One year after acquiring McPhy’s strategic assets, John Cockerill Hydrogen has achieved a major industrial milestone. The company has completed the first 5 MW electrolyzer stack manufactured and assembled at its Belfort facility in France. At the same time, it has begun preparations for a new 40 MW production phase in Aspach for a green hydrogen project in the Netherlands, following the delivery of 25 MW of electrolyzers for a plant in Belgium. These developments highlight the growing integration of John Cockerill Hydrogen’s European manufacturing network and its expanding role in the continent’s energy transition.
Acquisition of McPhy Assets Strengthens European Manufacturing
On July 8, 2025, the Belfort Commercial Court approved John Cockerill Hydrogen’s acquisition of McPhy’s key assets. The acquisition included the Belfort manufacturing plant, innovative electrolyzer technologies and intellectual property rights. Since completing the acquisition, the company has invested in technical expertise, industrial equipment, and the development of next-generation electrolyzers. Consequently, the Belfort facility has become a strategic center for advancing European hydrogen manufacturing capabilities.
First 5 MW Electrolyzer Stack Produced in Belfort
Teams from Belfort (France), Wildau (Germany), and Seraing (Belgium) successfully manufactured and assembled the first 5 MW electrolyzer stack in France. This achievement demonstrates that the industrial know-how preserved from McPhy has been effectively integrated into John Cockerill Hydrogen’s operations. Moreover, the milestone confirms the company’s ability to continue developing strategic electrolysis technologies within Europe, supporting the region’s long-term energy security and decarbonization goals.
Aspach and Seraing Launch New Production Phase
While Belfort focuses on technology development and future-generation electrolyzers, the Aspach and Seraing facilities continue large-scale industrial production for commercial projects across Europe. After manufacturing cells for a 25 MW green hydrogen plant in Belgium, the sites are now preparing to produce eight additional electrolyzers totaling 40 MW for a project in the Netherlands. This transition marks another step in expanding John Cockerill Hydrogen’s production capacity for the growing European hydrogen market.
Integrated European Manufacturing Network
The company has developed a complementary manufacturing structure across its three main sites. Together, these facilities allow the company to transform innovation into industrial production, preserve valuable expertise, and scale manufacturing to meet increasing demand for green hydrogen technologies.
Supporting Decarbonization of Key Industries
John Cockerill Hydrogen’s expanding manufacturing capacity is designed to support decarbonization across several energy-intensive industries, including chemicals, refining, fertilizer production and heavy industrial processes. As European industries seek low-carbon alternatives, electrolyzer deployment is becoming increasingly important for producing renewable hydrogen at scale.
CEO Highlights Industrial and Strategic Progress
“When we acquired McPhy’s key assets a year ago, we made a commitment: to preserve this
know-how, accelerate its industrialization, and manufacture in Europe. With this first electrolyzer produced in Belfort, we are turning our commitments into achievements,” informed Nicolas de Coignac, CEO, John Cockerill Hydrogen He added that Belfort, Aspach, and Seraing demonstrate the company’s technological and industrial readiness. However, he also emphasized the need for coherent European policies that not only support manufacturing but also stimulate market demand for European hydrogen technologies.
Momentum for Europe’s Hydrogen Economy
The completion of the first electrolyzer stack in Belfort and the launch of new production programs in Aspach and Seraing underscore John Cockerill Hydrogen’s continued industrial momentum. Despite challenging market conditions, the company is expanding its manufacturing footprint and strengthening its position as a key contributor to the growth of the European hydrogen sector. As per the press release, by combining preserved expertise, advanced electrolyzer technology, and a coordinated European production network, John Cockerill Hydrogen aims to support Europe’s energy transition while enhancing industrial competitiveness and energy sovereignty.
