German technology firms Siemens and RCT GH Hydrogen have inked a deal to support a Chinese electrolyser maker’s expansion into the European market.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Guofu Hydrogen named Siemens as its preferred supplier and technology partner across its entire expansion plans, which include setting up manufacturing and hydrogen production in Germany.
The Chinese-headquartered company, which manufactures alkaline electrolyser systems, hydrogen liquefaction systems and hydrogen refuelling systems, will work with Siemens to develop its electrolysers and kit out new factories in Germany.
This will include industrial automation and instrumentation technologies, as well as electrification, industrial communication and cybersecurity solutions, under Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio.
Siemens also said it would support the development, construction and operation of new hydrogen production plants.
RCT GH will look to lead the plants’ engineering, procurement and construction (EPC).
The extent of Guofu’s European ambitions remains unclear, with no details on planned production capacity or potential joint ventures for the undertaking.
“This collaboration will significantly accelerate our expansion into global markets and strengthen our position as a leading provider of green hydrogen solutions,” said Guofu Hydrogen Chairman Pinfang Wu.
H2 View understands that Guofu Hydrogen’s systems use a 5MW alkaline electrolyser stack, integrated with gas separation and purification technology.
Siemens CEO of Process Automation, Axel Lorenz, said the partnership would help set “new standards in electrolyser manufacturing efficiency and scalability.”
“Together, we’re not just building factories – we’re building the foundation for a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem,” he added.
This agreement comes at a time when the EU is tightening restrictions on Chinese electrolyser imports, raising questions about how Guofu Hydrogen’s European presence will align with evolving regulatory frameworks.
For its latest green hydrogen funding auction, the EU introduced criteria to limit the amount of Chinese-made electrolysers being used in subsidised projects.
Read more:EU unveils second EHB auction T&Cs with limits of Chinese electrolyser sourcing
It followed calls from the likes of Nel, Siemens Energy and thyssenkrupp nucera warning that Chinese state backing of its domestic electrolyser manufacturers created “unfair competition.”
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