en.Wedoany.com Reported - Evonik has begun commercial production of a high-performance anion exchange membrane at a new pilot plant in Marl, Germany, with an annual capacity supporting up to 2.5 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity, equivalent to one-quarter of Germany's planned total electrolysis capacity by 2030.
Anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis technology is seen as a key pathway to reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. It operates in an alkaline environment and uses materials free of precious metals, significantly lowering investment costs. Techno-economic studies show that this technology can reduce investment costs by at least 25%. The membrane can produce hydrogen directly under pressure, eliminating the need for additional compression steps, and is highly flexible, making it suitable for use with intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. However, its current cost is two to four times that of gray hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, depending on the region. Beyond high energy costs, the electrolysis technology itself affects economic viability, with existing technologies facing efficiency limitations or requiring high capital investment. Evonik's DURAION anion-conducting membrane, developed for the AEM process, combines high ionic conductivity with excellent chemical and mechanical stability, which is crucial for electrolysis efficiency and membrane lifespan. The membrane is designed for high current density and high-pressure environments, reliably separating hydrogen and oxygen to prevent the formation of explosive gas mixtures, and is produced without the addition of any PFAS. Christian Däschlein, responsible for the new AEM growth field at Evonik's innovation plant, stated that the membrane reduces investment costs, marking a decisive advancement for AEM technology in hydrogen production.
The new membrane production unit in Marl is a significant milestone in the industrial implementation of AEM electrolysis, marking a successful transition from laboratory development to continuous production. The coating system, nearly 20 meters in length, is among the largest of its kind and can produce membranes up to one meter wide, suitable for large electrolyzers, with the option to add fabric reinforcement layers when necessary. Evonik's advantage lies in its fully vertical integration, from starting molecules to finished membrane rolls, ensuring consistent high quality and product performance while enabling large-volume supply.
The commercial application of AEM technology is accelerating, particularly in Asia and Europe. Evonik's Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, established in China, is now operational. As the company's first application center in Asia focused on AEM electrolysis and its integration with hydrogen infrastructure, experts at the center test membranes produced in Marl under real operating conditions with local partners and customers, closely serving global clients and the rapidly growing Chinese market. The goal is to accelerate the industrial implementation and scaling of AEM technology.
