en.Wedoany.com Reported - Evonik has officially commenced operation of an anion exchange membrane (AEM) pilot production facility in Marl, Germany. The production line is designed to manufacture DURAION® high-performance membranes specifically for water electrolysis hydrogen production. This facility enables the scalable manufacturing of polymer membranes, with an annual capacity capable of supporting up to 2.5 GW of electrolysis installations, equivalent to one-quarter of Germany's planned total electrolysis capacity by 2030. The commissioning is regarded as a significant step toward improving the economic viability of green hydrogen production.
In the industrial sector, green hydrogen serves both as a sustainable energy carrier and as a feedstock for chemical production and steelmaking, making it crucial for driving energy system transformation and industrial decarbonization. However, due to high energy costs, the production cost of green hydrogen is currently two to four times that of fossil-based grey hydrogen. Beyond electricity costs, the electrolysis technology itself directly impacts the economic efficiency of the hydrogen production process.
AEM electrolysis technology is regarded by the industry as a competitive alternative. Its core component, developed by Evonik, is the DURAION® membrane with anion conduction capability. Since AEM technology operates in an alkaline environment, the system can utilize low-cost materials that do not contain precious metals. According to relevant techno-economic assessments, this technology has the potential to reduce the investment cost of electrolysis systems by at least 25%. Additionally, AEM electrolysis can directly produce hydrogen under pressurized conditions, eliminating the need for costly subsequent compression steps, and its operational flexibility makes it suitable for intermittent power sources such as wind and solar energy. The DURAION® membrane features high ionic conductivity, excellent chemical and mechanical stability, enhancing electrolysis efficiency and equipment lifespan, while effectively isolating hydrogen and oxygen to prevent the formation of explosive gas mixtures. This membrane is specifically designed for high current density and high-pressure operating conditions, and its manufacturing process does not involve PFAS.
In terms of market application, the commercialization of AEM electrolysis technology is accelerating simultaneously in Europe and Asia. The Asian market, including China, in particular, is demonstrating strong growth momentum. Several AEM electrolyzer manufacturers have already adopted DURAION® membranes in pilot and demonstration projects.
The commissioning of the new production facility in Marl marks a critical milestone in the industrialization of AEM electrolysis, signifying the transition of DURAION® membranes from laboratory research and development to continuous mass production. The coating system of this production line is nearly 20 meters in length, making it one of the largest of its kind globally, capable of producing membrane materials up to one meter in width, suitable for large-scale electrolyzers. Evonik can also embed fabric reinforcement layers into the membrane structure according to customer requirements, making the product more adaptable for large systems.
