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2020/03/27
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With Crédit Agricole, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is committing to sustainable mobility

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is fostering the use of hydrogen and has launched the Zero Emission Valley programme to commit the region and its various players to a “hydrogen dynamic”. The Regional Banks of Centre France, Centre-Est, Sud Rhône Alpes, Loire Haute-Loire and Savoie are supporting the project in a number of forms.

The objective of the Zero Emission Valley (ZEV) project is to roll out 1,000 vehicles and 20 hydrogen distribution stations, 100% renewable, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, as seen here at the Atawey station. © DR

With GDP equal to that of Denmark, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is a major driver of the French economy. It is also an innovative region increasingly turned to a carbon-free future. The latest such example is the launch of a programme Zero Emission Valley aimed at establishing a sector of excellence in hydrogen mobility through the implementation of 20 stations and a fleet of 1,000 passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and transport vehicles.

13,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided

“With 4.3 million litres of diesel replaced and 13,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided, this project, backed by a group including the Region, Michelin, Engie and Caisse des Dépôts, will respond to climate issues and show that economic development and wealth creation are not incompatible with environmental protection,” said Pierre Bastianelli, Corporate Director at Crédit Agricole Centre France. “The programme is both ambitious and fascinating, and fully corresponds to the values of our group and our determination to actively contribute to the energy transition.”

Five Regional Banks involved

So it comes as no surprise that Crédit Agricole is a stakeholder in this adventure... “And on five counts. The five Regional Banks actively involved in this project – Centre France, Centre-est, Sud Rhône Alpes, Loire Haute-Loire and Savoie – have decided to join forces to support its development.” This support will take many forms, including the acquisition of a stake in the project company, the financing of operations and the purchase of vehicles for the fleets of the Regional Banks. “We are also developing a specific offer to enable our customers to acquire a hydrogen vehicle in the best conditions,” said Pierre Bastianelli.

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