A team of researchers from the Technical University of Berlin, HZB, University of Freiburg, and Siemens Energy have made a breakthrough in hydrogen production by developing a highly efficient alkaline membrane electrolyzer that can match the performance of traditional PEM electrolyzers. This advancement is particularly noteworthy as it replaces the expensive and scarce iridium catalyst with more affordable nickel compounds. The team's findings, published in Nature Catalysis, detail their success in elucidating the phase transition within the catalyst-coated membrane, demonstrating competitive efficiency with iridium counterparts. The research involved in-depth analyses at the BESSY II facility in Berlin, where operando measurements provided critical insights into the catalytic activities during electrolysis. Collaborators from the USA and Singapore contributed to the molecular understanding of the processes. The team's innovative coating technique directly applies nickel double hydroxide complexes with iron, cobalt, or manganese onto the membrane, offering a cost-effective alternative. Hydrogen is projected to be a key player in the future energy landscape, serving various purposes from fuel to raw material for industries. The study's focus on alkaline exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers without iridium presents a promising avenue for efficient hydrogen production. The study not only bridges the gap between traditional liquid alkaline and PEM electrolysis but also provides a scalable solution for industrial applications. The research has enriched the knowledge of catalytic mechanisms in nickel-based electrodes and demonstrated the potential for industrial scalability. The successful testing of a lab-scale cell at IMTEK showcases the high efficiency achievable with AEM water electrolyzers, setting the stage for further industrial exploration. This development not only contributes to a more sustainable hydrogen economy but also underscores the potential for efficient and cost-effective hydrogen generation in the near future.