While the national hydrogen strategy is being refocused on the most relevant domestic uses, France is also set to roll out an ambitious international strategy to support the industry’s exports.
This commitment will be reflected in the appointment of an International Hydrogen Strategy Coordinator, tasked with developing and implementing an operational action plan in the near future. The plan will be drawn up in consultation with the relevant government departments, industry stakeholders, and public agencies. Additionally, ministries involved in the strategy, working alongside the coordinator, may appoint hydrogen advisors to French embassies in a number of priority countries.
A Scientific and Economic Approach
The diplomatic strategy will be primarily economic in nature. The French government intends to enhance existing export support mechanisms for the hydrogen sector, including the so-called “internal guarantee.” A €100 million grant package will also be made available to support the export of hydrogen-related equipment. Companies will have access to additional financial tools such as public policy loans from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), support from Business France, and blended Treasury loans. France also plans to increase its investment in multilateral development banks.
Regulatory alignment will also play a crucial role. The strategy highlights France’s active participation in international negotiations on methods for calculating hydrogen’s greenhouse gas emissions, as well as certification procedures essential for meeting the Paris Agreement targets. France is an active and financial supporter of the IPHE (International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy) and contributes to the work of the International Energy Agency. The country aims to take a leading role in shaping international standards that align with the cutting-edge technologies developed by French hydrogen companies.
Diplomacy will also have a strong scientific and academic dimension. The goal is to deepen research partnerships, share French expertise with partner countries, and assist them in their own decarbonisation efforts. As part of this, France plans to establish international technical expert (ITE) positions dedicated to hydrogen within the next three years.
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