Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a key technology for green hydrogen production, but its cost-effectiveness has been hindered by the expensive titanium bipolar plates used in the process. Researchers from Fraunhofer Institute and Ruhr University have introduced carbon-based bipolar plates as a viable alternative. These plates, developed through a powder-to-roll process, have been found to be cost-efficient, easy to process, weldable, and commercially viable for applications like redox flow batteries. Comprehensive tests have shown that the carbon-based plates perform well in terms of corrosion resistance, with an ageing rate comparable to titanium. The research, published in 'Advanced Energy Materials,' highlights the potential of these plates to revolutionize PEM electrolysis by offering a more economical solution that can scale up hydrogen production. Moving forward, the focus will be on optimizing the material to further reduce costs and enhance the competitiveness of green hydrogen in the energy transition.