Lhyfe And Elyse Energy’s e-Methanol Project in France Makes Progress

The Green Coast e-methanol project, initiated by French hydrogen producer Lhyfe and e-fuel company Elyse Energy, is progressing steadily, with the conclusions from initial studies expected to be communicated in 2025. The project is still in development and contingent on the approval of operating licenses, building permits, and investment decisions. Launched in July 2024, the project aims to produce e-methanol from renewable green hydrogen at the Montoir-de-Bretagne site within the Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port in France. Both companies emphasize the significant role this project plays in the region and in the broader effort to decarbonize maritime transport, a critical sector for achieving carbon neutrality and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. E-methanol, produced from green hydrogen, is a vital tool for cutting emissions in maritime transport.

Lhyfe was selected by Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port in late 2023 to establish an industrial green hydrogen production facility. Their plans include building an industrial unit with a production capacity of up to 85 tonnes of green hydrogen per day (equivalent to an electrolysis capacity of 210 MW) by 2028. Elyse Energy, located nearby, is positioning itself to produce renewable fuels in the industrial port area. This proximity led to a collaborative agreement between the two companies to explore the feasibility of producing e-methanol from Lhyfe’s hydrogen, targeting maritime transport as a key beneficiary. The surplus production will be used to decarbonize local industries and mobility, with Elyse aiming to produce 150,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually.

Matthieu Guesné, Lhyfe's CEO, highlighted the project's importance in decarbonizing industries that cannot be eliminated, particularly maritime transport, which stands to benefit greatly from e-methanol produced from green hydrogen. He emphasized the urgency of transitioning to a more sustainable society, noting that the Saint-Nazaire region, where Lhyfe built the pioneering Sealhyfe platform, is an ideal location for this project.

Elyse Energy’s CEO, Pascal Penicaud, described the Green Coast project as a critical initiative in tackling climate change. He stressed the need to decarbonize all industries immediately to mitigate the effects of climate change and expressed excitement about partnering with Lhyfe in this effort. He also noted that the project will not only support the maritime industry but also contribute to the region's industrial vitality.

Jean-Rémy Villageois, Chairman of the Management Board of Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port, commended the project for aligning with the port’s long-term goal of becoming a low-carbon energy hub by 2050. He highlighted its contribution to the broader decarbonization initiatives in the region, including the Loire Estuaire Décarbonation initiative and the GO CO2 project, aimed at capturing and recycling emissions from local industries.