Horizon Fuel Cell Group is preparing to deploy the world's first 5MW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, marking a milestone in the push to reduce the cost of green hydrogen and accelerate the decarbonisation of heavy industry. The breakthrough system is scheduled to be operational by the end of year.

Installation at Steel Manufacturing Facility

The inaugural unit is installed at Rockcheck Steel Group Co. Ltd., a leading steelmaker in Tianjin, as part of an integrated renewable energy-to-hydrogen project. The initiative links a 17MW building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) array with two 5MW AEM electrolyzers capable of producing 1,000Nm³ of hydrogen per hour.

The green hydrogen will be injected into the plant's gas network for blast furnace operations, reducing coal use and lowering emissions in one of the most carbon-intensive industrial processes. This deployment will demonstrate that AEM electrolysis can outperform established alkaline systems on both energy efficiency and cost, according to Horizon.

Technical Performance and Cost Advantages

The company's AEM technology reduces power consumption by 10–20% compared with traditional alkaline electrolyzers and achieves efficiencies of up to 95%, while using low-cost, earth-abundant materials and avoiding the expense of platinum and iridium catalysts. When scaled, Horizon expects AEM systems to rival, or even undercut, alkaline equipment on capital costs, a factor that has historically favoured alkaline technology.

Horizon states that its modular AEM system is designed to produce green hydrogen for as little as USD 2 per kilogram while operating reliably with intermittent renewable power from solar or wind sources. “We're not just proving AEM at scale, we're redefining the economics of hydrogen production for entire industries,” a Horizon spokesperson said.

Industry Applications and Market Impact

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a key tool for decarbonising steel making, chemicals, fertilisers, shipping, and other hard-to-abate sectors. However, high production costs have slowed adoption. The company expects the Rockcheck project to serve as a blueprint for similar renewable-powered hydrogen hubs worldwide, enabling industries to reduce reliance on fossil-based hydrogen and cut carbon emissions on a large scale.

“This is the kind of bold, cost-disruptive innovation that heavy industry has been waiting for,” the Horizon spokesperson added. “With this system, we're removing the final excuses for not transitioning to green hydrogen.”

Future Applications and Partnerships

Beyond steel making, Horizon is collaborating with partners to validate AEM electrolysis for green ammonia production, a sector gaining interest as ammonia emerges both as a hydrogen carrier and as a potential low-carbon fuel for power generation and international shipping. Horizon and its electrolyser subsidiary, HET Hydrogen, say they remain committed to advancing AEM technology and expanding its applications across the hydrogen economy.

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