Lhyfe has tested green hydrogen as a substitute for natural gas in industrial combustion processes for the first time. The trials took place in the ceramics industry, a sector with high energy requirements and corresponding CO₂ emissions. The French company reported that the tests were successful, opening up new avenues for decarbonising energy-intensive industries.
Lhyfe has achieved a significant milestone in heavy industry decarbonization by successfully replacing natural gas with green hydrogen in ceramic manufacturing processes. The combustion trials covered temperatures ranging from 400°C to 1550°C—parameters crucial for cement, steel, glass, and non-ferrous metal industries.
The company's custom-developed mixing kit enables a practical transition pathway. The system allows for gradual adjustment, letting operators incrementally increase hydrogen content from zero to 100 percent. Existing facilities require only burner replacement—no additional plant modifications needed.
Spain Market Entry Through Valencia Pilot
Concurrently, Lhyfe launched its Iberian Peninsula operations with Spain's first green hydrogen delivery. Three tons of the carbon-neutral fuel reached Valencia region within three weeks, transported using Lhyfe's proprietary container fleet—reportedly Europe's largest hydrogen transport capacity.
Production originates from Lhyfe's Bessières facility near Toulouse, operational since 2024 and generating up to two tons of green hydrogen daily at 5 MW capacity. Valencia presents an ideal testing ground, hosting numerous ceramic and frit manufacturers that traditionally rely on natural gas combustion for high-temperature processes.
Major Barcelona Facility in Development
Lhyfe's next project is already underway: a 15 MW production plant in Vallmoll, south of Barcelona, scheduled to produce 4.5 to 5 tons of green hydrogen daily from 2027. Spain's H2-Pioneros program supports the venture with €14 million in funding. Target customers include chemical companies and mobility applications.
Spain offers optimal conditions for hydrogen projects according to Lhyfe's assessment: political backing, attractive incentive frameworks, and abundant renewable energy resources. Simultaneously, manufacturers face mounting pressure to decarbonize their energy supply and maintain competitiveness.
