The Rising of Chinese Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Manufacturers
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) are essential components in two key clean energy technologies: fuel cells and water electrolysis systems. In fuel cells, PEM enable the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. In electrolysers, they separate hydrogen and oxygen atoms during water splitting, supporting green hydrogen production. Due to their efficiency, compactness, and low operating temperature, PEM-based systems are especially suited for fluctuated renewable power resources. As countries strive to find decarbonization solutions for heavy industry, transportation, and grid-scale power storage, the demands for PEM are growing quickly.
Global Market Landscape of PEM Products
The global PEM market is currently dominated by a few established players, primarily based in North America, Europe, and Japan. Key industry leaders include Gore (U.S.), known for its GORE-SELECT® membranes, 3M (U.S.), DuPont (U.S.) with its Nafion™ brand, Chemours (U.S.), Umicore (Belgium), and Johnson Matthey (UK). In Japan, Asahi Kasei and Tokuyama are prominent producers. These companies invest heavily in R&D to enhance membrane durability, ionic conductivity, and cost-efficiency. Currently, these companies above dominant over 90% of global PEM market.
Global PEM market is expected to grow steadily mainly driven by demands from fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), and green hydrogen production. The realisation of all the green hydrogen projects in the pipeline could lead to an installed electrolyser capacity of 230-520 GW by 2030, according to IEA. Although the majority of the projects is still at early stages of development and only around 20 GW have at least taken a final investment decision (FID), this figure could expand multiple folds with the cost reduction and efficiency improvement of electrolysis systems.
Challenging from Chinese PEM manufacturing companies
Like global market, China’s domestic PEM market has been long dominated by these established companies. However, another force is rising-Chinese companies are quickly building up innovation and manufacturing capabilities on PEM products. Although the initial target is to replace global players in China’s domestic market and localize fuel cell and PEM electrolyser supply chain, their ambitions may be far beyond this.
In this article:
1. China’s PEM market structure and trends;
2. At least 7 Chinese innovative companies are building PEM manufacturing facilities, names and plans;
3. The two most leading domestic companies and their flagship PEM products;