What is the difference between the traditional alkaline and AEM technology, and what are the advantages of AEM?

Traditional liquid alkaline electrolysers have been on the market for quite a while and are relatively cheap. However, they are comparatively slow at responding to a fluctuating power supply, so it is difficult and costly to pair them with renewable energy sources efficiently. Traditional liquid alkaline electrolysers operate with highly concentrated electrolyte solutions and at low pressure. They require additional purification and compression steps to produce high-quality gas at a higher output pressure. This is only cost-effective for centralised and monolithic multi-MW projects.

The AEM electrolyser builds on advantages from traditional alkaline electrolysers, but avoids its weaknesses:

AEM electrolysis works in a highly diluted alkaline environment and is therefore much safer to handle.

The AEM electrolyser can use similarly cost-efficient materials while making much purer hydrogen at higher efficiency.

The AEM electrolyser is fully scalable and is ideal for linking up with variable renewable energy sources.