Evonik opens pilot plant for high-performance AEM membrane

Pilot plant and production capacity

Evonik has begun commercial-scale production of its anion-conducting DURAION® membrane at a new pilot plant in Marl. The facility can supply membranes for electrolysis capacity of up to 2.5 GW per year, which Evonik says represents one quarter of Germany's total planned electrolysis capacity for 2030.

Membrane features and benefits for AEM electrolysis

The DURAION® membrane offers high ion conductivity, chemical and mechanical stability, reliable hydrogen/oxygen separation and is designed for operation at high current densities and pressures. No PFAS are added during its production. These properties are intended to support AEM electrolysis, which runs in an alkaline environment enabling precious-metal-free components and greater flexibility with variable renewable electricity.

Economic impact and commercial rollout

Techno-economic studies cited in the announcement estimate AEM electrolysis could cut investment costs by at least 25% and eliminate separate compression by producing hydrogen directly under pressure. Evonik emphasizes full backward integration from starting molecules to finished membrane rolls, a nearly 20 m coating line producing up to 1 m-wide membranes, optional fabric reinforcement for large systems, and that early AEM electrolyzer manufacturers are already trialing DURAION® in pilot and demonstration plants. The company has also opened an Evonik AEM Center in Shanghai to test Marl-produced membranes with local partners and support market adoption in China and beyond.