Sustainability Language

Energy & Transition

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer

An emerging electrolyser technology that combines features of alkaline and PEM systems, aiming for low-cost, flexible green hydrogen production without precious-metal catalysts.

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Definition

An electrolyser that splits water using a solid anion exchange membrane, which conducts hydroxide ions between electrodes in an alkaline environment. By combining the low-cost, non-precious-metal catalysts of alkaline systems with the compact, membrane-based design of PEM systems, AEM technology aims to deliver cheaper and more flexible hydrogen production.

References

Overview

What it means

AEM is the least mature of the four main electrolyser types: the IEA rates alkaline and PEM at technology readiness level 9 (market uptake), while AEM rose from TRL 4 (small prototype) in 2021 to TRL 6 (large prototype) in 2022. Key bottlenecks are membrane durability and ionic conductivity, catalyst stability, and scaling beyond demonstration units; projects above 100 MW remain in development.

How it is used

Research focuses on non-precious-metal catalysts (nickel-iron based) and more stable membranes, with some laboratory systems showing industrial-grade durability (for example 12,000-hour operation in one reported test). IRENA has set techno-economic targets for AEM to become cost-competitive by mid-century.

Why it matters

If AEM matures, it could undercut both incumbent technologies on cost while handling variable renewable power — potentially lowering the cost of green hydrogen. Tracking its readiness level matters for realistic hydrogen deployment planning.

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