GravitHy Secures Investment from Japan Hydrogen Fund
Deal News | Mar 26, 2025 | Advantage Partners LLP
Japan Hydrogen Fund, managed by Advantage Partners, has signed an investment agreement with GravitHy, a France-based low-carbon iron producer. GravitHy is working on the development of a hydrogen-based iron production plant in Fos-sur-Mer, France, set to start operations by 2029. With an investment of 2.2 billion Euros, this facility aims to decarbonize the steel industry by reducing emissions significantly. The investment forms part of GravitHy's Series A funding round, which also includes participation from Marcegaglia, Ecolab, Rio Tinto, and Siemens Financial Services. The collaboration aims to foster innovation and address the challenges of decarbonizing the steel industry by promoting green steel production across Europe and Japan. The partnership also highlights the significant role hydrogen plays in reducing emissions in traditionally hard-to-abate sectors.
Sectors
- Steel and Iron Production
- Renewable Energy
- Private Equity
Geography
- France – GravitHy is based in Paris, France, and the hydrogen-based iron production plant will be located in Fos-sur-Mer, France.
- Japan – Japan Hydrogen Fund and Advantage Partners, key players in the investment, are based in Japan and aim to bring Japanese value and expertise to the European project.
Industry
- Steel and Iron Production – The article centers on GravitHy, which is involved in the iron and steel sector, particularly focusing on low-carbon iron production.
- Renewable Energy – GravitHy's use of hydrogen in its production process classifies it within the renewable energy sector, emphasizing sustainable practices.
- Private Equity – The involvement of Japan Hydrogen Fund, a private equity entity managed by Advantage Partners, signifies the PE industry's interest in sustainable investments.
Financials
- 2.2 billion Euros – Total investment needed for the development of the hydrogen-based iron production plant in Fos-sur-Mer, France.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GravitHy | Target Company | Company | A sustainable iron producer based in France, focusing on low-carbon iron for the clean steel sector. |
| Japan Hydrogen Fund (JHF) | Investor | Company | A private equity fund managed by Advantage Partners, investing in sustainable projects. |
| Advantage Partners LLP | Investment Manager | Company | A private equity firm providing management and advisory services for the Japan Hydrogen Fund. |
| Marcegaglia | Co-Investor | Company | |
| Ecolab | Co-Investor | Company | |
| Rio Tinto | Co-Investor | Company | |
| Siemens Financial Services | Co-Investor | Company | |
| Jose Noldin | CEO | People | CEO of GravitHy, overseeing the company's strategic initiatives and investments. |
| Richard Folsom | Co-Founder and Representative Partner | People | Co-Founder of Advantage Partners, involved in strategic investment decisions. |
| Hiroshi Fukushima | Director General | People | Director General of JH2A, facilitating Japan's involvement in clean energy projects. |