A collaborative effort among institutions in Germany and the U.S. has led to the development of an innovative alkaline membrane electrolyzer (AEM) that utilizes nickel-based catalysts instead of the costly and rare iridium. This breakthrough technology approaches the efficiency of conventional PEM electrolyzers, marking a significant advancement in green hydrogen production. The research team, through detailed operando measurements at BESSY II, successfully elucidated the catalytic processes, highlighting the molecular mechanisms responsible for the catalyst's performance. The study, published in Nature Catalysis, showcases the AEM electrolyzer's potential to produce hydrogen in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. By replacing iridium with nickel double hydroxide compounds, the researchers have unlocked a pathway towards scalable and efficient hydrogen production. Prof. Peter Strasser from TU Berlin emphasizes the importance of the gamma phase in the new catalyst, which rivals the performance of iridium catalysts. The development of a novel coating method for the membrane electrode further enhances the scalability of the AEM electrolyzer. The successful testing of a laboratory-scale cell at IMTEK paves the way for industrial evaluation and potential commercialization of the technology. Overall, this research contributes significantly to the understanding of fundamental catalysis mechanisms and offers a promising solution for advancing the green hydrogen economy.