projects in Le Havre, which are set to invest 2.6 billion euros into the local economy. Welcome, Dr. Moreau!
Dr. Moreau: Good morning! Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The French government has greenlit three major projects in Le Havre—what do you think the implications of these projects are for the region?
Dr. Moreau: This development in Le Havre represents a substantial shift towards sustainable energy production in France. The lithium refinery and hydrogen projects are vital, not just for local employment but for positioning France as a leader in the burgeoning clean energy sector. Notably, the lithium refinery being developed by Livista Energy aims to tap into the growing demand for battery-grade lithium—an essential component in electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.
Editor: Speaking of employment, Livista’s new facility is expected to create around 220 jobs. How significant is this for local communities, especially when compared to other social plans we’re seeing from companies like Michelin and Auchan?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely, the creation of 220 direct jobs is indeed significant for Le Havre, particularly in the context of economic recovery and sustainable development. It can serve as a catalyst for further investment in the local economy. Moreover, compared to the layoffs and restructuring plans from companies like Michelin, which often lead to uncertainty and job losses, this investment can restore hope and stability in the community.
Editor: Bercy’s announcement included three companies: Livista Energy, Air Products, and Qair. Can you elaborate on the roles these companies will play in this industrial ecosystem?
Dr. Moreau: Certainly! Livista Energy will focus on the lithium refinery, crucial for supplying materials for electric vehicle batteries. Air Products, a leader in industrial gases, will likely play a pivotal role in developing infrastructure for hydrogen production and storage. Qair will contribute to renewable hydrogen importation and further hydrogen and methanol production, promoting the use of hydrogen as a cleaner energy source for transportation and industry. Collectively, these companies will establish a significant industrial hub focused on sustainable energy.
Editor: Ministerial support seems strong, with three ministers expected to visit Le Havre soon. What does this level of government involvement signal about the future of industrial projects in France?
Dr. Moreau: Ministerial visits underscore the significant political will to support the energy transition. Such high-level attention reflects the government’s recognition of these projects as crucial to achieving France’s climate goals and bolstering the economy, particularly in light of current global energy challenges. It also signals to potential investors and international partners that France is committed to being at the forefront of the green transition.
Editor: looking ahead to 2028-2029 when these plants are expected to be operational, what do you envision for the future of Le Havre and similar port cities in France?
Dr. Moreau: If these projects are successful, Le Havre could become a model for other cities in France and beyond. It could lead to the establishment of a robust supply chain for clean energy technologies and create a business ecosystem that attracts further investment. Additionally, it can pave the way for other port cities to transition to greener economies, ultimately contributing to Europe’s aim for a sustainable and competitive industrial base.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that these projects in Le Havre are more than just financial investments—they represent a step toward a sustainable future for both the region and the larger energy landscape.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for energy transition, and I look forward to seeing how these projects unfold.
Editor: That wraps up our discussion today. Stay tuned for more updates on this important topic. Thank you for joining us!