John Cockerill acquires key assets from McPhy to accelerate the development of its new generation of pressurised alkaline electrolysers
Large-scale technological solution developer John Cockerill Hydrogen SAS has acquired assets of hydrogen production and distribution equipment provider McPhy.
The purchase includes McPhy’s former Belfort site, its technologies and intellectual property, as well as 51 staff in France.
The acquisition follows McPhy’s announcement that it had filed for bankruptcy protection with the Commercial Court of Belfort, in June.
The integration of McPhy’s expertise into John Cockerill Hydrogen is intended to accelerate the development of future generations of electrolysers.
By combining John Cockerill’s electrolysis cells with select innovative components from McPhy, the goal is to achieve a 10–15% competitive advantage over current models. Image ©John Cockerill
This acquisition is part of a broader trend of industrial consolidation that has become common in energy transition sectors. As seen previously in solar energy and electric mobility, the electrolysis sector is now entering a phase of maturity. In this phase, only companies capable of industrialising, delivering and integrating technologies on a large scale will be positioned to thrive over the long term.
Nicolas de Coignac, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen, said: “This targeted acquisition preserves a strategic industrial asset and lays the groundwork for the next generation of electrolysers. By combining John Cockerill’s electrolysis cells with select innovative components from McPhy, the goal is to achieve a 10–15% competitive advantage over current models. Electrolysis is a key technology for decarbonising heavy industry, making this a long-term endeavor.”
Damien Meslot, Mayor of Belfort and President of Greater Belfort, added: “This announcement is excellent news for employees, for the hydrogen sector, and for the investments made in Greater Belfort. It will enable the Foussemagne gigafactory to continue manufacturing electrolysers as a Franco-Belgian company, thereby contributing to the sovereignty of the French green hydrogen sector and making Belfort a centre of excellence in this field.”
The new facility strengthens John Cockerill Group’s industrial footprint in France, particularly in hydrogen activities in Aspach and Belfort, while reaffirming Belgium’s central role, with the continuation of assembly and R&D operations in Seraing, the Group’s headquarters for over two centuries.
For more information, visit www.johncockerill.com.