(Seraing / Belgium) The Belgian technology group John Cockerill SA has produced its first electrolysis stack in Belfort, France. It has a capacity of five megawatts.
In July 2025, John Cockerill acquired, among other things, the electrolyzer factory in Belfort, France, from the insolvent McPhy Energy SA. © McPhy
Exactly one year ago, in July 2025, the Belfort Commercial Court gave the green light to the subsidiary John Cockerill Hydrogen SAS to acquire the main assets of the insolvent McPhy Energy SA, a company specializing in electrolyzers and refueling stations. This includes the factory in Belfort with an annual production capacity of one gigawatt. At the time, it was stated that this would secure highly skilled jobs, support the development of next-generation electrolyzers, and ensure the continuity of a strategic technology sector. "By combining John Cockerill's electrolysis systems with McPhy components, a competitive advantage of ten to fifteen percent over current models is expected," said Nicolas de Coignac, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen, at the time.
The first 5-megawatt electrolyzer was assembled in the Belfort factory. Center: CEO Nicolas de Coignac. © John Cockerill Hydrogen SAS
The completion of this first electrolyzer in Belfort and the opening of new equipment production facilities in Aspach-Michelbach (France) and Seraing demonstrate "the momentum of John Cockerill Hydrogen," says Nicolas de Coignac today. In a challenging market environment, the company is reaffirming "its position among the key players actively contributing to the growth of the European hydrogen sector." According to the company, Cockerill currently has several projects in the pipeline.
40 MW pipeline in the Netherlands
Following the production of the stacks for a 25-megawatt green hydrogen plant in Belgium, preparations are now underway to begin manufacturing eight electrolyzers with a combined capacity of 40 megawatts for projects in the Netherlands this summer, including a 20-megawatt plant in Delfzijl (Groningen province). The Dutch company Power2X Corp. acquired the project in spring 2026 through the takeover of the Dutch chemicals manufacturer HyCC BV, a joint venture between Macquarie's Green Investment Group and the Dutch chemical company Nobian. Commissioning is scheduled for 2028 ( more information here ).
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In Belfort, John Cockerill Hydrogen has manufactured the first electrolyzer with a capacity of five megawatts. © John Cockerill Hydrogen SAS
