Potential of the territory
The “Pays de la Loire” Region, with its coastline (offshore energy and marine industries), its expertise in energy treatment (1st European methane harbor, 3rd coal harbor), its industrial subcontracting network, is well adapted to consolidate and develop a high specificity in hydrogen and fuel cells for marine and fluvial applications, in connection with offshore energy.
Moreover, the presence of special vehicle manufacturer (Gruau) gives the opportunity to develop innovative solutions applied to peri-urban transport in captive fleet in addition to "all battery solutions".
The region and its actors have assets to position themselves as a national center of excellence in hydrogen and fuel cells technologies.
It is also an opportunity to help build up a regional network of energy (cluster In'Energie) thus ensuring its visibility both nationally and internationally.
The strong European and French commitment to first organize research and then implement the hydrogen network, suggests that such activities can be carried anywhere.
Most current programs are located in the Eastern half of France. The “Pays de la Loire” region, by focusing on this sector, allows a better distribution of resources. In choosing to focus on marine applications, it also stands out from other national initiatives related to land transport and housing.
