Elcogen and Hygreen sign an MoU as the EU auction requires 75% non-Chinese electrolysers

European and Chinese electrolyser makers usually sit on opposite sides of the hydrogen supply chain debate. Estonia's Elcogen has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Hygreen Energy to explore new applications and markets for its solid-oxide technology, according to Hydrogen Insight on 3 November 2026.

In Europe, this tie-up meets written rules. The draft terms for the fourth European Hydrogen Bank auction (IF26), published by the European Commission on 9 July 2026, require at least 75% of a project's electrolysers to originate outside China, with stacks also from elsewhere and no more than two main components from China.

For bidders seeking that support, where the stack is made weighs as much as price. In markets without an equivalent rule, the partnership may open access to industrial scale.

For now, there is a memorandum to explore opportunities. Its value to a European buyer will depend on where cells and stacks are produced. Stack origin has become an auction criterion.