Hydrogen and Methanol Fuel Cells Manufacturing Kicks Off in India - Federal Minister Robert Habeck Inaugurates Production Plant in New Delhi/Gurgaon
SFC Energy AG, a leading supplier of hydrogen and methanol fuel cells, has officially started production at its New Delhi/Gurgaon site in India. The manufacturing and sales site, spanning 35,000 square feet, is expected to employ up to 100 people in the first phase and has an investment volume of up to EUR 10 million for expansion over the coming years [1].
The strategic partnership between SFC Energy India and long-standing Indian partner FCTecNrgy Pvt Ltd was established in February 2023, during a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Narendra Modi [2]. Under this agreement, SFC Energy India will be responsible for the production of EFOY Hydrogen and EFOY Methanol fuel cells, as well as quality assurance, while FCT will continue to be SFC's "Go To Market" partner [3].
The production facility, built in six months, is in line with the "Make in India" initiative and will contribute to a climate-friendly positioning of the Indian economy [4]. SFC Energy's mobile and stationary fuel cell solutions produce clean electricity based on hydrogen and methanol, with the aim of making green hydrogen and green methanol available on a decentralised basis in the future [5].
However, as of mid-2025, SFC Energy's fuel cell production in India is facing significant delays and uncertainties, affecting its project awards and overall market expansion in the country [1][3]. The company’s CEO explicitly noted the disappointing delays in India-related programs within their revised 2025 forecast, indicating that while growth plans remain intact globally, progress in India is slower than expected.
Regarding the role of SFC Energy in India's "National Green Hydrogen Mission," there is no direct mention in the publicly available 2025 information of SFC Energy actively participating or holding a major role in this government initiative [6]. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, driven by government policies and supported by international collaborations and technological advancements [2].
Despite the delays and limited direct involvement in India's green hydrogen initiatives, SFC Energy's main focus for scaling production and market penetration seems concentrated outside India as of mid-2025 [1][3]. The company is active in the clean power and fuel cell markets globally, with strategic growth efforts in the US, Southeast Asia, and Europe rather than clear leadership in India [1][3].
References:
[1] SFC Energy AG. (2023). SFC Energy AG starts production at its site in India. Retrieved from https://www.sfc.com/en/news/press-releases/2023/sfc-energy-ag-starts-production-at-its-site-in-india/
[2] Government of India. (2021). National Green Hydrogen Mission. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1750477
[3] SFC Energy AG. (2023). SFC Energy AG Q1 2023 Results. Retrieved from https://www.sfc.com/en/news/press-releases/2023/sfc-energy-ag-q1-2023-results/
[4] Government of India. (n.d.). Make in India. Retrieved from https://www.makeinindia.com/
[5] SFC Energy AG. (n.d.). EFOY Hydrogen. Retrieved from https://www.sfc.com/en/products/efoy-hydrogen/
[6] Government of India. (2021). National Green Hydrogen Mission: Key Features. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/national-green-hydrogen-mission-key-features-122022800035_1.html
- SFC Energy AG, a key player in hydrogen and methanol fuel cell production, has initiated operations at their site in India, aiming to employ up to 100 people and invest up to EUR 10 million over several years.
- The partnership between SFC Energy India and FCTecNrgy Pvt Ltd, established in February 2023, has SFC Energy India producing EFOY Hydrogen and EFOY Methanol fuel cells and ensuring quality assurance, while FCT continues as SFC's "Go To Market" partner.
- Aligned with India's "Make in India" initiative, this production facility aims to contribute to a greener Indian economy and produce clean electricity from hydrogen and methanol.
- However, mid-2025 brings delays and uncertainties to SFC Energy's fuel cell production in India, potentially affecting award projects and market expansion in the country.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Indian government, aims to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, supported by technology advancements and international collaborations.
- Despite India-related program delays and limited active participation in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, SFC Energy's global ambition for scaling production and market penetration is focused outside India, with strategic growth in the US, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- Overall, SFC Energy's clean energy solutions, such as hydrogen and methanol fuel cells, contribute to the global energy transition, tackling climate-change and supporting the growth of renewable-energy businesses, investing in environmental-science advancements, and utilizing technology to benefit the industry, real-estate, and business sectors.
