Hydrogen
A strategic vector for industrial decarbonisation, technological innovation and France–India cooperation
A Key Driver of Industrial Transition
Hydrogen is emerging as one of the central pillars of the global energy transition. Traditionally used in refining, chemicals and fertilisers, it is now positioned as a critical solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, steel, cement, shipping, aviation and long-haul transport.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable electricity, offers a strategic pathway to reduce industrial emissions while strengthening energy security. It also plays a stabilising role in energy systems by enabling long-duration storage and grid balancing.
In a context of energy sovereignty, climate commitments and growing global competition, hydrogen has become a priority within national industrial and energy strategies.
Vision 2025–2030: Industrial Scale-Up and Value Chain Structuring
Between 2025 and 2030, the hydrogen sector will be shaped by several major trends:
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Large-scale deployment of electrolysis capacity
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Development of integrated hydrogen value chains
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Expansion of transport and storage infrastructure
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Industrial adoption in steel, chemicals and heavy mobility
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Acceleration of public–private investment frameworks
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Strengthening of international partnerships for supply and demand alignment
This period marks the transition from pilot projects to full-scale industrialisation and strategic deployment.
5 Mt/an
Green hydrogen production target set by India for 2030.
€9 – 10 Md
investment envelope mobilised by France to structure the hydrogen sector.
– 50 %
Expected reduction in green hydrogen production costs by 2030, driven by scale and industrialisation.
Top 3
Hydrogen is among the three main decarbonisation priorities for heavy industry in Europe and Asia.
France: Technological Structuring
France has placed hydrogen at the heart of its industrial and energy strategy. Its ecosystem is characterised by:
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A national low-carbon hydrogen strategy
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Strong industrial and energy players
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Advanced expertise in electrolysis, storage and infrastructure
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Strategic integration between nuclear power, renewables and hydrogen production
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A commitment to European technological leadership
France views hydrogen as a key tool for decarbonising its industry while reinforcing technological sovereignty and competitiveness.
India: Global Ambition and Production Potential
India has launched an ambitious strategy to become a major global producer of green hydrogen. It is characterised by:
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Significant solar potential enabling competitive production costs
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A National Green Hydrogen Mission
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A clear export ambition towards Europe and Asia
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Large-scale energy infrastructure investments
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A strategic objective to reduce fossil fuel imports
India aims to position itself as a future global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
Key Sector Figures
+USD 100 billion
Estimated annual global hydrogen investment by 2030
+500 GW
Global electrolysis capacity targeted by 2030
National priority
India positioned as a future leading producer of green hydrogen
Net zero alignment
Hydrogen identified as a key lever in long-term decarbonisation pathways
Shared Strategic Challenges
France–India cooperation in hydrogen addresses several structural priorities:
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Decarbonisation of heavy industry
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Long-term energy security
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Development of new industrial supply chains
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Technological innovation and skills development
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Structuring of sustainable financing mechanisms
Hydrogen extends beyond energy policy; it is a strategic industrial and geopolitical asset.
Structuring a Hydrogen Corridor
The France–India corridor offers strong potential in:
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Co-development of industrial hydrogen projects
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Integration of advanced electrolysis and storage technologies
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Structured infrastructure financing
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Technology transfer and industrial cooperation
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Creation of resilient bilateral value chains
Such cooperation requires alignment between industrial actors, investors and public authorities.
Strategic Outlook
Hydrogen represents a transformative lever within the France–India economic relationship.
By 2030, industrial competitiveness and energy resilience will depend on the ability to scale low-carbon solutions efficiently and sustainably.
France–India cooperation in hydrogen reflects a convergence of energy transition, industrial innovation and long-term strategic ambition.
Updates
