Japanese technology giant Asahi Kasei has partnered with De Nora, an Italian multinational known for its sustainable technologies and expertise in electrolyzer manufacturing.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop, evaluate, and market small-scale pressurized alkaline water electrolyzers, which are crucial in producing green hydrogen through water electrolysis.
Combining Expertise in Electrolysis
De Nora has a strong foundation in producing high-performance electrode catalysts for electrochemical processes. The company is a leader in developing and selling electrolyzers for various industrial applications, including chlor-alkali electrolysis. This collaboration aims to leverage both companies’ extensive experience in chlor-alkali electrolysis to advance water electrolysis technology, with a particular focus on developing small-scale solutions.
With the global demand for green hydrogen rising, driven by the need for clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels, the partnership comes at a critical moment. According to the Hydrogen Council, the global capacity for water electrolyzers is expected to reach 300 GW by 2030. This surge in demand has led numerous companies to explore the water electrolysis sector, with a growing emphasis on compact systems that can meet industrial needs at lower costs and with faster installation.
Targeting Smaller Hydrogen Systems
Asahi Kasei’s decision to partner with De Nora reflects the industry’s growing demand for smaller, more efficient hydrogen production systems. The companies focus on containerized electrolyzers ranging from 1 to 7.5 MW, which is ideal for industries requiring flexible hydrogen production solutions, including mobility. This move allows Asahi Kasei to expand its product portfolio, positioning itself to serve the diverse needs of hydrogen customers globally.
Decades of Electrolysis Expertise
Asahi Kasei’s expertise in electrolysis technology spans nearly five decades, primarily through its involvement in the construction and operation of chlor-alkali electrolyzers worldwide. This wealth of experience enables the company to provide technical support to customers who may lack in-depth knowledge of electrolysis. By partnering with De Nora, Asahi Kasei can enhance its ability to deliver cutting-edge, small-scale hydrogen solutions.
De Nora brings significant knowledge in electrode development and small-scale pressurized electrolyzers, complementing Asahi Kasei’s long-standing capabilities. Together, they aim to develop a comprehensive system that meets the needs of the emerging hydrogen market.
A Holistic Business Model
This collaboration is key to Asahi Kasei’s broader strategy of becoming a one-stop solution provider in the electrolysis field. The company is building an integrated business model that includes technological advancements in membranes, electrodes, electrolytic cells, and other critical components used in electrolysis. This model extends beyond technology to include the construction of supply chains, operational expertise for large-scale production, and long-term plant monitoring and maintenance systems to ensure reliability.
