John Cockerill Advances with Acquisition of McPhy Energy

15 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Belfort Commercial Court approved the transaction, ensuring the continued operation of this strategic facility and reinforcing France’s position in the hydrogen sector. Nicolas de Coignac, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen, remarked that the acquisition represented a significant step toward the company's goal of developing advanced electrolyser technologies. He explained that acquiring McPhy’s assets not only safeguarded a vital industrial resource but also laid the foundation for the future of electrolyser innovation.

The integration of McPhy’s components with John Cockerill’s electrolysis systems is expected to deliver a performance improvement of 10 to 15 per cent. This move is also seen as critical in maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of France’s hydrogen infrastructure.

On a regional level, Senator Cédric Perrin stressed the importance of retaining the Belfort facility as a strategic asset that would support the area’s transition into the hydrogen economy. Mayor Damien Meslot welcomed the deal, noting that the Gigafactory was now entering a new phase backed by a major industrial player. He expressed optimism that market development and public support would follow, driving growth for the sector in both France and Europe.

In addition to reinforcing its presence in France—particularly in Aspach and Belfort—John Cockerill will continue to operate R&D and assembly units at its headquarters in Seraing, Belgium. Overall, this acquisition marks a crucial milestone in the consolidation and expansion of the hydrogen electrolysis sector amid the global energy transition.

News source: Manufacturing Today

John Cockerill Hydrogen has acquired key assets from McPhy, securing the future of the Belfort Gigafactory in France and preserving approximately 50 skilled jobs. The acquisition is aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation pressurised alkaline electrolysers, which are essential for advancing clean energy technologies and supporting the decarbonisation of heavy industry.The Belfort Commercial Court approved the transaction, ensuring the continued operation of this strategic facility and reinforcing France’s position in the hydrogen sector. Nicolas de Coignac, CEO of John Cockerill Hydrogen, remarked that the acquisition represented a significant step toward the company's goal of developing advanced electrolyser technologies. He explained that acquiring McPhy’s assets not only safeguarded a vital industrial resource but also laid the foundation for the future of electrolyser innovation.The integration of McPhy’s components with John Cockerill’s electrolysis systems is expected to deliver a performance improvement of 10 to 15 per cent. This move is also seen as critical in maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of France’s hydrogen infrastructure.On a regional level, Senator Cédric Perrin stressed the importance of retaining the Belfort facility as a strategic asset that would support the area’s transition into the hydrogen economy. Mayor Damien Meslot welcomed the deal, noting that the Gigafactory was now entering a new phase backed by a major industrial player. He expressed optimism that market development and public support would follow, driving growth for the sector in both France and Europe.In addition to reinforcing its presence in France—particularly in Aspach and Belfort—John Cockerill will continue to operate R&D and assembly units at its headquarters in Seraing, Belgium. Overall, this acquisition marks a crucial milestone in the consolidation and expansion of the hydrogen electrolysis sector amid the global energy transition.News source: Manufacturing Today

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..