Asahi Kasei and Power to Hydrogen sign MOU to commercialize AEM water electrolysis

Key highlights
  • The two firms signed an MOU to evaluate manufacturing scale‑up and commercialization of AEM water electrolysis systems.
  • AEM electrolysis is promoted for lower‑cost operation using non‑critical metals and for compatibility with variable renewable power.
  • The companies will combine P2H2’s AEM expertise with Asahi Kasei’s electrolysis manufacturing capabilities and assess deployment pathways within the next few years.
  • Asahi Kasei views hydrogen as a strategic growth area and is evaluating AEM to support market growth beyond 2030, building on chlor‑alkali electrolysis experience.

Partnership and purpose

Asahi Kasei and Power to Hydrogen (P2H2) have signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate manufacturing scale‑up and commercialization of anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis systems for clean hydrogen production. The companies are already engaged in joint development of AEM electrolysis technology.

Technology rationale

AEM water electrolysis is presented as a pathway to reduce hydrogen production costs and improve compatibility with variable renewable energy by using lower‑cost materials and non‑critical metals while providing operational flexibility for dynamic power inputs.

Commercialization pathway

Under the MOU the partners will explore how to combine P2H2’s AEM expertise with Asahi Kasei’s manufacturing and commercialization capabilities developed across its existing electrolysis businesses, and assess routes toward future manufacturing and commercial deployment within the next few years.

Strategic context

Asahi Kasei positions hydrogen as a driver of strategic growth, leveraging decades of electrolysis experience—including chlor‑alkali electrolysis and large‑scale demonstration projects—and is evaluating next‑generation AEM technology to support market growth beyond 2030.

Source: Asahi Kasei

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