BHEL Partners With Hystar to Build PEM Electrolysers

NEW DELHI — Advancing India's clean energy ambitions, state-owned engineering and manufacturing enterprise Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Norway-based Hystar AS. Announced in official exchange filings, the partnership is designed to facilitate phased indigenization and local manufacturing of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects across India.

The pact combines Hystar’s patented, high-efficiency PEM technology with BHEL’s extensive industrial footprint, engineering expertise, and domestic project execution capabilities. The move aligns closely with the Indian government's National Green Hydrogen Mission and the flagship Make in India initiative, scaling up indigenous manufacturing capacity for critical decarbonization equipment.

Expanding India’s Green Hydrogen Capabilities

Under the terms of the strategic accord, BHEL will gradually implement local manufacturing frameworks for PEM electrolysers, driving down capital costs and securing domestic supply chains for clean energy developers. This partnership complements BHEL's existing tie-up with thyssenkrupp nucera India for alkaline electrolyser systems.

By securing dual-technology capabilities, BHEL positions itself as a comprehensive solutions provider capable of delivering both alkaline and PEM systems to meet diverse industrial specifications. PEM electrolysers are widely recognized for their high current densities, rapid response times, and compatibility with intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Official Sources Section

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) Regulatory Disclosures: Official corporate announcements, strategic partnership statements, and stock exchange filings under the National Stock Exchange and BSE.

• Hystar AS Corporate Communications: Press releases detailing international expansion milestones and patented high-efficiency PEM electrolyser technologies.

Quote Section

According to statements released by corporate leadership regarding the collaborative framework:

"This partnership gives both companies a strategic platform to help lead growth in the green hydrogen sector, pairing Hystar’s patented, high-efficiency PEM technology with BHEL’s deep manufacturing experience and reach across India’s energy sector."

Why It Matters

For India’s expanding green energy sector, localizing the production of advanced PEM electrolysers reduces import dependencies and lowers capital expenditures for clean energy projects. For industrial consumers, refiners, and heavy-transport investors transitioning toward fossil-free operations, readily available, cost-competitive domestic electrolyser systems accelerate the commercial viability of green hydrogen fuel.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Partnership Entities: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Hystar AS (Norway).

• Core Technology: Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems for green hydrogen production.

• Strategic Objective: Phased indigenization, local manufacturing, and cost-competitive deployment under the Make in India framework.

• Market Positioning: Enables BHEL to offer both alkaline and PEM electrolyser solutions.

FAQ Section

What is the objective of the BHEL and Hystar AS partnership?

The collaboration aims to enable phased indigenization and local manufacturing of high-efficiency PEM electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects in India.

What are PEM electrolysers used for?

PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysers use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, serving as a critical technology for producing clean green hydrogen.

How does this agreement impact BHEL's clean energy portfolio?

Coming alongside its existing alkaline electrolyser tie-up with thyssenkrupp nucera, this partnership allows BHEL to offer a comprehensive suite of both alkaline and PEM technologies.

How does the partnership support national policies?

The agreement directly supports India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Make in India initiative by building domestic manufacturing ecosystems for renewable energy infrastructure.

Source: BHEL, Hystar AS, Energetica India