Michelin aims to be hydrogen leader

As part of its plans to be less dependent on its tyre business, Michelin has high hopes for Symbio, its hydrogen joint venture. By 2030, the French company expects there will be over two million hydrogen-fuelled cars on the roads.

In 2019, Michelin set up a joint venture together with automotive parts supplier Faurecia. This joint venture, Symbio, invests in hydrogen fuel cells for light commercial vehicles and for lorries. By 2030, Michelin expects to see two million hydrogen vehicles on the road, 25% of which should be powered by Symbio technology.

Michelin sees more applications for hydrogen than the automotive, including steel production, the chemical industry and city heating. The French government has announced it will invest seven billion euros in hydrogen research by 2030 in a bid to reduce CO2 emissions by six million tonnes. The European Union has also earmarked several million euros for hydrogen.

Zero Emission Valley

Symbio is one of the partners of Zero Emission Valley in the French Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. In 2023, this region will boast twenty hydrogen filling stations, making it the first European hub for hydrogen mobility. There will also be 1,200 hydrogen vehicles for use by businesses.

Zero Emission Valley is a collaboration between Symbio, Engie, the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the French investment bank and Crédit Agricole.

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