Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of the world's first plant exclusively dedicated to the production of high-power fuel cells in Blanquefort, France. The facility, situated in Gironde on the grounds of a former Ford factory, spans 7,000 square meters and has the potential to expand by an additional 5,000 square meters. At a cost of 20 million euros, the construction of the plant, which includes nine assembly lines, was completed in just 14 months. Initially, the plant aims to produce 100 megawatts (MW) of batteries annually, with plans to scale up to 1 gigawatt (GW) per year by 2030. This development signifies a crucial advancement in the decarbonization of heavy mobility sectors and the global energy transition. The future focus of the project involves the commencement of the pre-production phase and fuel cell testing in 2025, with series production of 1.5 to 10 MW batteries scheduled to begin in 2026. These high-power cells will be instrumental in generating electricity for applications such as hydrogen-fueled freight locomotives and ships, where traditional batteries are not suitable. When coupled with renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, HDF Energy's batteries can also replace conventional coal- or oil-fired power plants to supply electricity grids. Moreover, HDF Energy is engaged in around fifteen projects worldwide with investments exceeding five billion euros, spanning countries like Guyana, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Cambodia. The company plans to expand its workforce from 100 to 500 employees by 2030, with a significant portion of supplies sourced from local and European suppliers. Backed by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and selected for a hydrogen funding program by the European Commission, HDF Energy is among the 11 companies receiving public funding from seven EU member states, totaling 1.4 billion euros, with an anticipated leverage effect of 3.3 billion euros in private investment. The inauguration of the plant in Gironde symbolizes a substantial leap forward in the energy transition domain. By manufacturing high-power fuel cells, HDF Energy is contributing to the decarbonization of critical mobility sectors and bolstering power grids worldwide. This initiative aligns with the global trend of phasing out fossil fuels and embraces substantial public and private investment to drive the shift towards renewable energy.