Axpo is investing in a H₂ production and distribution initiative to power the transportation sector in France’s Arve Valley, in Haute-Savoie. The “Arve Hydrogène Mobilité” project (Arv’Hy) will see H₂-powered vehicles filling up at an H₂ service station from the first quarter of 2025. The project is supported by a number of partners, including Atawey, a pioneer in the development of H₂ filling stations, and Jean Lain Mobilités, a major distributor of vehicles in the French Alps, including H₂-fueled cars.

The Arv'Hy project aims to play an active role in decarbonizing the Arve Valley between Geneva and Chamonix. This will be achieved through the development of a comprehensive and innovative H₂ ecosystem. Industry and regional authorities are strongly committed to the energy transition and protection of the environment.

Axpo’s Head of H₂, Guy Bühler, said, "We’re delighted to be joining this exciting project, our first in France, which is responding to an emerging market for green H₂. Working with our new partners, we’ll be contributing our extensive H₂ know-how and expertise, especially in energy management systems that optimize the efficient production of H₂ from electrolysers. This is another step forward in Axpo’s ongoing commitment to building a H₂ economy in Switzerland and Europe.”

The project marks the start of an ambitious collaboration between five key local partners. Atawey brings its technology and industry know-how. Axpo will secure the volumes of renewable energy essential to H₂ production. Jean Lain Mobilités will provide its expertise in H₂ transportation.

LSBN, a family holding company with various service companies will provide a suitable site for the project and local expertise in services. The Crédit Agricole des Savoie bank will provide financial expertise, while the project will also draw on H₂ developer Eneralys for project management assistance and its experience in green H₂ sites and transportation ecosystems.

The H₂ filling station will be constructed in the Haute-Savoie commune of Vougy. Electrolyzer capacity of up to 5 MW will gradually be installed between now and 2030 to meet the growing demands of carbon-free transportation in the region. The first H₂-powered vehicles will be able to fill up at an H₂ service station from the first quarter of 2025.

H₂ projects in Switzerland and abroad. Axpo has already launched several H₂ projects in 2024, while its first and so far, largest green H₂ plant at the Reichenau hydroelectric power station in Switzerland is about to be inaugurated. Axpo is also working with the Australian company IGE to develop one of the largest H₂ production facilities in Italy, in central Abruzzo’s Peligna Valley. In addition, the first H₂-powered passenger vessel on Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne is being planned in collaboration with the SGV shipping company. As part of this project, Axpo will supply the green H₂ needed to operate the boat. The H₂ will be produced locally at a new production facility in nearby Bürglen.