Lhyfe unveils hydrogen base plans after Newcastle office opening

An international hydrogen firm has unveiled production base plans it says will strengthen the North East’s reputation as a “global leader of technical innovation”.

French multinational Lhyfe has opened a Newcastle office.

Bosses say the hub will be used to scout a potential manufacturing site and “identify large-scale opportunities to…support the country’s net-zero ambitions”.

The business operates a renewable hydrogen plant in France, and is developing more than 90 projects across Europe, which include a hydrogen-powered forklift truck partnership with supermarket Lidl.

Its North East venture is being led by UK country manager Colin Brown, who says the region holds great possibilities.

He said: “Renewable green hydrogen production at scale is one of the key solutions to help the UK reach its net-zero targets.

“We are exploring exciting opportunities across the UK to enable local decarbonisation, and there is extraordinary potential in the North East.

“Throughout history, the North East has been a global leader of technical innovation, specifically within the transport and energy sectors.

“I hope Lhyfe can add to that heritage.”