Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and thyssenkrupp nucera India Pvt Ltd have signed a partnership to support the indigenisation of alkaline electrolyser systems, a key technology for producing green hydrogen using renewable energy, marking a significant step in India's clean energy transition.

Under the agreement, both companies will work towards localising electrolyser technology and gradually increasing its production in line with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission, launched in 2023, aims to produce five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Alkaline electrolysers use renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, making them a key technology for achieving this target. Local production is also expected to reduce import dependence and lower costs.

BHEL, a public sector engineering company with extensive experience in manufacturing power equipment, will contribute its expertise in project execution to support the deployment of green hydrogen infrastructure. The company expects to integrate electrolyser technology from thyssenkrupp nucera and adapt it to Indian operating conditions. The localisation initiative also aligns with the government's 'Make in India' initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance in key sectors.

Both companies described the partnership as strategic, although the financial details have not been disclosed publicly. The commercial terms were kept confidential in BHEL's communication to the stock exchanges, with the announcement focusing on the technological and strategic significance of the collaboration.

The localisation of electrolyser production is expected to reduce costs, create employment opportunities and strengthen the domestic value chain. It could also help India scale up the production and deployment of electrolyser systems as the country seeks to become a major producer of green hydrogen for sectors such as steel, refining and mobility, while meeting the growing global demand for the clean fuel.