France’s hydrogen station network is unique in Europe, thanks to the diversity of its regional hydrogen station networks. In this series of articles dedicated to the French hydrogen infrastructure, we present the main players in the French hydrogen station network.

First up is HYmpulsion in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (AURA) region, one of the pillars of France’s hydrogen station network.

HYmpulsion is a commercial project created in 2018, aiming to set up a complete hydrogen mobility system within the “Zero Emission Valley”, a public-private cooperation project on the scale of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. HYmpulsion is financed by five major shareholders: the AURA region, Michelin, Engie, Crédit Agricole and Banque des Territoires. The project also benefits from 10 million euros in co-financing from the European Union.

HYmpulsion currently operates 5 stations in Chambéry, Vénissieux, Saint-Priest and Clermont-Ferrand. HYmpulsion also produces its own low-carbon hydrogen thanks to an electrolyzer installed in Grenoble.

To recharge a vehicle with hydrogen on the HYmpulsion network, you need to contact HYmpulsion to sign a hydrogen supply contract. This contract will enable you to access the stations and fill up with hydrogen, thanks to a badge supplied by HYmpulsion.

HYmpulsion’s ambitions can be summed up in a few figures: the installation of 20 stations and the creation of 3 low-carbon hydrogen production sites in Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand and Bourgouin. The ultimate goal is to put 1,200 hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road in the region.