HDF Energy commissions its test area, a true center of industrial excellence – The first on-site technical testing center for high-power fuel cells
- The first on-site technical testing center for high-power fuel cells;
- A key competitive asset in HDF Energy’s industrial project;
- A technological showcase supported by the French state as part of the IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) program.
Bordeaux, April 10, 2025
HDF Energy’s center of industrial excellence, whose construction was completed in January 2025, is put into service in Bordeaux (France). This is a key component of HDF Energy’s industrial program dedicated to the design and industrialization of high-power fuel cells for heavy maritime and rail mobility, as well as electricity production for power grids.
Operating autonomously thanks to a remote control system, this center is designed to reproduce real-life fuel cell operating conditions. It enables fuel cells to be tested to guarantee their robustness, quality, safety and performance before delivery to customers. This international training center is already welcoming its first potential clients.
Entirely designed and built by HDF Energy teams, this technological showcase is based on multidisciplinary expertise and collaboration with French partners. HDF Energy is pursuing its commitment to stimulating the regional and French industrial fabric and contributing to the reindustrialization of the region.
The test center features innovative equipment and functionalities:
- Renewable electricity generated by solar panels on the roof of the factory powers an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water;
- Up to 500 kg of pure hydrogen can be stored on-site in tanks to power fuel cells exceeding one megawatt;
- The renewable electricity generated by the fuel cells can be fed into the grid;
- A modular R&D test bench designed to simulate usage profiles of mobility applications enables the development and optimization of maritime and rail propulsion systems.
Damien Havard, Chairman and CEO of HDF Energy, said:
With this innovative infrastructure, HDF Energy reaches a key milestone in its industrial development, illustrating our ambition to position HDF Energy as a global leader in high-power fuel cells.
“Through this center of excellence, we provide our clients with high-quality equipment that meets the most demanding performance and durability standards,”
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HDF Energy commissions its test area, a true center of industrial excellence – The first on-site technical testing center for high-power fuel cells, source
