French low-carbon iron producer GravitHy has announced that it has submitted the permit applications for its flagship project in Fos-sur-Mer, marking a key milestone in the development of its planned low-carbon iron production facility.
The company stated that the submission follows several years of engineering work, environmental studies, stakeholder consultations and project development.
Project to support decarbonization of European steel industry
Established in 2022, GravitHy aims to supply low-carbon iron produced using hydrogen and low-carbon electricity to support the decarbonization of the European steel industry. The company said the project has been designed to meet high standards for safety, environmental performance and industrial efficiency.
GravitHy also highlighted its stakeholder engagement process, which has been carried out since 2023 under the supervision of the French National Commission for Public Debate. Public meetings, workshops and consultations with local authorities, residents, associations and other stakeholders led to several design changes aimed at improving the project's environmental integration and addressing local concerns.
Hydrogen-based HBI plant planned for Fos-sur-Mer
GravitHy's Fos-sur-Mer project is designed to produce low-carbon hot briquetted iron (HBI) using hydrogen generated on site through water electrolysis. The company said the HBI will be supplied to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers across Europe, supporting the transition to lower-carbon steel production while strengthening European industrial value chains and contributing to the development of the hydrogen economy.
The company noted that Fos-sur-Mer was selected because of its established industrial infrastructure, logistics network, access to low-carbon energy and proximity to major steel industry participants. The project has also been recognized by the French government as a Project of Major National Interest, reflecting its strategic importance for industrial decarbonization and economic development.
