Belgium-based industrial giant John Cockerill is set to play a pivotal role in India’s green energy transformation. The company has announced plans to establish a 2 GW green hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing capacity in India by 2029. This initiative is part of a joint venture with AM Green (formerly Greenko) in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, and aims to support India’s target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
The initial phase will see a 1 GW production line operational by 2026, utilizing pressurized alkaline electrolyser technology suitable for industrial-scale applications. AM Green will serve as the anchor customer, focusing on downstream production of green ammonia and methanol. John Cockerill has also secured a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) allocation for 300 MW per year, ensuring a robust foundation for its manufacturing endeavors.
Embracing Modular Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Besides green hydrogen, John Cockerill is also venturing into modular Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems as a growth opportunity. As opposed to conventional CSP installations, which are expensive in nature, the modular design is low-cost and scalable. The company is partnering with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to make the systems, with the view to localize key components and develop a robust supply chain in India.
The thrust will also be apt for India’s transition to dispatchable renewable power, with its CSP facilities to generate electricity around the clock through inherent thermal storage. John Cockerill has already looked towards participation in NTPC’s forthcoming CSP tender, scheduled in the third quarter of 2025.
Foraying into Defence and Nuclear Sectors
John Cockerill is also venturing into India’s defense and nuclear sectors. The company is producing 25-tonne light tanks with 105mm turrets under partnership with L&T to be used in the high altitude of Ladakh’s mountainous terrain. Prototype trials are still underway, but full-scale production is proposed only after the trials are successfully completed.
In the nuclear sector, John Cockerill will be providing maintenance and servicing solutions, capitalizing on its experience in maintaining European nuclear reactors. This will supplement India’s plan to employ 100 GW of nuclear capacity, including the construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the first of which are likely to take shape within three years.
Strengthening India’s Position in the Global Green Energy Landscape
As the international green hydrogen markets are unclear, India is a safe and preferable growth driver. John Cockerill’s manufacturing, engineering, and services’ investments in the nation are indicative of its desire to drive India’s energy transition. By taking activities near to the market, it intends to be a contributory force for decarbonizing India and turning India into a global green energy technology hub.
