HY-FEN

Corridor from the South to the North of France
Carte du projet hydrogène HY-FEN et logo

Last update: 18 June 2025

Description of project

HY-FEN is aimed at developing a hydrogen transport infrastructure from the south of France to the German border, in continuation of the BarMar project, connecting the Iberian peninsula, France and Germany via high-potential hydrogen valleys along its route in the Rhône valley, including major hydrogen storage projects.

Hydrogen for what use, planning and technical details

HY-FEN will enable the decarbonisation of the main industrial basins on its path in France and towards adjacent countries, in particular Germany. It will also be usable for the various mobility uses. Consequently, the project will be a key factor in the development of a renewable and low-carbon hydrogen market at the European level.

  • 2020-2022: Preliminary studies for the design of a European hydrogen transport infrastructure as part of the “European Hydrogen Backbone”.
  • January 2023: France and Germany announce the extension of the H2Med project up to Germany, confirming the benefits of a corridor.
  • 2024: completion of feasibility studies
  • 31 January 2025 : winning project of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) call for projects.
  • 2025-2027: basic engineering studies for the direct Fos-sur-Mer – Obergailbach route.
  • 2027-2029: detailed engineering studies and administrative procedures.
  • 2030: From 2030: planned commissioning date.
  • Length: Approximately 1,000 km at term.
  • Capacity: 200 GWh/d.

Debating the Industrial Future of Fos Berre Provence public debate

As requested by the Prefects of the Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Gard departments of France, the National Commission for Public Debate (known as the CNDP in France) organised a comprehensive public debate on 11 December 2024 about the decarbonisation and reindustrialisation projects in the industrial zone of the Golfe de Fos, the Étang de Berre and their associated territories. The projects concerned include HY-FEN and HYnframed, led by NaTran.

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