Leading the energy express, Normandy has emerged as France’s leading energy region, generating more jobs and wealth in the energy sector than any other. With nuclear energy as its primary source, Normandy produces a surplus that is exported to other French regions and even to the UK.
This strength is reinforced by an ambitious and ongoing energy transition, as renewable energy production has doubled in the past decade, thanks to advances in marine energy and hydrogen technologies.
A Structured Ecosystem of Key Stakeholders
The region boasts a rich and dynamic ecosystem where small local businesses collaborate with large industrial groups. Major stakeholders include Air Liquide, Ariane Group, Enercoop, Efinor, ExxonMobil, FEV, Sogestran, and Chereau, alongside research institutions and innovation hubs. Normandie Énergies, an excellence cluster, brings together over 270 stakeholders across four pillars: renewable energy, nuclear, oil & gas, and emerging energy uses. It works hand-in-hand with Normandie Maritime, which promotes and coordinates the regional maritime and inland waterway sector. The energy ecosystem also includes renowned R&D centres and institutions, such as Campus H2 Académie, and labs like Coria, GREAH, LCS, LUSAC, CRISMAT, and CERTAM.
Hydrogen: A Strategic Regional Focus
Normandy stands out as France’s largest hydrogen consumer, at 350,000 tonnes per year — 38% of the national total. With deep
industrial roots in petrochemicals, chemicals, and aerospace, the region is investing in major projects: · Eas’HyMob: 10 hydrogen refuelling stations already in operation. · Ariane Group in Vernon: developing Europe’s largest test site for liquid hydrogen. · Normand’Hy: the largest regional hydrogen production project. The Region pioneered the Normandy Hydrogen Plan in 2018, allocating €15 million over three years to accelerate decarbonisation and build a long-term hydrogen industry.
Marine Energy: Normandy in the Lead With a 640 km coastline, Normandy offers France’s greatest potential for marine renewable energy. The region has 200 hectares of available land for related infrastructure. Of France’s ten planned offshore wind farms, five will be in Normandy. From Le Havre to Cherbourg (via Caen-Ouistreham, Dieppe, and Fécamp), the region’s ports are equipped to handle construction, operation, and maintenance. Siemens Gamesa also operates a turbine manufacturing plant in Le Havre.
Institutional and Financial Support
Normandy is rolling out strong support mechanisms for its energy transition: · In October 2024, the Region and ADEME launched a new scheme to help local authorities fund their environmental projects with technical, legal, and financial support. · The National “France 2030” Plan calls for hydrogen technology projects offering up to 75% project funding for R&D, green transport systems, and eco-design. ·
The Just Transition Fund helps SMEs reduce investment risks by supporting green infrastructure, feasibility studies, and productive investments.
A Long-Term Regional Strategy
Normandy’s energy policy is backed by a clear and collaborative vision. In 2019, the Region signed a partnership agreement with departmental energy unions, committing €150 million over five years to coordinated projects.
In early 2025, Normandy finalised its low-carbon mobility plan, aiming for a future built on decarbonised fleets and hydrogen infrastructure by 2030–2050. In 2024 alone, ADEME Normandy supported 415 projects, providing €202.5 million in funding and generating €588 million in total investment (public and private). Normandy has become a national testing ground for energy transition, driven by industrial strength, proactive governance, and bold renewable ambitions. From hydrogen and offshore wind to solar and biomass, Normandy’s energy mix fuels local growth, innovation, and decarbonisation.
