Evonik Invests in Green Hydrogen Future with Anion Exchange Membrane Plant
Key Ideas
  • Evonik is constructing a pilot plant in Marl, Germany, to produce anion exchange membranes that enable cost-effective green hydrogen production through water electrolysis.
  • The DURAION® membranes will be of high enough quality for commercial electrolyzer systems and can produce 2.5 GW of electrolysis capacity per year for hydrogen production.
  • The innovative membrane technology promises lower investment costs, high current densities, and excellent efficiency compared to conventional electrolysis processes.
  • Evonik's strategic investment and development of the DURAION® membrane showcase a commitment to advancing the green hydrogen economy and meeting market demands.
Evonik, a German specialty chemicals company, is embarking on a strategic investment in the green hydrogen sector by building a pilot plant in Marl, Germany, for the production of anion exchange membranes. These high-performance membranes, marketed under the name DURAION®, play a crucial role in AEM water electrolysis, making the production of green hydrogen more cost-effective. Scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2025, the AEM plant represents a substantial investment by Evonik in advancing membrane technology for the green hydrogen economy. The DURAION® membranes to be produced at the plant will meet the quality standards required for utilization in commercial electrolyzer systems. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to have the capacity to generate 2.5 GW of electrolysis capacity annually for hydrogen production, a significant contribution to the renewable energy sector. Additionally, the plant will also manufacture reinforced membranes to cater to the increasing interest from customers in this innovative technology. Compared to traditional electrolysis processes, AEM technology offers the advantage of reduced investment costs by utilizing more affordable materials for the cells. It also allows for high current densities and superior efficiency, making it an attractive option for green hydrogen production. Evonik's investment in the DURAION® membrane underscores its commitment to driving the growth of the green hydrogen economy and positioning its membranes as key enablers in the industry. The successful development of the DURAION® membrane is attributed to Evonik's diverse expertise and technology capabilities, with a focus on polymer design, synthesis, engineering, membrane manufacturing, and customer feedback. The construction of the AEM plant in Marl builds upon Evonik's increased production capacity of intermediate products used in the membranes, marking a significant step in the company's expansion of its membrane business and contribution to the evolving hydrogen market.
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