Evonik opened Shanghai’s first regional AEM center to optimize DURAION® membranes and accelerate cost-effective green hydrogen commercialization globally.
Evonik has taken a significant step toward advancing next-generation green hydrogen technologies with the inauguration of its Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) application technology center at the company’s Innovation Factory in Shanghai, China. This newly established facility represents Evonik’s first dedicated AEM technology center in the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to accelerate the testing, optimization, and commercialization of its high-performance DURAION® anion exchange membranes for hydrogen production applications.
The primary objective of the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai is to evaluate the performance of DURAION® membranes under practical operating conditions and optimize their integration into commercial AEM electrolysis systems. These advanced membranes are already manufactured at industrial scale at Evonik’s production facility in Marl, Germany. By conducting real-world testing closer to customers and technology partners in China, Evonik aims to tailor its membrane solutions according to regional market requirements and speed up their adoption across the rapidly expanding hydrogen economy.
According to Jack Zhang, Vice President and General Manager of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line in the Asia-Pacific region, the new center strengthens the company’s ability to support the fast-growing hydrogen applications market in China and globally. The local presence allows Evonik to collaborate more closely with customers, equipment manufacturers, and industry partners, helping to overcome technical challenges, improve product performance, and accelerate the commercialization of AEM-based hydrogen solutions.
Beyond testing capabilities, the Shanghai facility will serve as a collaborative innovation platform that connects Evonik scientists, local researchers, and industrial partners across the complete AEM electrolysis value chain. The center will focus on solving technological barriers related to membrane durability, efficiency, system integration, and long-term operational reliability. This cooperative approach is expected to reduce development timelines and enhance the performance of future hydrogen production systems.
Dr. Ryan Liu, Director of Strategic Projects and Head of Research, Development & Innovation for Evonik Greater China, highlighted that the new facility will play a crucial role in the continuous advancement of DURAION® membrane technology. The ability to conduct demonstration-scale experiments and gather operational data under actual conditions will allow faster innovation cycles and provide deeper insights into the behavior of complete AEM electrolysis systems.
The AEM center is built upon Evonik’s extensive expertise in advanced polymer chemistry, membrane engineering, and electrochemical materials. The laboratories are equipped with advanced electrolyzer testing systems capable of evaluating membrane performance, efficiency, and durability at both single-cell and demonstration-scale levels. These capabilities support the complete validation process required before large-scale industrial deployment, thereby improving confidence among customers adopting AEM technology.
Anion Exchange Membrane electrolysis is emerging as an attractive method for producing green hydrogen by splitting water using renewable electricity. Compared with conventional electrolysis technologies, AEM systems offer greater operational flexibility and the potential for lower capital costs because they can utilize less expensive materials. This makes AEM technology a promising solution for reducing the cost of green hydrogen and supporting the decarbonization of industries such as chemicals, refining, steel manufacturing, and heavy transportation.
Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China, emphasized that the global energy transition is creating strong demand for climate-neutral hydrogen technologies. By establishing the AEM Center Shanghai, Evonik is enhancing its contribution to sustainable energy development and helping accelerate the adoption of efficient water electrolysis technologies in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic clean energy markets.
Overall, the new facility demonstrates Evonik’s strategic commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and strengthening the supply chain for next-generation electrolysis systems. The center is expected to contribute to faster technological improvements, lower hydrogen production costs, and broader industrial adoption of green hydrogen solutions worldwide.
Market impact: The establishment of Evonik’s AEM technology center is expected to have a long-term positive impact on the green hydrogen market by enhancing the efficiency, durability, and commercial viability of Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis technology. Improved membrane performance and optimized electrolyzer systems are likely to reduce the future production costs of green hydrogen, supporting greater adoption across key industries such as chemicals, refining, fertilizer production, and clean transportation. As green hydrogen becomes more competitive, demand for AEM membranes, electrolyzer components, advanced polymer materials, and renewable electricity is expected to increase due to the expansion of hydrogen production infrastructure.
Green hydrogen will be the most positively impacted product, as advancements in AEM technology can accelerate its commercialization and increase production capacity. The development will also support the growth of green ammonia and low-carbon chemicals, where green hydrogen serves as an essential feedstock. Conversely, the rising availability of cost-effective green hydrogen may create slight long-term bearish pressure on grey hydrogen produced from natural gas, potentially reducing reliance on fossil-based hydrogen production. Overall, the announcement is bullish for the green hydrogen value chain, membrane materials, and clean energy technologies, while presenting a gradual competitive challenge for conventional fossil fuel-based hydrogen markets.
