Asahi Kasei has announced the official approval of new facilities at its Kawasaki Works to manufacture electrolysis system components for both alkaline water electrolysis and chlor-alkali electrolysis. Alkaline water electrolysis systems in particular are expected to enjoy significant demand growth as production of clean H₂ becomes widespread. Through strategic allocation of resources for expansion, the company expects that H₂-related business will become a growing part of its Material sector over the coming years.

The new facilities will manufacture electrolysis cell frames and membranes to support two strategic business areas: alkaline water electrolysis systems used in the production of clean H₂, and ion-exchange membrane chlor-alkali electrolysis to produce chlorine and caustic soda. This investment strengthens vertical integration across key materials for H₂ and chlor-alkali markets, enhancing stable supply to meet future market growth.

Initiated on December 18th, 2024, the project has been selected for financial support under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s “GX Supply Chain Development Program.” The new facilities enable the company to increase production and deliver cutting-edge solutions to the H₂, chlorine, and caustic soda markets.

Under its medium-term management plan, Asahi Kasei has positioned its alkaline water electrolysis and chlor-alkali electrolysis business under the “Growth Potential” category, viewing it as a key driver of future growth. This is part of a broader initiative to refine the Material sector through investment in revenue drivers and advancing business portfolio transformation.

“These new facilities integrate our long-standing expertise in chlor-alkali electrolysis with our growing capabilities in alkaline water electrolysis, enabling us to respond robustly and flexibly to both the clean H₂ and basic chemical markets,” said Kenji Takeda, Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei for Ion-Exchange Membranes, Microza & Water Processing, and Green Solution Project Business Development. “We will continue to maximize efficiencies between these key businesses, striving to become a core player in the GX supply chain through stable supply, technological innovation and long-term strategic growth.”