coming soon

Global hydrogen company makes U.S. entrance through Houston-area facility acquisition

A Belgian hydrogen company has expanded to the United States by way of the Houston area. Photo via johncockerill.com

A Belgian electrolyzer manufacturer has acquired a facility in Baytown, expanding to North America for the first time.

John Cockerill Hydrogen announced today that its acquired a manufacturing space south of Houston that will be retrofitted to become one of the largest alkaline manufacturing facilities in the country. It's slated to deliver as early as the third quarter of next year.

“We are excited for the US launch, the first step in our partnership journey with North American businesses and stakeholders who seek to decarbonize and advance the energy transition,” François Michel, CEO of John Cockerill Group, says in a news release.

Expected to create 200 new jobs and produce one gigawatt of electrolyzers a year, the project is slated to deliver as early as the third quarter of next year.

According to the release, Chambers County's highway and barge access, storage and pipeline proximity, and other existing infrastructure were key factors for the company's decision. John Cockerill Hydrogen, which has an office in Houston already, reports that Houston's recent selection by the Department of Energy to be one of seven hubs to receive funding for hydrogen development was another part of the city's appeal.

“With an existing energy ecosystem comprised of competitive natural resources, a highly skilled talent base, and existing infrastructure, Houston was the natural choice for our entry to North America,” Nicolas de Coignac, president of the Americas for John Cockerill, says in the release. “We look forward to partnering with local and state officials, business organizations, academic institutions and other Houston-area stakeholders playing a part in meeting the ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and ensuring energy security and resilience.”

The company has a relationship supporting the Greater Houston Partnership’s Houston Energy Transition Initiative, per the news release, and plans to host a groundbreaking event sometime this year with local business, industrial, and community leaders.

“We are pleased to welcome John Cockerill Hydrogen’s highly anticipated U.S. launch to Houston,” Bob Harvey, president and CEO of GP, says in the release. “This momentous announcement — closely following the U.S. Energy Department’s selection of HyVelocity to develop a Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub – serves as a resounding testament to our city’s unrivaled status as the energy — and energy transition — capital of the world. With our exceptional infrastructure and top-tier talent, Houston is primed for exponential growth. John Cockerill Hydrogen’s partnership within our hydrogen ecosystem will be nothing short of transformative. Together, we will shape the future of energy and solidify Houston’s position in theclean hydrogen space.”

Trending News

A View From HETI

Catalyze has secured an $85 million tax equity investment to support the construction and completion of 75 megawatts of solar projects nationwide in 2025. Photo courtesy of Catalyze

Houston-based Catalyze, a developer of independent power systems, announced it has secured an $85 million tax equity investment from RBC Community Investments.

“RBC’s investment in this portfolio demonstrates our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions within local communities,” Jonathan Cheng, managing director at RBC, said in a news release. “We are excited to partner with Catalyze on the strategic deployment of these and future projects.”

The financing will go toward the construction and completion of 75 megawatts of commercial and industrial solar projects nationwide in 2025. Catalyze’s current generation portfolio now totals 300 megawatts of projects in operations and construction.

The transaction will help Catalyze’s existing relationship with RBC, which demonstrates a commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions at scale.

“RBC is a valued financing partner, and we are pleased to further expand our relationship with this latest investment,” Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze, said in a news release. “This financing enables us to further our mission to bring scalable distributed generation projects to businesses and communities nationwide.”

Catalyze also has other private equity sponsors in EnCap Investments and Actis.

Last May, Catalyze announced that it secured $100 million in financing from NY Green Bank to support a 79-megawatt portfolio of community distributed generation solar projects across New York state.

Trending News