John Cockerill Steps Up India’s Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Initiatives

• John Cockerill plans to double its green hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing capacity in India to 2 GW by 2029, capitalizing on the confirmed demand from AM Green.
• The company is expanding into modular CSP technology and steel decarbonization to align with India's ambitious renewable energy goals.

Belgium -- based global industrial firm John Cockerill is significantly increasing its investment in India's green energy sector, planning to boost its electrolyser manufacturing capacity to 2 GW by 2029 from an initial 1 GW expected to be operational by 2026. Vivek Bhide, Regional President for India at John Cockerill, emphasized that the Indian market will account for a substantial share of the company’s global green hydrogen portfolio due to secured demand from AM Green, formerly Greenko, which focuses on downstream green ammonia and methanol production.

“We are confident that with the first order from Greenko and a second order already in process, our Kakinada facility will be sold out for several years,” stated Bhide. He underscored India’s appeal as a stable growth market amidst global uncertainties, particularly in the US and Europe, which have seen delays in subsidies and off-take commitments.

 

John Cockerill's electrolyser capacity in India is established through a joint venture with AM Green in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Utilizing pressurized alkaline electrolyser technology tailored for industrial-scale operations, the company has already secured participation in India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, guaranteeing a yearly capacity of 300 MW.

 

In addition to hydrogen, the firm is also entering modular concentrated solar power (CSP) solutions aimed at delivering dispatchable, round-the-clock renewable energy. Bhide highlighted the upcoming CSP tender from NTPC expected in Q3 2025 as a significant opportunity for John Cockerill’s modular CSP technology, developed jointly with Indian infrastructure giant L&T.

 

Moreover, John Cockerill is targeting steel decarbonization technologies and nuclear servicing support. It aims to align with India's goal of scaling its steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030 and 500 MTPA by 2047, offering energy-efficient and green hydrogen-compatible direct reduction solutions. The company's involvement in defense manufacturing, specifically lightweight tanks suitable for deployment in high-altitude areas, reflects its broadening industrial scope in India.

 

Despite the promising developments, Bhide emphasized the necessity for clear policy signals from the government to accelerate investment and execution. “Everyone wants to be the first to be second,” he remarked, advocating stronger governmental support for first movers. Clearer financing mechanisms, supportive regulatory frameworks, and expedited tender processes are essential to maintaining investor confidence and achieving India's ambitious renewable energy targets

 

Source：  Fuel Cells Works