In December 2024, Ready4H2 member GRDF and Energy Formation launched a specialised training facility, the H2Zone Platform dedicated to hydrogen distribution. Located on the Energy Formation campus in Saint-Étienne-de-Montluc, the facility equips GRDF teams and sector stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to safely design, install, operate and maintain hydrogen networks.
The facility fulfils several objectives:
Covering approximately 1,000 square meters, the facility is designed to reflect the specificities of a functional hydrogen network. It features several dedicated areas for key activities, including injection systems, maintenance operations, leak detection training, factory network simulation and safety protocols. These specialised zones allow trainees to grasp both technical and operational aspects while exploring hydrogen’s diverse applications.
As highlighted in the Ready4H2 Transformation Report, building a skilled workforce is one of the essential components for converting to hydrogen. Bridging technical excellence with practical application, H2Zone will support France’s plans to deploy hydrogen as part of its energy transition.
Thomas Muller, Hydrogen Director of GRDF and Ready4h2 Steering Committee Chair stated that: “the commissioning of the H2 zone platform is a key milestone on our roadmap towards the deployment of the first hydrogen networks in France. This achievement is the first realisation of all the work carried out on technical, regulatory, and safety levels. It will validate the chosen model and allow to gradually acquire the essential operational experience needed to implement the projects on field".
