RCT GH GmbH (RCT Hydrogen), a manufacturer of hydrogen production machines and systems, will begin manufacturing electrolyzer stacks in the heart of Thuringia in the first quarter of 2025. Initially, the company will focus on supplying systems for early megawatt-scale hydrogen projects serving German industrial customers under a “hydrogen-as-a-service” business model. At the same time, RCT Hydrogen is planning additional systems with individual electrolyzer capacities exceeding 30 MW.
Cooperation Agreements Pave the Way for Production Facility
To move forward, RCT Hydrogen signed cooperation agreements on December 22, 2025, with an experienced production partner in eastern Germany. This milestone officially initiated preparations for a dedicated hydrogen equipment manufacturing facility. As a result, the company is laying the groundwork for scalable production of electrolyzer plants in Germany.
Phased Production Ramp-Up
In the next phase, RCT Hydrogen will start producing electrolyzer plants with an annual manufacturing capacity of 250 MW. The ramp-up will begin with the installation of a 2.5 MW electrolyzer in the first quarter of 2026. Subsequently, delivery and commissioning of this system are scheduled for the third quarter of 2026 at a German industrial customer site.
Proven Alkaline Pressure Electrolyzer Technology
According to Prof. Dr. Peter Fath, Managing Director of RCT Hydrogen, the company has now reached a decisive milestone. “We have taken a crucial step toward producing robust and durable electrolyzer technology required for cost-effective green hydrogen production in Germany,” he said.
RCT Hydrogen relies on proven alkaline pressure electrolyzer technology, which is widely recognised for its durability and operational efficiency. Moreover, the systems meet premium German manufacturing standards and are TÜV-certified. Consequently, the technology has already attracted initial industrial customers seeking to integrate hydrogen production into their manufacturing processes. Notably, RCT Hydrogen signed a preliminary agreement in December for the delivery of two 2.5 MW electrolyzers.
Hydrogen-as-a-Service Gains Momentum
Building on this momentum, RCT Hydrogen expects growing adoption of hydrogen-as-a-service solutions. “This development has the potential to trigger a real hydrogen boom,” said Dr. Eric Rüland, Vice President Sales and Products. He explained that the model allows industrial users to access hydrogen at predictable prices while RCT Hydrogen and its partners handle on-site production.
Importantly, the model enables hydrogen production using grid electricity with a renewable share of 75–100%, making industrial decarbonisation economically viable for the first time in many applications.
Cost Dynamics and CO₂ Pricing Advantage
While hydrogen prices per kilowatt-hour remain around 20–50% higher than natural gas, Rüland noted that rising CO₂ prices significantly improve the economic case. Currently, the CO₂ price stands at approximately €83 per tonne, helping offset the cost difference and strengthening the competitiveness of green hydrogen.
Optimised Supply Chain and Strategic Partnerships
In parallel, RCT Hydrogen is reducing costs through the use of highly optimised production equipment. In this context, the company benefits from its Chinese partner Guofuhee, a supplier of key components with extensive experience in hydrogen equipment manufacturing.
As reported by fuelcellsworks.com, at the same time, RCT Hydrogen has established partnerships across the entire value chain, ensuring that the core production steps take place in Germany and Europe. Additionally, the company has secured several European partners for future hydrogen-as-a-service projects, with further developments expected in the coming months.
