Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Norwegian technology company Hystar AS to manufacture PEM electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects. The partnership strengthens BHEL's clean energy portfolio, advances localized manufacturing, and supports India's National Green Hydrogen Mission through high-efficiency hydrogen technology.
NEW DELHI, India — State-run engineering giant Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Norwegian hydrogen technology pioneer Hystar AS to manufacture Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects. The partnership, announced via official stock exchange disclosures in New Delhi, combines BHEL’s extensive industrial manufacturing and project execution capabilities with Hystar’s patented high-efficiency PEM electrolyser technology. This development marks a major step forward for India’s clean energy transition, directly supporting the federal government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the "Make in India" initiative for advanced decarbonization equipment.
Technical Scope and Manufacturing Strategy
Under the strategic collaboration agreement, BHEL and Hystar AS will collaborate to deploy commercial-scale PEM electrolyser systems tailored for large-scale green hydrogen applications across India and international markets. Hystar's proprietary technology utilizes ultra-thin membranes and patented cell architecture that deliver high efficiency and operational safety while significantly lowering electricity consumption per kilogram of hydrogen produced.
The alliance focuses on establishing localized assembly and phased manufacturing of PEM electrolysers within BHEL’s domestic industrial plants. By integrating Hystar’s patented stack designs with BHEL’s heavy engineering, system integration, and plant balance-of-plant (BoP) infrastructure, the partners aim to lower the capital expenditure (CAPEX) associated with green hydrogen production infrastructure.
| Collaboration Feature | Details and Parameters |
| Partner Entities | Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (India) & Hystar AS (Norway) |
| Core Technology | Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser Systems |
| Primary Objective | Localized manufacturing & EPC deployment for green hydrogen |
| Target Sectors | Oil Refineries, Fertilizer Plants, Steel Making, Power Generation |
| Stock Exchange Tickers | NSE: BHEL |
Market Background: Supporting National Green Hydrogen Mission
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission targets the production of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, supported by an initial financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore. Achieving this target requires over 60 to 100 gigawatts (GW) of total electrolyser capacity across both Alkaline and PEM technological platforms.
While Alkaline electrolysers offer established low-cost solutions, PEM electrolysers provide superior dynamic response capabilities, making them uniquely suited for coupling directly with variable renewable energy sources like solar power and wind farms. The collaboration allows BHEL to provide a comprehensive portfolio of green hydrogen generation systems to state-owned enterprises, private industrial conglomerates, and international project developers.
Official Regulatory Disclosures and Source Verification
The corporate agreement was finalized following executive-level reviews and formal submission to regulatory bodies in accordance with public company disclosure norms.
According to regulatory filings transmitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and BSE Limited, BHEL confirmed that the alliance establishes a framework for technical licensing, indigenization, and co-development of green hydrogen generation assets across target industrial verticals.
Executive Statements and Industry Perspectives
Official communications from BHEL and Hystar highlight the strategic alignment between Norwegian technology innovation and Indian heavy engineering capacity.
According to officials, the partnership strengthens BHEL’s positioning as an integrated EPC provider for green energy solutions, enabling domestic industries to decarbonize core industrial operations. Officials further noted that combining Hystar’s high-efficiency PEM technology with BHEL’s scale will significantly reduce technology acquisition costs and accelerate commercial readiness for large-scale green hydrogen hubs.
Why It Matters to Businesses, Investors, and Clean Energy Developers
The strategic collaboration between BHEL and Hystar AS creates far-reaching opportunities across multiple commercial sectors:
For Industrial Consumers: Refineries, fertilizer manufacturers, and steel plants gain access to indigenously produced, high-efficiency PEM electrolyser systems with local engineering and lifecycle support.
For Renewable Energy Developers: Seamless integration of dynamic PEM electrolysers with solar and wind farms allows developers to optimize energy conversion efficiency and lower levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH).
For BHEL Investors: Expanding into high-margin green hydrogen technology diversifies BHEL’s order book beyond traditional thermal power equipment into fast-growing renewable energy markets.
For National Sustainability: Localized electrolyser production reduces import dependency for critical clean-tech components, advancing energy security goals.
Key Facts at a Glance
Partnership Scope: Strategic collaboration agreement between BHEL (India) and Hystar AS (Norway) for PEM electrolyser systems.
Technology Focus: Proprietary Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology offering high efficiency and safety for green hydrogen projects.
Policy Alignment: Supports India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and "Make in India" manufacturing frameworks.
Industrial Application: Designed for coupling with renewable energy sources to decarbonize heavy industry, fertilizer, and transportation sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the agreement between BHEL and Hystar AS?
BHEL and Norway’s Hystar AS signed a strategic collaboration agreement to supply and indigenize Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects in India and target markets.
Why is PEM electrolyser technology important for green hydrogen?
PEM electrolysers offer fast dynamic response times and high operational flexibility, allowing them to operate efficiently when paired with fluctuating renewable energy inputs like solar and wind power.
How does this agreement support India's National Green Hydrogen Mission?
By building local manufacturing capabilities for PEM electrolysers, the agreement reduces import costs, speeds up project delivery timelines, and enhances domestic technological self-reliance.
Where can investors track official corporate announcements from BHEL?
Official filings and material disclosures are published on the corporate portal of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and stock exchange portals including the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and BSE Limited.
Source: Official regulatory announcements submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), corporate disclosures on BSE Limited, and official press statements from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Hystar AS.
