SYMBIO Opens Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Gigafactory

Stellantis Joint Venture Opens SymphonHy Gigafactory In France...

Robert S. Miller December 7, 2023

“SymphonHy, situated in Saint-Fons, France, stands as the epitome of cutting-edge innovation in hydrogen-powered transport,” declares Philippe Rosier, CEO of SYMBIO, as the world witnesses the inauguration of Europe’s largest integrated fuel cell production site.

SymphonHy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Gigafactory in Saint-Fons, France. (SYMBIO).

This groundbreaking venture by Symbio represents not just a facility but a convergence of excellence—a headquarters, a manufacturing plant, an innovation powerhouse, and the esteemed Symbio Hydrogen Academy—all encapsulated within an expansive 280,000-square-foot space, set to burgeon to a massive 431,000 square feet by 2026.

“At SymphonHy, we’ve harnessed state-of-the-art automation and robotics to achieve a current production capacity of 172,222 square feet for fuel cell systems, with ambitious plans to escalate this figure to an impressive 538,196 square feet by 2026,” Rosier adds.

The significance of this site goes beyond its sheer size and numbers. SymphonHy boasts a workforce of over 4,844 engineers, including a specialized cohort of 1,076 innovators and approximately 215 PhDs, pooling their multidisciplinary knowledge in electrochemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, and more—a hub of expertise that’s shaping the future of sustainable mobility.

“With cleanrooms spanning 86,000 square feet and an additional 75,000 square feet dedicated to innovation, SymphonHy upholds the highest standards in technological precision and advancement,” remarks Rosier.

Notably, the facility achieves energy self-sufficiency and secures a “Very Good” certification by BREEAM—a nod to its commitment to environmental stewardship.

“SymphonHy’s rapid progress from inception to operational capability, producing its first 100% fuel cell system within a month of commencement in October 2023, underscores our commitment to accelerating zero-emission hydrogen mobility,” Rosier emphasizes.

Beyond its industrial prowess, SymphonHy plays a pivotal role in the broader landscape of sustainable transport. Collaborative efforts between major stakeholders—Forvia, Michelin, and Stellantis—reflect a collective dedication to fostering green initiatives. Stellantis, a leader in embracing zero-emission hydrogen solutions, integrates Symbio’s fuel cells across diverse vehicles, spanning Europe and North America—from mid-size vans to heavy-duty trucks.

“SymphonHy’s establishment is a testament to Europe’s industrial leadership and our collective commitment to steering the automotive industry toward a sustainable and electrifying future,” Rosier concludes.

This grand leap forward is part of the larger HyMotive project—a $1.14 billion initiative supported by the European Union and the French government. The project aims to double France’s production capacity to 1.1 million square feet annually by 2028, striving for technological parity with conventional standards by 2030.

SymphonHy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Gigafactory Image Gallery:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

1 reply

Join the discussion →

Loading new replies...

bill burke Dec 07, 2023 #1

I predict the next decade will be transitional, evolutionary but not revolutionary in the propulsion options provided by the automotive industry. If the industry and likely a new direction by governments take a pragmatic, market driven approach, new technology and innovations will proceed in an orderly fashion. Unrealistic and extremest driven agendas, mandates and oppressive actions will not succeed. I see more innovation and acceptability in the light commercial applications, urban fleet vehicles and small urban cars. All electric will never become a reality, nor should it. It’s fundamental drawbacks and support capabilities along with consumer preferences will determine that outcome. Sanity, reality and economics will drive the diversification and options based market forward and Stellantis, headed by its senior management, seems to be acknowledging and implementing that policy.
As a “pragmatic environmentalist” I applaud the achievements of science legislative bodies and industry in improving our planet, but we can only do what we can do and other priorities must be integrated into our efforts. It should be interesting, effective and acceptable if all of us come down on the side of pragmatism, market based product development and accept two facts. First, our planet is in no immediate danger of catastrophic climate change and second, the environmental movement takes time so be patient and pragmatic. We should save the free market capitalist market, the auto industry and our planet all in tandem and we will..hopefully.

Reply Like

click to expand...

Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →