en.Wedoany.com Reported - John Cockerill Hydrogen has achieved a significant milestone in localized production, completing the manufacturing and assembly of its first 5 MW electrolyzer in France one year after acquiring key assets from McPhy.
On July 8, 2025, the Belfort Commercial Court approved John Cockerill Hydrogen's bid to acquire key assets from McPhy, including the Belfort plant, innovative technologies, intellectual property, and approximately 80 European employees. Following the acquisition, the company has continued to invest in expertise, industrial tools, and the development of next-generation electrolyzers.
Teams based in Belfort (France), Wildau (Germany), and Seraing (Belgium) reached this milestone one year after the acquisition, with the first 5 MW electrolyzer manufactured and assembled in France rolling off the production line, demonstrating the continuity of industrial and technical expertise retained in Belfort.
Industrial operations are simultaneously underway at the Aspach and Seraing plants to support European projects. After completing the stack production for a 25 MW green hydrogen plant in Belgium, the factory plans to begin production of eight new electrolyzers (totaling 40 MW) this summer for a project in the Netherlands.
The Belfort plant continues technology development and assembly of next-generation electrolyzers, while the Aspach and Seraing plants handle equipment production and assembly for the current European market. Together, these facilities drive the transformation of innovation into industrial outcomes, supporting the scaling of Europe's hydrogen industry to meet the decarbonization needs of strategic industrial sectors such as chemicals, refining, and fertilizers.
Nicolas de Coignac, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen, stated that the commitment made at the time of acquisition—to preserve proprietary technology, accelerate industrialization, and manufacture in Europe—is becoming a reality with the first electrolyzer produced in Belfort. He emphasized that the next challenge is to cultivate a genuine European market, supported by coherent policies that drive demand and promote European technology, thereby strengthening Europe's energy and industrial sovereignty.
The completion of the first electrolyzer in Belfort and the launch of new facilities in Aspach demonstrate the momentum of John Cockerill Hydrogen. Despite a challenging market environment, the company continues to advance its industrial development and confirms its key role in driving the growth of Europe's hydrogen industry.
