By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : October 07, 2026 5:44 pm
With the Assembly Hub in Portugal, thyssenkrupp nucera strengthens its European value chain and consolidates electrolyzer cell assembly at a central company-operated location
thyssenkrupp nucera is establishing its first company-operated central Assembly Hub for electrolyzer cells in VGP Park Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, south of Porto. With the Assembly Hub, thyssenkrupp nucera, a world-leading provider of technologies for highly efficient electrolysis plants, is strengthening its European value chain while at the same time significantly advancing the automation of cell assembly. The Assembly Hub will enable faster and more efficient cell assembly while significantly increasing capacity. Initially, cells for alkaline water electrolysis will be assembled. thyssenkrupp nucera has now signed the lease agreement for the more than 7,500-square-meter building.
“For us, the Assembly Hub is a milestone in automation and assembly efficiency,” said Dr. Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera. “By centralizing and semi-automating cell assembly, we are increasing our capacity and closely integrating assembly and service. The investment in the Assembly Hub is also a clear commitment to Europe as an industrial location and a further contribution to strengthening the European hydrogen economy.”
Construction of the building begins in winter 2026. Upon completion, thyssenkrupp nucera will install an assembly line. Cell assembly at the Assembly Hub will start in 2028. The Assembly Hub will serve electrolysis projects across Europe and neighboring regions. Starting in 2028, cells for Moeve's Onuba project will initially be assembled there. thyssenkrupp nucera is investing between EUR 10 million and EUR 14 million in the Assembly Hub. The project is supported by approximately EUR 3.7 million in funding from the Portuguese government under the COMPETE2030 program.
The Assembly Hub streamlines cell assembly, eliminating the need for customers to maintain their own infrastructure. This significantly lowers planning, personnel, and resource costs. By delivering ready-to-install cell packages, it minimizes on-site complexity while boosting flexibility and operational readiness. Furthermore, customers benefit from comprehensive service support—both during daily operations and throughout cell replacement.