French hydrogen firm Lhyfe has announced a move into South Yorkshire having already established an initial UK base in the North East.
The alternative fuel specialist has opened a Sheffield office having identified the city region as a hot spot for hydrogen research and “exceptional supply chain potential”. Lhyfe’s new outpost will be in the city centre’s Wizu Workspace and led by renewable energy expert Stuart Sinclair.
The firm says it is now open to discussions with companies about how to decarbonise operations through use of hydrogen and also aims to build links with academia as hydrogen fuel switching research projects are underway at the University of Sheffield. Lhyfe specialises in green hydrogen which is produced by the energy intensive process of water electrolysis which can be powered by renewable energy — primarily wind and solar power.
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Its engineers have developed the world’s first offshore electrolysis demonstrator – ‘Sealhyfe’ – in a bid to reach gigawatt scale production powered by wind farms and to showcase the tech for investors. Lhyfe’s Sheffield base marks further growth into the UK having staged a €110m IPO on the Euronext Paris exchange in May 2022.
Stuart Sinclair, offshore deployment UK and Ireland at Lhyfe, said: “At Lhyfe, we are already demonstrating that green hydrogen is now a reality and a key driver of the clean energy transition. Sheffield is at the epicentre of the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy and we look forward to playing our part in its growth.
“The city boasts exceptional supply chain potential and strong industry connections, as well as ongoing world-leading hydrogen research and development. We’re excited to offer our expertise to potential partners and fast-track the shift toward a sustainable future.”
Colin Brown, UK and Ireland country manager at Lhyfe, said: “Renewable green hydrogen production offers significant decarbonisation options for a range of organisations, and there is extraordinary potential in Sheffield. This new office is in line with our ambitious UK deployment plans and we felt it was the right time to establish a base here. I firmly believe creating regional green hydrogen eco-systems should allow everyone to benefit, in a way that is open to all while ensuring regional economies of scale.”
Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber