German specialty chemicals company Evonik has started commercial-scale production of its advanced DURAION® membrane, a key component designed to lower the cost of green hydrogen production through anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis.
The new pilot plant, located in Marl, Germany, has the capacity to produce membranes supporting up to 2.5 gigawatts of electrolysis annually—equivalent to around one-quarter of Germany’s planned electrolyzer capacity by 2030.
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using renewable electricity, is expected to play a critical role in decarbonizing industries such as steel, chemicals, and heavy manufacturing. However, high production costs remain a major barrier to widespread adoption.
Evonik says its DURAION® membrane can help address this challenge by enabling AEM electrolysis, an emerging technology that uses less expensive materials than conventional electrolyzers and could reduce capital costs by at least 25%.
The membrane combines high ion conductivity with strong chemical and mechanical stability, improving efficiency, durability, and operational safety. It also allows hydrogen to be produced directly under pressure, reducing the need for additional compression equipment and lowering overall system costs.
The company has successfully scaled production from laboratory development to continuous manufacturing. The new coating facility, nearly 20 meters long, can produce membranes up to one meter wide, making them suitable for large-scale industrial electrolyzers.
To support growing global demand, particularly in Asia, Evonik has also launched the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, its first hydrogen-focused application center in the region. The facility will test and optimize membrane performance in collaboration with customers and technology partners, helping accelerate the commercial deployment of AEM electrolysis.
With demand for green hydrogen expected to rise sharply over the coming decades, Evonik believes its membrane technology can play a significant role in making clean hydrogen production more efficient, affordable, and scalable.
