Recently, Evonik started construction of a pilot manufacturing plant which will be dedicated to anion exchange membranes (AEM). Evonik has suggested that this plant could have the potential to support an estimated 2.5GW of AEM electrolysers every year.

So far, the plan is for the German firm to manufacture its Duraion membranes at the facility and throughout this process, the firm will focus on reinforced membranes, in order to meet the quickly growing demand for advanced AEM technology.

When this plant is fully online, it has been arranged that Evonik’s Marl plant will work to provide membranes for 2.5GW worth of electrolysis capacity. Although as of yet, it has not been confirmed which electrolyser OEMs the plant will choose to supply.

In AEM electrolysers, the membrane that is used, is a high-tech polymer which is designed to perform multiple critical functions. The purpose of this, is that it makes it possible for anion transfer, whilst it is also able to block gases such as hydrogen. Performing this process means that efficiency is ensured and so is durability, even under high pressure and temperature.

It has been suggested that Evonik has now made a “low double-digit million-euro amount” investment in the plant based in Germany, specifically Marl. This plant is currently scheduled to go online by the end of 2025.

Head of the Membranes & Fibres product line at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line, Goetz Baumgarten, stated that, ‘the investment aligns with the “business goals of further pioneering membranes into a true enabler of the burgeoning green hydrogen economy.”’

Evonik mentioned that, ‘AEM technology offers lower investment costs by using less expensive materials like iridium, while delivering high current densities and efficiency.’

Head of the New Growth Area Hydrogen Economy at Creavis – Evonik’s strategic innovation unit and business incubator, Christian Däschlein, commented, “Across our many disciplines, we were able to combine polymer design and synthesis, engineering, membrane manufacturing as well as customer and market feedback.”