AM Green taps engineering, electrolysis providers for renewable mega-project

John Cockerill, Rely

AM Green has selected John Cockerill to provide electrolysers for its under-development renewable ammonia plant in Kakinada, India. John Cockerill will supply a total of 1.3 GW of alkaline electrolysers for the project over two phases, which will be powered by “round-the-clock” renewable electricity (a combination of wind and solar power with pumped hydro storage). 640 MW will produce electrolytic hydrogen feedstock for phase one of the project, which is expected to be operational by late 2026. FID on phase one was reached in August of this year.

640 MW of alkaline electrolysers for the second phase of the Kakinada project will be manufactured in India. John Cockerill and AM Green are developing a 2 GW per year electrolyser manufacturing facility (also in Kakinada), which was launched in early 2022. The 2 GW plant is part of a wider, strategic agreement between the two organisations to establish a renewable hydrogen “ecosystem” in India, extending to all ends of the supply chain.

This strategic partnership with John Cockerill marks a significant step toward creating a robust green hydrogen ecosystem in India. This collaboration will position the country as a leading export hub for lowest cost green molecules that adhere to the highest standards, including EU RFNBO norms. With this collaboration, we are not just advancing India’s green hydrogen goals, but also decarbonising industries globally like refining, shipping, fertilizers, power generation, and chemicals.

Anil Chalamalasetty, Group Chairman of AM Green in John Cockerill’s official press release, 30 Oct 2024

This order is a major step in the development of our hydrogen business. Our advanced electrolysis technology, combined with renewable energy solutions, will play a central role in the mass adoption of green hydrogen and green derivatives in the region and beyond. John Cockerill has a long presence in India and key partnerships in the energy, steel and defense sectors. With this first-of-a-kind hydrogen project, we are proud to actively contribute to India’s ambitious vision for a sustainable future through our collaboration with AM Green.

François Michel, CEO, John Cockerill in his organisation’s official press release, 30 Oct 2024

On the engineering side, John Cockerill and Technip Energies joint venture Rely will provide design, detailed engineering, procurement services, construction management and commissioning services (“EPsCm”) for the whole plant. This includes two 1,500 tons per day ammonia synthesis trains, as well as the dual 640 MW electrolyser installations. In June this year, Rely launched Clear100+: a standarised, modular 100 MW electrolysis plant based on John Cockerill’s alkaline technology.

BASF to explore offtake

In related news, BASF and AM Green have signed a non-binding MoU for the offtake of 100,000 tons per year of renewable ammonia from AM Green’s projects in India. AM Green and BASF will also explore chemical production in India, based on electrolytic hydrogen feedstock. RWE and Yara Clean Ammonia have already committed to offtake renewable ammonia from Kakinada (plus AM Green’s other production projects).